A root canal procedure can save an infected tooth from extraction. Let us provide the stress-free treatment you deserve

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Root Canal Therapy

Root canals have long been one of the most feared procedures in dentistry.

Today, dentistry has evolved to the point where root canal therapy is no longer the complicated procedure it once was. It’s time to look past the bad reputation of the root canal and see it for the valuable, pain-relieving solution it is.

Root Canal Therapy

The root canal is the area of the tooth that houses the pulp and the nerve. Sometimes this part of the tooth can become infected.

When this happens, not only is the tooth extremely painful and sensitive, the infection can also spread to other areas of the mouth and other teeth. The most effective way to treat the infection is root canal therapy.

Once the anesthetic takes hold, and you are completely numb, we will create a small hole in your tooth. Working through the hole, we drain the infected material along with the pulp and any other debris. We thoroughly clean the interior of the tooth, and we may place an antibiotic medication inside the tooth to prevent further infection.

Your tooth will then be filled and a cap or crown will be placed. This is necessary because the structure of the tooth will be weakened, and a dental restoration will protect the tooth from breakage and also allow you to chew comfortably.

Do I Need a Root Canal?

If you have been experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, call our office immediately. You may have an infection and could require treatment.

Severe pain in one or more teeth
Pain that is aggravated by chewing or other pressure
Pain and sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
Darkening of one or more teeth
A raised bump on the gums
A bad taste in your mouth
Swelling and tenderness in the gums that may radiate to the cheek

Call our office to make an appointment. Root canal therapy may be necessary to get rid of your pain and reduce your stress.

Always had great service and care

My family and I have been seeing Dr. Purlee for many years and have always had great service and care. Everyone is so willing to help from the front desk staff, to the hygienists, to Doc himself. Wonderful care!

Jennifer B. – Milledgeville, IL

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during a root canal?

Understanding the root canal process can often remove a great deal of the fear surrounding dental procedures. During a root canal, the goals of treatment are to stop the infection, prevent further damage, and relieve your pain.

We begin by making sure that you are numb and comfortable. The next step is to open your tooth. We then use special instruments to carefully and thoroughly clean out the infection from your tooth and remove the infected or damaged nerve. If necessary, we may place an antibiotic treatment to prevent re-infection.

The cavity in your tooth will be filled and sealed, and a crown may be placed. You may experience some soreness following the procedure as part of your body’s natural reaction to any type of perceived injury, but this will quickly fade and you will feel much better.

Meet Our Doctor:

Dr. David Purlee

Dr. Purlee is a graduate of Northwestern University Dental School and Monmouth College. He has maintained a General Family Dentistry practice in Mt. Carroll since 1984.

He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Illinois State Dental Society, the US Grant Dental Society, the Academy of General Dentistry, the International Association for Orthodontics, and QCASO Study Club. He regularly attends continuing education classes in general dentistry and orthodontics.

His interests outside of dentistry include golf, music, painting, attending sporting events and spending time with his grandchildren.

He and his wife, Jodi, ...