State of the Art Dental Care
Root Canal Therapy (Endodontics)
Root canals don't hurt!
Your teeth contain several layers: the outer protective enamel, a secondary layer of sensitive dentin, and an inner pulp that contains components commonly referred to as the "nerve" of the tooth. Inflamation or infection of this pulp is called pulpitis. Each pulp chamber branches off, forming canals that lead toward the tooth root tip. These infamous root canals provide a means for the tooth to absorb what it needs from the blood and get rid of toxins or other unnecessary materials via the blood stream. A deep cavity, traumatic injury, or tooth fracture can make the canal susceptible to bacterial infection, which can kill the pulp, stimulate increased blood flow, and create pressure within the tooth.
See Animation of Root Canal Treatment
click here to see diagram of an abscessed tooth
This can cause severe tooth pain and may initiate bone degeneration, tooth loss, and even more acute pain. If you see a dentist in the earliest stages of this condition, the tooth may be saved with a root canal. Otherwise, it should be extracted and replaced with a prosthetic.
Click to see the Steps in a root canal
Easy Does It
Will root canal therapy hurt? Not with today's advanced analgesics and technology. In fact, the entire process can be so comfortable that many patients doze off. Oftentimes, root canal therapy can be completed in a single appointment. We simply clean out the diseased canal, fill it with a biologically-inert substance, seal it from further infection, and you're on your way. While some patients experience post-procedural soreness or slight tissue inflammation, these are controllable with over-the-counter analgesics. Follow-up care involves thorough home hygiene and regular dental visits for cleanings and check ups.
How can I get started?
Make an appointment call now
(815) 459-2202
Crystal Lake Dental Associates
280 B Memorial Court, crystal Lake Illinois 60014
OR
Dr. Neal provides root canal treatment for patients in Crystal Lake, Woodstock, Lake in the Hills, Algonquin, Cary, Huntley, and all of McHenry County