• Root Canals Don’t Have to Be Scary: Saving Your Tooth with Confidence

    When most people hear the words “Root Canal Therapy,” they instantly cringe. However, modern root canal treatment is far less painful than its reputation suggests—and it’s the most effective procedure we have for saving a severely infected tooth!

    At Dental Heights, our commitment to General Dentistry includes providing expert Root Canal Therapy in a calm, supportive environment. We focus on making the procedure comfortable and ensuring you understand every step.

    Why Do I Need a Root Canal?

    A root canal is necessary when the pulp (the soft tissue inside your tooth containing nerves and blood vessels) becomes infected or inflamed. This usually happens due to:

    • Deep decay or cavities that reach the pulp.
    • A chip or crack in the tooth.
    • Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth.

    The infection is what causes the severe pain. The root canal procedure removes the source of the pain and saves the tooth from needing to be extracted.

    The Root Canal Process: Comfortable and Straightforward

    Forget the myths—this procedure is very similar to getting a filling, but it takes a little longer.

    1. Numbing: We begin by thoroughly numbing the area. You should feel no pain during the procedure.
    2. Cleaning: The dentist creates a small opening in the crown of the tooth and removes the infected pulp, nerves, and bacteria.
    3. Sealing: The inner chamber is cleaned, disinfected, shaped, and filled with a biocompatible material.
    4. Restoration: In most cases, the tooth will be protected with a Dental Crown to restore its shape, strength, and function, allowing you to chew and smile normally for years to come.

    The Benefits of Saving Your Natural Tooth

    Choosing a root canal over an extraction has significant long-term benefits:

    • Natural Function: You retain your natural ability to chew and speak.
    • No Shifting: It prevents surrounding teeth from shifting into the gap.
    • Less Expensive: It is often a more Affordable Dental Care solution than replacing a tooth with a bridge or implant (though we offer those too!).

    At Dental Heights, we are dedicated to listening and collaborating with each patient to meet individual needs, especially when addressing a concern like a root canal. If you have severe tooth pain, don’t ignore it. It’s better to get checked and save your tooth!

    If you are experiencing tooth pain, schedule your consultation today! Visit https://www.dentalheights.com/ or call (224) 698-1472.

    Illustration of a dental procedure showing a root canal treatment with a rotary file cleaning the inside of a tooth. Illustration of a dental procedure showing placement of an inlay or onlay filling into a prepared molar cavity.

  • What Counts as a Dental Emergency? Your Quick Guide from Dental Heights

    In the middle of the night or during a busy family weekend, a sudden dental problem can cause panic. As the Family Health Guardian, knowing when a dental issue is truly an emergency and who to call can save you stress, pain, and potentially, a tooth.

    At Dental Heights, we offer dedicated Emergency Services and pride ourselves on providing exceptional service, responsiveness, and care from the first call. We’re here when you need us most.

    Here is your quick guide to identifying a true dental emergency and what to do next:

    When to Call Us IMMEDIATELY (True Emergencies):

    These situations require immediate professional care to save a tooth, stop bleeding, or prevent a worsening infection:

    1. A Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth): This is the most urgent emergency.

    Action: Find the tooth. Gently rinse it (do not scrub). Try to put it back in the socket. If that fails, place it in a cup of milk or saliva. Call us immediately—time is critical for saving the tooth.

    1. Severe, Uncontrolled Pain or Swelling: A sudden, throbbing toothache, especially when accompanied by facial swelling, can indicate an infection (abscess) that needs prompt attention to prevent it from spreading.
    2. Trauma (Cracked, Chipped, or Broken Tooth): If a tooth fracture is severe, exposes the pulp, or causes significant pain, it is an emergency.

    Action: Rinse your mouth with warm water. Apply a cold compress to your face to reduce swelling. Gather any broken pieces.

    1. A Lost Filling or Crown Causing Pain: If you lose a filling or crown and the exposed area is highly sensitive, we need to see you quickly to prevent further decay or damage.
    2. Uncontrolled Bleeding: If you have had an extraction or injury and the bleeding won’t stop after 15-20 minutes of steady pressure, call us.

    When You Should Schedule a Quick Appointment (Urgent, but Non-Emergency):

    These issues are urgent and require prompt attention, but not necessarily a trip in the middle of the night:

    • A dull, minor toothache that comes and goes.
    • Food lodged firmly between your teeth (try flossing first).
    • A loose or lost filling/crown that is not causing pain.
    • A broken or bent orthodontic wire that isn’t poking or causing injury.

    Why Choose Dental Heights for Your Emergency?

    As a family-owned practice with Over 30 Years of Experience, we understand that dental emergencies are stressful. Our goal is to quickly relieve your pain and address the underlying issue, providing comprehensive treatment from Dental Extractions to Crowns, Bridges & Dentures if necessary. We are your reliable source for quick, compassionate care right here in Glendale Heights.

    If you suspect a dental emergency, don’t wait. Call us immediately! Call (224) 698-1472 or visit https://www.dentalheights.com/.