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Root Canals

Every tooth consists of three different layers. The outermost and hardest layer is enamel, and the second layer is dentin. The third is pulp, which is the cavernous space where the live tissue and nerve of each tooth is located.

If for any reason the pulp space is exposed to the outside, the tissue becomes contaminated and eventually infected. The exposure of pulp happens in many circumstances, such as when you have a large cavity or a fractured tooth. Your dentist can explain the exact reason for damage to this tissue. In these cases, the treatment is usually root canal treatment.

Root canal treatment is the process of going inside the pulp space and removing the infected, dead tissue. The space is then disinfected and sealed with special materials. Nowadays, root canal treatments are performed with advanced techniques and materials, making them far more comfortable and faster. After root canal treatment is complete, your restorative dentist will usually place a crown on your tooth to safeguard against fracture.

The image is a step-by-step illustration of the process to perform a dental implant surgery, showing various stages from opening the mouth and preparing the area to inserting the implant post and finalizing the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why have a root canal procedure?

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A root canal procedure is the best way to save a tooth that has been damaged by decay or injury and preserve your natural smile. The alternative is an extraction and treatment to replace the tooth. While at times a tooth is non-restorable and an extraction is the only option, when possible, it’s best to try and save your natural tooth. With proper care, a tooth with root canal therapy care can serve your smile well for many years to come.

Is a root canal procedure painful?

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Despite lingering myths from before the age of modern dental anesthesia and technology, having a root canal procedure today is as routine and comfortable as visiting the dentist for a filling. While the procedure is performed under local anesthesia with your tooth completely numbed, we can also discuss options in dental sedation.

Do I need to have a root canal procedure if I'm not in pain?

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Whether the symptoms of a dental infection subside after a course of antibiotics, a draining abscess provides you with some temporary pain relief, or a tooth with radiographic evidence of pathology has not yet developed symptoms, it’s essential, before an infection worsens or occurs, to have a root canal procedure performed. In this way, the tooth can be disinfected, filled, and sealed to protect your health and avoid further problems.

Do you offer emergency appointments?

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If you have sustained a dental injury, have a toothache, jaw pain, swelling, or are experiencing any other unusual and uncomfortable oral symptoms, contact our office immediately for care. Dental problems that have not been evaluated and treated can significantly worsen, producing more severe damage and consequences for the involved teeth, your oral health, and even your overall wellbeing. Once you get in touch with our office, our friendly and compassionate office team will get you in for care at your earliest convenience.

How long does a root canal procedure take?

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While some root canal procedures can be completed in one visit, others may involve 2 or 3 appointments. How long it takes depends on various factors, including active infection, the number of canals in the tooth, and the tooth’s location or anatomy.

How successful is root canal therapy?

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With a success rate that exceeds 95%, root canal therapy remains the most effective procedure to save a tooth in which the inner vital tissues have been damaged. However, as with all healthcare procedures, there are a small percentage of cases where the teeth become symptomatic a second time. The good news is that many of these teeth can still be saved with root canal retreatment or a minor surgical procedure known as an apicoectomy.

What's the best way to take care of my tooth root canal therapy?

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The best ways to maintain a tooth with root canal therapy are to get the proper restoration required to rebuild and protect the tooth, maintain proper oral hygiene, and schedule appointments for routine dental checkups and care.

How much does root canal therapy cost, and does dental insurance cover it?

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Saving a tooth with root canal therapy is a wise investment that, in the long run, is typically less costly and invasive than having the tooth extracted and replaced with a fixed bridge or implant. As far as the exact cost of care, it can vary depending on which tooth is being treated. Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for root canal therapy. At the office of Barrington Dental Wellness Center, we do our best to optimize your dental benefits and minimize your out-of-pocket expenses. Our staff answer all your questions about the cost of care and discuss all your payment options.

Why choose the office of Barrington Dental Wellness Center?

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At the office of Barrington Dental Wellness Center, we use the latest technology and most effective methods of care to provide precise and gentle care. Our reputation for excellence is based upon a consistent record of achieving successful treatment outcomes while providing prompt, stress-free, and convenient treatment for every type of dental need.

Areas Served

  • Barrington, IL
  • Lake Zurich, IL
  • Palatine, IL
  • Cary, IL
  • Carpentersville, IL
  • Wauconda, IL
  • Rolling Meadows, IL
  • Algonquin, IL
  • Hoffman Estates, IL
  • Schaumburg, IL
  • Buffalo Grove, IL
  • Streamwood, IL
  • Arlington Heights, IL
  • Vernon Hills, IL
  • Lake in the Hills, IL
  • Mundelein, IL
  • Deer Park, IL
  • Inverness, IL
  • Barrington Hills, IL
  • Lake Barrington, IL

Office Hours

Monday
10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Tuesday
12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
(Every Other Sat.)
Sunday
Closed