Hite Family Dentistry
Dr. Benjamin Hite
Root Canal Treatment
A Tooth-Saving Treatment

If your tooth is infected, timely root canal treatment is the only option to save it from extraction.

Root Canal Treatment | Dentist
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Root Canal Treatment in Edwardsville, IL

While root canal treatment has a poor reputation, modern dentistry is changing the narrative. A root canal is no longer a procedure to be feared—it is a straightforward, comfortable process thanks to advanced technology, strong anesthetics, and sedation dentistry. Its goal is to remove infected or damaged pulp from inside your tooth to relieve the pain you're experiencing and restore your smile. 

How Tooth Infections Happen

The inside of your tooth is composed of several layers. At the center is the pulp chamber, which contains the blood vessels, nerves, and tissue that keep a tooth alive. A deep cavity, fracture, or trauma can allow bacteria to reach the inner chamber, causing pain so intense that it's difficult to eat, sleep, or even smile comfortably. At this point, the only option for relieving pain and preserving the tooth is root canal treatment.

Benefits of Choosing Us for Root Canal Treatment

You couldn't choose a more experienced or caring team to handle your root canal, but that's just the beginning of the benefits of choosing Hite Family Dentistry.

Experienced Dentists

Our skilled dentists have decades of combined experience performing root canals, ensuring treatment that’s efficient, effective, and tailored to your needs.

Supportive Team

With a relaxed and comfortable environment and friendly team members committed to ensuring you feel at ease, we’ll ensure you feel supported throughout your treatment.

Advanced Technology

We use advanced rotary endodontic technology that reduces treatment times, enhances precision for optimal outcomes, and provides a more comfortable root canal experience.

Sedation Options

Understanding that dental anxiety is real, we offer various sedation options, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation, to keep you relaxed and at ease.

Same-Day Crowns

After your root canal, we can provide a CEREC same-day dental crown to protect your tooth. This advanced technology saves time by eliminating the need for multiple appointments.

Patient-Centered Care

Our focus is on you. We take the time to listen, explain, and guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your comfort, understanding, and satisfaction.

Meet Our Doctors:

Dr. Ben Hite dentist at Hite Family Dentistry in Edwardsville

Dr. Ben Hite

Dr. Ben Hite is the owner and lead dentist at Hite Family Dentistry. He received his undergraduate education at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine ...

Dr. Nicole Kniffin

Dr. Nicole Kniffin

Dr. Kniffin has been practicing dentistry since 2005 and joined the Hite Family Dentistry team in May 2022. She completed her undergraduate degree at Eastern Illinois University and earned her ...

Dr. Marisa Blickhan

Dr. Marisa Blickhan

Dr. Blickhan graduated from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine in 2024 and joined the Hite Family Dentistry team shortly after. With a background in biological sciences and minors ...

Signs You Might Need Root Canal Treatment

An infected or abscessed tooth can present with any one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Persistent toothache that worsens over time
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
  • Swelling or tenderness near the affected tooth
  • Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
  • Sharp pain when chewing or touching the tooth
  • A small, recurring bump or "pimple" on the gums
  • A foul odor or taste in the mouth

If you're experiencing any of the above, it’s important to contact Hite Family Dentistry promptly. Delaying treatment only leads to worsening pain, a severe dental abscess, and, in rare cases, a serious infection that spreads beyond your mouth. We will arrange to see you right away to relieve your pain, treat the tooth, and get you on the road to recovery. 

Frequently Asked Questions

There are several steps involved in getting a root canal. First, we will examine the tooth and take x-rays to determine the extent of the abscess or infection. Our next priority is to relieve your pain by numbing the tooth with a strong local anesthetic so you immediately feel better.

Root Canal Treatment Steps

Next, our dentists will take the following steps:

  • Remove Infected Pulp — We use the latest rotary endodontic technology to remove the infected pulp. 
  • Disinfect and Seal the Tooth — After removing the infected tissue, we thoroughly cleanse and disinfect the inside of the tooth, fill it with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, and seal the tooth.
  • Temporary Filling — We'll place a temporary filling to protect the tooth as it heals. It's common to experience soreness in the area for a day or two following your procedure. Typically, over-the-counter pain medication is all that's needed to relieve any discomfort.
  • Final Restoration — After a healing period of about two weeks, you'll return to our office so we can check on healing. Our dentists may recommend a filling or CEREC same-day dental crown to strengthen the tooth.

Are you experiencing intense tooth pain and think you need an emergency root canal in Edwardsville, IL? Call us right away at (618) 656-9123 so we can get you on the schedule and provide the relief you need.

Cynthia-Patient Testimony

Need Emergency an Emergency Root Canal?

If you’re experiencing intense pain and suspect you have an infected tooth, Hite Family Dentistry wants to help. We offer same-day emergency appointments because we don't want our patients ever to suffer needlessly when help is a phone call away.

Let us provide you with the compassionate care and expert treatment you deserve. Schedule your appointment with our trusted root canal dentist in Edwardsville, IL, by calling (618) 656-9123 today and take the first step toward relief and recovery.

Root Canal Treatment Technology

Rotary Endodontics in edwardsville

Rotary Endodontics

Rotary endodontics enhances the precision and efficiency of root canal treatments by using electric-powered instruments to clean and shape the root canals of an infected tooth. Unlike traditional manual tools, rotary endodontic technology allows quicker, smoother, and more comfortable procedures, significantly reducing treatment time and enhancing outcomes. This advanced approach is particularly beneficial for those needing root canal therapy, as it minimizes discomfort and maximizes the chances of saving the natural tooth.

Gentle Root Canal Treatment in Edwardsville, IL
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