Dr. Ryan and Lakemoor Family Dental provide the best endodontic care near you — serving McHenry, Grayslake, Wauconda, Round Lake, Lakemoor, Hainesville, Elk Grove Village, Roselle, Schaumburg, Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights, Palatine, and Rolling Meadows, Illinois.
To Our Patients
We are 100% available to serve you — with PPE and N95 masks for your safety.
In today’s environment, many practitioners are often aggressive and hasty when it comes to extracting teeth and replacing them with implants. At Lakemoor Dental Root Canal and Implant Specialist, you’ll receive an objective assessment of your tooth’s restorability.
"I am always far more interested in saving your natural tooth than extracting it. However, in some cases, replacement with implants can be more predictable and advantageous in the long term.When I became an endodontist, I took an oath to save any tooth that could be saved. With the advanced procedures and technologies available in our office, you can rest assured that I will — and can — save teeth that other practitioners might deem non-restorable."
For an expert and objective viewpoint, let us provide our professional opinion.
We’ve also incorporated ozone disinfection and laser sterilization technologies into our everyday endodontic procedures. This makes our treatments more predictable than those performed in offices that do not use ozone sterilization.In fact, in root canal revisions or retreatments, there are often more resistant bacteria, yeast, and fungi that are not predictably removed with conventional techniques. This is where our ozone and laser technologies make us true clinical leaders in endodontic care.
Root Canals F.A.Q
The Root Canal Specialist
A “Root Canal Specialist” is a dentist with several years of additional training — an endodontist. Endodontists have a comprehensive understanding of the root canal system and all aspects of root canal therapy. Most patients are referred to an endodontist to revise or retreat infected or failed root canals. The root canal system is complex, intricate, and often misunderstood — which is why there’s a dedicated specialty, endodontics, focused entirely on treating it. Endodontists are also highly qualified to relieve patients of severe, chronic, or intolerable pain. They are trained to manage infections, swelling, abscesses, fractured teeth, and trauma to dental and facial structures. In addition, endodontists perform microsurgical procedures involving the jaw and surrounding tissues. Ultimately, they are masters of diagnosis and treatment of oral pain — and true advocates for saving natural teeth.
If You’ve Been Told You Need a Root Canal
You might feel a bit nervous — but don’t worry. Root canal treatment is a routine dental procedure designed to relieve pain and preserve your tooth. Here are some frequently asked questions:
What Is a Root Canal?
The term “root canal” refers to the tiny passageways that run from the pulp chamber (the central hollow space in your tooth) down to the ends of the roots. It’s also used to describe the treatment performed when this inner pulp tissue becomes inflamed or infected.
Why Do I Need Root Canal Treatment?
If the pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to decay or injury, the tissue must be removed to save the tooth and stop the infection from spreading. As adults, we no longer need the pulp — it mainly supports tooth development during childhood.
Is There an Alternative?
You could have the tooth extracted, but it’s almost always better to save it. Root canal treatment is routine and has a success rate over 90%. Preserving your tooth helps prevent future problems such as shifting teeth, bite misalignment, difficulty chewing, and bone loss.
Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?
Not at all. The procedure is typically no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. Root canals have an undeserved reputation — the pain is caused by the infection itself, not the treatment. In fact, a root canal relieves pain by removing the inflamed or infected tissue.
What Happens During the Procedure?
After numbing the area, a small opening is made in the crown of your tooth to access the pulp chamber. The infected tissue is removed, and the canals are thoroughly disinfected. Front teeth usually have one root and one canal, while back teeth have multiple roots and canals. The cleaned canals are then filled and sealed with a biocompatible material, and a temporary filling is placed to close the opening.
What Happens Afterward?
You may experience mild sensitivity for a few days, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Avoid chewing on that tooth until it receives its permanent restoration, which may be a filling or a dental crown for added strength.
How Can I Avoid Needing a Root Canal in the Future?
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Brush and floss daily
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Eat a healthy, low-sugar diet
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Avoid acidic beverages (like soda)
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Get regular dental cleanings and checkups
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Use a custom mouthguard if you play sports
Root Canal Locations:
If you need a root canal or are seeking a second opinion, contact Lakemoor Dental at one of our convenient locations in Lakemoor, Hainesville, Arlington Heights, McHenry, Round Lake beach, or Elk Grove Village, IL.
We’re here to help you save your natural teeth and restore your smile comfortably and safely.
📞 Call Lakemoor Dental (847-978-6441) today for an expert evaluation and compassionate care.