Smiling senior female patient relaxing in dental chair after root canal therapy

Root Canals Have Changed and So Has the Experience

Few words in dentistry carry more unnecessary fear than "root canal." The reputation is outdated and at our Woodridge office, we're changing it one patient at a time. Modern root canal therapy, performed with today's advanced techniques and anesthesia, is a routine, comfortable procedure that most patients find far easier than they anticipated.

More importantly, root canal therapy is one of the most valuable procedures in dentistry because it saves a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted. And nothing in restorative dentistry fully replicates the strength, function, and feel of your own natural tooth. Preserving it is always the goal.

At Seven Bridges Dental Studio, Dr. Fariha Querishi provides full root canal treatment using minimally invasive techniques and CBCT 3D imaging for precise diagnosis and planning, giving your tooth the best possible chance of long-term survival with as little discomfort as possible.

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What is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is a procedure used to remove infected or damaged tissue from inside a tooth, clean and disinfect the root canals, and seal the tooth to prevent future infection. Despite its reputation, a root canal relieves pain by eliminating the source of infection while preserving your natural tooth.

Inside each tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria reach the pulp through decay, cracks, or trauma, infection can develop. During root canal treatment, the infected tissue is removed, the canals are cleaned and sealed, and the tooth is typically restored with a crown for long-term strength and function. Advanced CBCT 3D imaging helps Dr. Querishi diagnose and plan treatment with exceptional precision.

Why do I Need a Root Canal?

There are a variety of reasons why your tooth may require a root canal. The heart of the problem lies in the nerve of your tooth. If you've had a severe injury or infection that has caused the nerve to die or become infected, you'll need to take action to prevent tooth loss.

Even if a tooth isn't hurting or visibly abscessed, our dental team can spot a few warning signs. Sometimes, old fillings can leak or decay before you notice them. While fillings and crowns treat the outside of the tooth, endodontic treatment works from the inside out to treat the entire tooth structure.

Endodontic treatment is one of the few options for saving a tooth with a damaged nerve or a severe fracture. In years gone by, it might have been extracted, but thanks to our in-house endodontic therapy treatments, Dr. Querishi can now help you preserve your teeth for as long as possible.

What to Expect During Your Root Canal Therapy Treatment

1

Diagnosis & 3D Imaging

Dr. Querishi begins with a thorough clinical examination and CBCT 3D imaging to assess the tooth's root anatomy, the extent of infection, and the surrounding bone. This precise imaging allows for accurate treatment planning and ensures no canals are missed, a critical factor in long-term treatment success.

2

Anesthesia & Comfort

Local anesthesia is administered to ensure the tooth and surrounding area are completely numb before treatment begins. A topical anesthetic is applied first to minimize any discomfort from the injection itself. Sedation options are available for patients with dental anxiety, Dr. Querishi will discuss these with you before your appointment. Most patients are genuinely surprised by how comfortable the procedure is.

3

Accessing the Pulp Chamber

A small opening is made in the top of the tooth to access the inner pulp chamber. This is performed with precision to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible while providing the access needed to thoroughly treat each canal.

4

Cleaning & Shaping the Canals

The infected pulp tissue is carefully removed from the pulp chamber and each root canal. The canals are then precisely shaped and cleaned using specialized instruments and irrigating solutions to remove all bacteria, debris, and infected tissue, disinfecting the entire inner canal system thoroughly.

5

Sealing the Tooth

Once the canals are fully cleaned and shaped, they are filled with a biocompatible rubber-like material called gutta-percha, sealing the canals from root tip to crown to prevent any future bacterial reinfection. The opening in the tooth is then sealed with a temporary or permanent filling.

6

Crown Placement

In most cases, particularly for back teeth, a crown is placed over the treated tooth to restore its full strength and protect it from fracture. Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment lose moisture and become more brittle over time, making crown protection essential for long-term survival. Dr. Querishi will discuss the crown recommendation and timing with you at your appointment.

Why Saving Your Natural Tooth is Always Worth It

When root canal therapy is recommended, some patients wonder whether extraction and replacement might be a simpler path. While tooth replacement options like dental implants are excellent and we offer them atSeven Bridges Dental Studio, preserving your natural tooth is always the preferred outcome when it is achievable.

Your natural tooth has advantages that no restoration can fully replicate. It provides optimal chewing efficiency, maintains the natural spacing and alignment of surrounding teeth, stimulates the jawbone to prevent bone loss, and requires no surgical healing period. A tooth saved with root canal therapy and protected with a crown can remain healthy and functional for decades often for the rest of your life.

The goal at Seven Bridges Dental Studio is always to preserve what nature gave you for as long as possible and root canal therapy is one of the most powerful tools we have to do exactly that.

Tooth Pain Doesn't Get Better on Its Own

If you're experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling, or any of the warning signs, don't wait. The sooner an infected tooth is evaluated and treated, the simpler the treatment and the better the outcome. Dr. Querishi and the Seven Bridges team are welcoming new patients and accommodating same-day emergency appointments whenever possible.

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Serving patients in Woodridge, Darien, Lisle, Bolingbrook & surrounding communities

Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Therapy

With modern local anesthesia, root canal therapy should be virtually painless. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the procedure actually is — many compare it to getting a routine filling. The goal of root canal therapy is to relieve pain, not cause it. If at any point during the procedure you feel discomfort, let Dr. Querishi know immediately and she'll ensure you're completely numb before continuing. Mild soreness in the days following treatment is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.

In most cases — particularly for back teeth — yes. Root canal treatment removes the nerve and blood supply from inside the tooth, leaving it more brittle and susceptible to fracture under normal chewing forces. A crown placed after root canal therapy provides the full coverage protection needed to keep the tooth intact and functional for the long term. Front teeth that have undergone root canal treatment may not always require a crown — Dr. Querishi will evaluate each case individually and explain her recommendation clearly.

Left untreated, a tooth with an infected pulp will not heal on its own. The infection will continue to progress — spreading to the surrounding bone and tissue, potentially causing a painful dental abscess, and ultimately leading to tooth loss. In severe cases, untreated dental infections can spread beyond the mouth and become a serious medical concern. Root canal therapy — or extraction — is the only way to resolve a pulp infection.

While root canal therapy has a very high success rate, reinfection is possible in rare cases — typically due to a missed canal, a crack that allows bacteria to re-enter, or a crown or filling that fails over time and allows leakage. If a previously treated tooth becomes symptomatic, Dr. Querishi will evaluate it carefully. In some cases retreatment is possible; in others, extraction may be the most appropriate solution.

In most cases, yes — when the tooth is restorable. Your natural tooth provides chewing efficiency, bone stimulation, and spatial stability that no artificial replacement can fully replicate. Tooth replacement options like implants are excellent — but they involve surgery, a healing period, and a greater investment. Saving your natural tooth with root canal therapy and a crown is almost always the preferred outcome when it remains clinically viable. Dr. Querishi will always be honest with you about when a tooth is worth saving and when extraction is the more practical path.

Root Canal Therapy in Woodridge, IL