Root canals relieve pain from severe decay or infection, and repair your tooth so it functions normally. Dr. Christopher Banks provides root canals to residents in the area of Auburn Gresham in Chicago. Make an appointment at his practice, Banks Dental Group, for a thorough evaluation to see if a root canal is for you.
A root canal is appropriate for teeth that are infected to the pulp – a collection of nerves and blood vessels in the center of the tooth. The pulp isn’t essential to the tooth’s function; it offers sensory information, such as sensitivity to heat or cold.
When bacteria has reached the pulp, it can multiply quickly and turn into an extremely painful or abscessed tooth.
Extreme decay, large fillings, a crack or chip, face trauma, or multiple dental procedures on the same tooth exposes the tooth to bacteria that can infiltrate the pulp.
During a root canal, Dr. Banks thoroughly cleans out the infected pulp. He uses a rubber-like material called gutta-percha to fill the empty space where the pulp was. Once this portion of the procedure is done, he puts in a crown or filling to restore the full shape of the tooth so it can function properly.
A root canal removes infected tissue that’s infiltrated deep into your tooth and causes severe pain. Gone untreated, a tooth with infected pulp can cause swelling, puss-filled pockets at the root of the tooth (abscess), bone deterioration, and holes in the side of the tooth that cause pus to drain into the gums or through the cheek.
In addition to preserving your health and relieving pain, a root canal preserves your natural mouth shape and the feeling of your bite. This means you won’t experience changes in chewing or speaking. It also protects surrounding teeth from excessive strain or wear.
Dr. Banks provides you with a thorough examination to confirm whether you need a root canal, but it’s a good idea to schedule such a visit if you:
Root canals feel similar to a regular filling used to treat a cavity. You feel notably more pain before you have the tooth treated.
At Banks Dental Group, we accept all insurance plans except Medicaid and private insurances. Here is a short-list of just some of the most popular plans we accept. Please contact our office and ask for Annette if you do not see your insurance provider listed here.
Banks Dental Group has made arrangements to provide extended payment plans with low interest rates. Applications are available at our front desk or please call 844-884-SAVE (7283) and quick approval can be made.
