16
May
End Pain and Rescue Your Tooth with Root Canal Therapy
Do you have a painful or infected tooth? Don’t stress out! You don’t need a tooth extraction. Instead, Park Avenue Dental Care can relieve pain and save your tooth with root canal treatment. Expertly administered by Drs. James Kreuz, Gregory Duffner, and Alexander J. Dolinar, root canals in Homewood, Illinois, have over 95% success rate. And unlike popular misconceptions, modern root canals are safe and painless.
How do I know I need a root canal?
Root canal therapy is one of the most common restorative treatments, with over 15 million administered annually. Although pretty common, we only recommend root canals when there is no other viable option to save your tooth. Alongside a careful examination with X-rays, your Homewood root canal dentist will assess your symptoms, which include:Â
- Relentless toothaches.
- Persistent tooth sensitivity after ingesting hot and cold substances.
- Sharp pain, especially when chewing.
- Swollen gums or face.
- Tooth discoloration (yellow, dark, or browning of an infected tooth).
When a tooth becomes infected, time is of the essence. Waiting too long can allow the infection to spread beyond the tooth’s roots into the surrounding bone and tissues, making extraction the only viable option. Prompt treatment with a root canal resolves the infection and pain and saves your tooth from extraction.Â
What can I expect from root canal treatment?
Your root canal dentist will take digital X-rays of your tooth to create a customized treatment plan. Although you may dread root canals, there’s nothing to fear. Modern pain management techniques and gentle instrumentation have made modern root canals no more painful than a cavity filling—just lengthier.Â
After numbing your gums with local anesthetics, we’ll make an access hole in your tooth to flush out the infected tissues. Then, your tooth is thoroughly cleaned and sterilized before it’s sealed with a biocompatible gutta-percha.Â
The next step is to restore your tooth with a customized crown to restore its beauty and structural integrity. Once in place, your treated tooth will look, feel, and function like the rest—blending in seamlessly with your smile.
What should I do after root canal treatment?
You’ve just undergone a root canal—congrats! Now, it’s all about healing and returning to your daily, pain-free life. So, how do you bounce back? Here’s how to turn recovery into a smooth, comfortable journey:
- Take any pain medications and antibiotics as directed by the dentist.
- Apply a cold compress on your cheek in 15-minute intervals to manage swelling.
- Rest for a day or two—this means you skip the gym or any rigorous activities.
- Brush and floss your teeth diligently, but be gentle around the treated area.
- Stick with soft foods for the first day or two and avoid chewing on the side of the treated tooth.
- Visit your dentist in case of prolonged swelling, pain, or fever.
- Adhere to follow-up dental appointments.
Get in Touch With Us
New Patients: (708) 792-2779 | Existing Patients: (708) 798-6868
Request An Appointment
What are the benefits of root canals?
For a procedure portrayed negatively by media and pop culture, you’ll be surprised by the many benefits it brings.Â
A root canal:
- Saves your tooth from extraction.
- Provides immediate pain relief.
- Prevents the infection from spreading.
- Provides peace of mind
If you have a damaged or decayed tooth, you don’t need to have it extracted. Park Avenue Dental Care can save your tooth with gentle root canals in Homewood, Illinois. Call (708) 792-2779 and schedule an appointment with our endodontic team.Â
Share this Article
Dr. James J. Kreuz
Dr. Gregory J. Duffner
Alexander J. Dolinar, DMD
Dr. James J. Kreuz, D.D.S., is a seasoned dentist with over 50 years of practice in Homewood, having graduated from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. His extensive experience underscores his expertise in the field. Dr. Kreuz is a dedicated professional whose longstanding practice and commitment to patient care establish his authority and trustworthiness. Outside dentistry, he is a passionate musician, performing with the Joliet American Legion Band and other local groups. He has toured Europe with The Blue Lake International Band, showcasing his diverse talents and dedication to community involvement.
Dr. Gregory J. Duffner, D.D.S., is an esteemed dentist with a rich background in both physics and dentistry. He graduated from Loyola University with a physics degree and earned his dental degree from the University of Illinois. Practicing in Homewood since 1985, Dr. Duffner collaborates with Dr. Kreuz to provide exceptional dental care. A dedicated community advocate, he bicycles for the National MS Society and has organized significant charity rides, including a cross-country effort for Mercy Housing. Dr. Duffner’s expertise, community involvement, and commitment to philanthropy establish his authority and trustworthiness in the field.
Gregory J. Duffner, DMD on LinkedIn
Dr. Alexander J. Dolinar, DMD, brings over eight years of dental experience to our practice, including roles in community health and private prosthodontics. He graduated with honors from Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine, where he was a Class Representative for the Chicago Dental Society and a Planning Leader for Delta Sigma Delta Mission Trips. Dr. Dolinar holds a Master’s in Biology and a Bachelor’s in Molecular and Cellular Biology. He is actively involved in dental associations and has volunteered extensively, showcasing his commitment to advanced care and community service. His skills and compassionate approach ensure high-quality care for all patients.
Alexander J. Dolinar, DMD on LinkedIn
What Our Patients Are Saying
What Our Patients Are Saying
Payment Options
We accept major credit cards, cash, and checks and offer 12-month interest-free plans through Care Credit. We are in-network with Delta Dental, Guardian, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. We accept PPO insurance with out-of-network fees and will file insurance for patients. Payment is due at the time of service.
