Expert Root Canal Services by Mediprodental, Wheeling IL

Root canal therapy (or RCT, as dentists call it) is a treatment that helps save a tooth when it's badly infected inside. The infection usually starts in the pulp—the soft part in the tooth's center that holds nerves and blood vessels. When it gets damaged or infected, pain can kick in.

To fix it, the dentist gently drills a tiny hole to reach the infection. Sometimes, antibiotics are enough. Other times, the infected pulp needs to come out completely. After that, the dentist cleans the inside of the tooth, fills it, and seals it tightly to keep germs out.

If you leave an infected tooth alone, it won't heal on its own. It could get worse, much worse, and spread to your gums, face, or jaw. But when you treat it early, you avoid the pain and keep your natural tooth. And that's always the goal. At Mediprodental, we make the process simple and way less scary than it sounds.

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Signs You Might Need a Root Canal

Sometimes, your tooth tries to tell you something's wrong, and it won't stop until you listen. These are the signs your tooth might be crying out for a root canal:

• A constant toothache that just won't quit
• Sharp pain when you chew or bite down
• Sensitivity to hot or cold that sticks around
• A swollen area on your gum or cheek
• A tooth that turns gray or darker than the others
• A little bump on your gums that leaks pus

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How a Root Canal Works From Start to Finish

It's a pretty straightforward process, and most people say it's no worse than getting a regular filling. First, your dentist will take a look and maybe snap an X-ray to see the problem up close. Then, they'll numb your mouth before making a tiny opening in your tooth. From there, they clean out the infected pulp. If needed, they remove it, disinfect everything, and fill the space with a soft, safe material that keeps bacteria out. The last step is sealing and topping the tooth with a filling or crown.

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Pulpectomy and Apicoectomy: What's the Difference?

Not all root canals are the same. Sometimes, the infection is small and straightforward to treat. Other times, it goes a little deeper and needs a bit more work. That's where pulpectomies and apicoectomies come in. A pulpectomy is used when only part of the tooth is infected. Here's what usually happens:

• On the first visit, we open the tooth and use antibiotics to fight the infection.
• On the second visit, we remove the infected pulp, clean the space, and seal it tight.

An apicoectomy is more advanced. Suppose the infection has spread beyond the root tip. In that case, we'll go in from the side of the gum, remove the infected root tip and nearby tissue, and seal everything back up with a safe, rubbery material.

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Why Avoiding a Root Canal Can Be a Big Mistake

Skipping or delaying a root canal can lead to more than a painful tooth. Without treatment, the infection can spread beyond the tooth, creating serious health problems.

Here's what can happen if you let an infected tooth sit too long:

• The infection might spread to your gums, cheeks, or even your jaw
• You could lose bone around the tooth
• A painful abscess (like a pocket of pus) might show up
• The infection might drain into other parts of your face
• In the end, you could lose the tooth completely

And once it spreads, treatment gets harder—and more expensive. That's why acting early really matters.

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Meet The Doctor

Dr. Yoosuk Ko D.D.S.

Dr. Yoosuk Ko is a general dentist who graduated from NYU College of Dentistry in 2017. Since then, he has been providing excellent dental care to people in many cities across Illinois. Dr. Ko welcomes patients of all ages and provides many dental services, such as wisdom teeth removal, root canals, dentures, crowns, fillings, deep cleanings, teeth whitening, regular check-ups, and more.

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Financial Options

Dental insurance can be tricky to understand, but we're here to simplify it. At Mediprodental, we guide you through your plan, explain your coverage, and handle all the paperwork so you don't have to stress. We accept all PPO plans, as well as Medicaid and Medicare. Whether you need a routine check-up or a more involved treatment, we'll help you maximize your benefits.