Kathryn Kennedy, DDS

Dentist in Westmont, IL

(630) 810-9940

331 W. 63rd St. Westmont, IL 60559

Westmont Dentist | Root Canals & Endodontic Treatment

Most people don’t look forward to needing a root canal—but fast, precise treatment can save your tooth and stop the pain. At our Westmont dental office, Dr. Kathryn Kennedy focuses on accurately diagnosing tooth infections and then partnering with trusted, highly trained endodontists (root canal specialists) to complete your care.

Because our practice uses advanced 3D cone beam (CBCT) imaging, Dr. Kennedy can clearly see the shape, number, and length of the canals inside your tooth. This detailed view helps determine whether a root canal is the best option and gives our endodontic partners the information they need to treat your tooth thoroughly and predictably.

A Team Approach to Root Canal Treatment in Westmont, IL

For nearly 20 years, Dr. Kennedy provided endodontic therapy (root canal treatment) to patients in Westmont, Illinois. Today, she no longer performs root canals herself. Instead, she has hand-selected a small network of experienced endodontists who focus solely on root canal therapy all day, every day.

This team approach means you get:

• Accurate diagnosis in a familiar office with a dentist you already trust

• State-of-the-art imaging before you see the specialist

• Close communication between Dr. Kennedy and the endodontist about your case

• Seamless follow-up care, including your final crown or restoration, back in our office

Our goal is simple: preserve your natural tooth whenever possible, relieve pain, and restore your bite so you can chew comfortably again.

What Is a Root Canal and Why Might I Need One?

A root canal is recommended when the nerve inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected. This can happen when:

• Decay has reached deep into the tooth

• A tooth has cracked or suffered trauma

• An old filling or crown has leaked, and bacteria have reached the nerve

Inside each root is a tiny canal that contains the nerve and blood supply of the tooth. During root canal treatment, the endodontist gently cleans out the infected tissue, disinfects the canals, and fills them with a rubbery, medicated material that seals the root tip. After healing, Dr. Kennedy places a crown or other restoration over the tooth to rebuild its strength and function.

If bacteria are left inside the root, the body tries to fight the infection. White blood cells gather, die, and form an abscess near the tip of the root. This abscess must be cleared for the tooth to heal, which is why some teeth need more than one visit or additional medication before they feel completely better.

Signs You May Need Root Canal Therapy

Call our Westmont dental office if you notice any of the following:

Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers more than 10–15 seconds
Sharp pain when biting or chewing
Swelling or a pimple-like bump on the gums near a tooth
Pain that wakes you up at night
Relief when sipping cold water
An obvious crack, deep cavity, or trauma to the tooth
A tooth that feels “different,” darker, or slightly loose

Sometimes a tooth can “die” quietly without pain. In those cases, Dr. Kennedy may see an abscess or dark area at the tip of the root on your digital x-ray or 3D scan, even if you aren’t feeling symptoms yet.

What to Expect If You Need a Root Canal

Comprehensive Exam in Our Office
Dr. Kennedy will perform a thorough exam, take digital x-rays, and, if needed, a 3D cone beam scan. She’ll explain what she sees and review all options—root canal, extraction, or other treatment.
Referral to a Trusted Endodontist
If root canal therapy is recommended, we’ll schedule you with one of the endodontists we regularly work with. We share your records, 3D images, and detailed notes so they understand your case before you arrive.
Root Canal Treatment
Depending on the tooth and the infection, the endodontist may complete treatment in one visit or over two or more appointments. Their goal is to thoroughly clean and disinfect the canals before sealing them.
Final Restoration with Dr. Kennedy
After the root canal is complete and the tooth has begun to heal, you’ll return to our Westmont office so Dr. Kennedy can place a durable crown or restoration to protect the tooth long-term.

Westmont Root Canal Evaluation – Schedule a Visit

If you’re searching for a “root canal dentist near me” or “endodontist in Westmont, IL,” start with a comprehensive exam in our office. Dr. Kathryn Kennedy will:

• Evaluate your tooth pain or sensitivity

• Review your digital X-rays and 3D scan

• Explain whether a root canal, extraction, or another treatment is best

• Coordinate fast, comfortable care with our trusted endodontic partners

To schedule a root canal consultation in Westmont, call our office today. If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, swelling, or think you might have an abscess, let us know—it may be considered a dental emergency, and we’ll do our best to see you as soon as possible.