Root Canal Treatment in Shorewood, IL

Treat Infection, Relieve Discomfort & Preserve Your Natural Tooth.

When the inside of a tooth becomes infected or severely damaged, root canal treatment may allow the tooth to be preserved rather than removed. The procedure removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside the tooth, cleans and seals the area, and helps restore the tooth so it can continue functioning.

At Shorewood Family Dental Care, we provide root canal treatment in Shorewood, IL for patients experiencing tooth pain, infection and other problems involving the dental pulp. Local anesthesia is used to keep you comfortable during treatment, and dental sedation options are also available for patients who experience dental anxiety.

If you’re experiencing persistent tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling or other concerning symptoms, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Our team can evaluate the tooth and determine whether root canal treatment or another form of care is appropriate.

We welcome patients from Shorewood, Joliet, Plainfield, Minooka, Channahon and surrounding communities.

Why Might I Need a Root Canal?

Inside each tooth is soft tissue called dental pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. If the pulp becomes inflamed or infected because of deep decay, cracks, trauma or other damage, it may not be able to heal on its own.

Root canal treatment removes the affected tissue from inside the tooth and allows the remaining tooth structure to be cleaned, sealed and restored.

Symptoms that may indicate a problem inside the tooth can include:

• Persistent or severe tooth pain.
• Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers.
• Pain when biting or chewing.
• Swelling or tenderness around a tooth.
• A pimple-like bump on the gums.
• A tooth that has become cracked, damaged or discolored.

Not every toothache requires a root canal, which is why a dental examination is necessary to determine the cause of your symptoms.

Don’t Ignore Severe Tooth Pain or Swelling

Dental pain can sometimes be a sign of an infection or damage that requires prompt treatment. Delaying care may allow the problem to worsen and could reduce the options available for preserving the tooth.

If you’re experiencing significant tooth pain, swelling or another urgent dental problem, contact our office as soon as possible. We provide same-day emergency dental care when available and can help determine the appropriate next step.

What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment begins by numbing the affected tooth and surrounding area with local anesthesia. For patients who experience dental anxiety, additional sedation options may also be available.

Your dentist creates a small opening in the tooth to access the infected or inflamed pulp inside. The affected tissue is carefully removed, and the canals within the tooth are cleaned, shaped and disinfected.

The cleaned canals are then filled and sealed to help protect the inside of the tooth. Depending on the condition and location of the tooth, a dental crown or another restoration may be recommended afterward to protect the remaining tooth structure and restore normal function.

We’ll explain each stage of your treatment and what you can expect during recovery based on your individual situation.

Are Root Canals Painful?

Root canal treatment has a reputation for being painful, but the procedure is performed using local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues. For many patients, the discomfort that brings them to the dentist is caused by inflammation or infection inside the tooth rather than the treatment itself.

Some tenderness or sensitivity can occur after treatment as the surrounding tissues recover. Your dental team will provide instructions for managing your recovery and let you know when to contact the office if you experience unexpected or worsening symptoms.

If dental anxiety is preventing you from seeking treatment, let us know. We offer sedation options and can discuss ways to help make your visit more comfortable.

Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction

When possible and appropriate, preserving a natural tooth can avoid the need to replace it after extraction. Root canal treatment is one way a severely damaged or infected tooth may sometimes be saved.

However, not every tooth can or should be preserved. If a tooth is too severely damaged or has a poor prognosis, extraction may be recommended instead.

Your dentist will evaluate the condition of the tooth and discuss whether root canal treatment, extraction or another treatment option is appropriate. If extraction is necessary, we can also discuss options for replacing the missing tooth.

Will I Need a Crown After a Root Canal?

A dental crown is commonly recommended after root canal treatment when the tooth needs additional protection and support. This is particularly common for back teeth that withstand significant pressure during chewing.

Whether you need a crown depends on factors such as the location of the tooth, how much healthy tooth structure remains and the condition of the tooth after treatment.

Your dentist will explain what type of restoration is recommended for protecting the treated tooth.

Root Canal Treatment in Shorewood, IL

If persistent tooth pain or infection is interfering with your day, don’t put off having the problem evaluated. Prompt treatment may help relieve discomfort and, when possible, preserve your natural tooth.

Shorewood Family Dental Care provides root canal treatment for patients throughout Shorewood, Joliet and surrounding communities.

Call us at 815-725-5991 or request an appointment online to schedule an evaluation. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, contact our office as soon as possible so our team can help determine the appropriate next step.