21
Apr
A dentist in Dolton, IL, explains why you shouldn’t be scared of root canals
If you have been told by a dentist in Dolton, IL, that you would benefit from root canal therapy, you don’t need to be scared. Dr. Dean Dietrich of Pleasant Dental® understands that many patients fear root canal or other procedures that may sound scary or invasive. Our dentist explains why you should not be scared of undergoing treatments such as root canal therapy to achieve your oral health goals.
What is a root canal?
Root canal treatment, or “endodontic treatment,” is a treatment used to save a tooth from extraction. This therapy may be needed if you have experienced:
- Trauma/injury to a tooth
- An infection inside of a tooth
- An abscess
- Damage to the tooth
- A large cavity that has reached deep into the dental pulp
During root canal treatment, you would be anesthetized with a simple local anesthetic. Once we have achieved complete numbing of the tooth, our dentist will proceed to gently and comfortably, even boringly, remove the infected tissues within the tooth. The canals are then thoroughly cleansed. Finally, each canal is sealed to prevent continued infections and problems.
What alternative treatments are available instead of endodontic therapy?
Unfortunately, in situations where root canal therapy is recommended, there is often not another treatment available to assist. If you choose not to have root canal treatment performed, you will need to schedule for the tooth to be extracted. Root canal therapy is usually the last option to keep an infected tooth.
Do you fear root canals or other dental procedures?
You are not alone. Dental anxiety is common, and we can help. Call Pleasant Dental® today to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Dean Dietrich and his team to decide if you need root canal therapy or other procedures to improve your smile’s health and wellness. The office is located at 609 East Sibley Boulevard (147th) and can be reached by phone at (708) 576-1900.
Dean Dietrich, DDM
Dr. Dean Dietrich has been practicing dentistry since 1986, when he received his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Southern Illinois University's School of Dental Medicine. He had completed his undergraduate studies in business marketing and management at Michigan State University from 1978 to 1982.He opened Pleasant Dental in 2003 to provide excellent dental care and value for his patients. He is especially skilled and experienced with root canals, implants, and handling dental anxiety.
Dr. Dietrich is a member of the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, Chicago Dental Society, and the Indian Dental Association. He is licensed in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan and has orthodontic certification from the Academy of GP Orthodontics. Multiple agencies have recognized him annually as one of America’s Top Dentists.
