We set the record straight about root canal treatment to preserve your teeth
Root canal treatment has an undeserved reputation for being painful. In reality, root canal therapy promptly resolves toothaches and the pain of advanced oral infections. It is also the only way to preserve a deeply decayed tooth. As our dentists at Smile Today Dental, Drs Evelyn Kidonakis, and Jinyoung Yoo, will tell you, root canal procedures are also a little more extensive than a “deep cleaning” for the inside of your tooth or a simple filling. Yet, complaints about treatments like fillings are not as widespread or severe as misperceptions about root canal therapy.
Glenview, Illinois dentists, share toothy truths
We characterize root canal therapy as a “deep cleaning” for your tooth because the idea is to remove diseased tissue at the tooth’s centre. Once the tissue has been removed, the treatment site is sterilized, and the root canals that help hold the tooth in place are shaped. Reshaping the canals is necessary to “prepare” the tooth to apply the filling material, gutta-percha. After the affected canals are filled, the tooth is sealed off. That helps to protect the treated tooth and aids in uneventful and speedy healing. The “finishing touch” is the dental crown; the crown restores and protects the damaged tooth, preventing reinfection. Crowns also provide the structure that is necessary to retain the lasting strength and health of the tooth.
The process of “cleaning” the tooth with root canal therapy is often significant stress (and pain!) reliever for our patients. To gain access to the innermost portion of the tooth, one of our dentists precisely opens the tooth. That helps to relieve painful pressure immediately. Root canal treatment resolves and relieves pain associated with symptoms of severe oral conditions; it does not cause pain.
Patients don’t feel any sensations from dental instruments used to access, clean, shape, fill, and seal the canals throughout the process. We use precision anaesthetic techniques to numb the tooth. We can also discuss additional options to help you relax during treatment, especially if apprehensive or nervous about an upcoming appointment.
Generally, root canal therapy represents a conservative, non-traumatic, cost-effective, fast, and natural alternative to dental extraction and tooth replacement. As exceptional as modern tooth replacement has become, no artificial tooth is superior in form and function to a natural, healthy tooth. So, we want to keep your teeth whenever possible! Additionally, extractions followed by tooth replacement broadly mean more time-consuming and costly procedures.
Do not delay scheduling an appointment at our office. Call Smile Today Dental at 847-440-3331. We want to get you on a healthy routine of regular exams and professional cleanings. That way, you never have to experience the pain associated with decay and other forms of damage to your teeth!
Root Canals FAQs
What is a root canal, and why would I need one?
A root canal is described by Drs. Evelyn Kidonakis and Jinyoung “Anny” Yoo, as a routine dental procedure that removes both infected or damaged tissue inside the dental pulp of your tooth. This tissue contains the nerves and blood vessels, and when it becomes inflamed or infected, you may experience severe pain, sensitivity, or swelling. Root canal therapy not only relieves these symptoms but also saves your natural tooth from being permanently extracted.
Does getting a root canal hurt?
One of the biggest misconceptions about the root canal treatment is that it is extremely painful. However, the procedure is actually designed to relieve your pain. At Smile Today Dental, Drs. Evelyn Kidonakis and Jinyoung “Anny” Yoo utilize modern techniques and local anesthetics to ensure your comfort throughout the entire process.
How much does a root canal treatment usually cost?
The cost of the root canal procedure varies depending on the tooth in question (for example, front teeth often cost less than molars) and the complexity of the procedure. At Smile Today Dental, we believe in transparent pricing and providing a detailed estimate after assessing your personal needs. We also work with most insurance plans and help you maximize your benefits.
Does my dental insurance cover root canal therapy?
Most of our dental insurance plans cover at least part of the root canal therapy procedure, although the level of coverage varies from plan to plan. Our office team at Smile Today Dental in Glenview, Illinois, is happy to help you verify your insurance benefits and explain any potential costs, so you can plan accordingly.
What are the benefits of a root canal compared to other treatments?
The primary advantage of a root canal is that it allows you to keep your natural tooth. This preserves your jawbone structure, eliminates the need for future more invasive procedures, such as dental implants or dental bridges, and maintains your ability to chew comfortably. Saving a natural tooth is always the best option for our patients’ oral health.
How can I find a reliable dentist for root canal therapy near me?
If you are in Glenview, Illinois, or the surrounding areas, Drs. Evelyn Kidonakis and Jinyoung “Anny” Yoo at Smile Today Dental come highly recommended. Their warm and patient-focused approach makes them a top choice for root canals and other dental treatments. You can schedule an upcoming consultation appointment to discuss your concerns and learn more about your options for repairing your smile.
What should I expect after a root canal procedure?
After your root canal has been performed, your tooth might feel slightly sensitive for a day or two, but this is usually managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Drs. Evelyn Kidonakis and Jinyoung “Anny” Yoo offer aftercare instructions and encourage patients to schedule follow-up visits to ensure optimal healing. Many of our patients are back to their normal routines within a day or two.
How long does the root canal treatment usually take to complete?
The length of the root canal procedure depends on several factors, including the severity of the infection and the complexity of your tooth’s anatomy. Most root canals are completed in one to two visits, with each appointment lasting approximately one to two hours. The team at Smile Today Dental prioritizes efficiency without compromising quality.
Why should I choose Smile Today Dental in Glenview for my root canal?
Drs. Evelyn Kidonakis and Jinyoung “Anny” Yoo are highly skilled in performing root canal therapy and have years of experience in helping their patients achieve both healthy and pain-free smiles. Their Glenview, Illinois, office is equipped with the latest technology, and their friendly team ensures every visit is a positive and comfortable experience.
What if I am nervous about the procedure?
It is completely normal to feel a little nervous before a dental procedure. At Smile Today Dental, we take extra steps to ensure you feel at ease. From offering a welcoming and relaxing environment to explaining each step of the process in detail, Drs. Evelyn Kidonakis and Jinyoung “Anny” Yoo prioritize patient comfort above all else.
Dr. Evelyn Kidonakis has been treating patients for over 30 years. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois Chicago College and its School of Dentistry and the Levin, Crabtree, and Practice Growth Institute Programs. She is educated and has hands-on training in areas such as direct cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers and Lumineers, Invisalign orthodontics, occlusion, and facially-generated treatment planning. Dr. Kidonakis is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), and American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Dr. Jinyoung “Anny” Yoo has studied at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, and New York University Langone Dental Medicine in San Diego, CA. She has received hands-on training in Botulinum toxin and training in Invisalign orthodontics. Dr. Yoo holds membership in the ADA, Chicago Dental Society, and Illinois State Dental Society and a Fellowship in the AGD.
