Chicago Root Canal Procedures

A root canal, otherwise known as endodontic therapy, is a procedure used to help save a damaged or diseased tooth. During this treatment, the damaged or infected internal pulp is removed and replaced with a biocompatible material. This process effectively seals your tooth and prevents further damage. Once the tooth is sealed, a dental crown is placed over the tooth to protect it from future decay.

A root canal requires slightly more time at the dentist’s office, but it is similar in scope to receiving a routine filling. Keep reading to learn more about what to expect from a root canal procedure.

Root Canal Signs and Symptoms

Tooth pain is one of the most common and obvious signs you have a tooth infection. However, some people may not experience pain in the early stages of an infection. Here are some other signs that it’s time to see your dentist:

• Tooth discoloration
• Swelling around your tooth
• Pain in one area
• Dark tooth
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever

If you have painful, swollen lymph nodes or a fever, don’t wait to see your dentist. These symptoms are serious and likely call for emergency root canal therapy.

Our Virtually Painless Root Canal Treatment

At Art of Modern Dentistry, we perform root canals in-office under localized anesthesia, meaning from start to finish, your treatment will be virtually pain-free!

At the start of your appointment, your dentist will numb the area surrounding the affected tooth. Once the area is completely numb, they will remove the infected pulp from your tooth. Then, they will clean out and shape the inside of the tooth to prepare it for sealing.

Once cleaned, the opening is filled with a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha. Then, it is sealed with adhesive cement. This filling acts as a bandage and prevents anything from reaching the roots of your tooth.

After your tooth is sealed, your dentist will likely place a temporary crown onto your tooth to provide added protection. They may also give you antibiotics to heal the infection inside your tooth. Once the infection has cleared up, you’ll visit your dentist again to receive a permanent crown. This crown is a crucial part of the root canal process and will protect your tooth from future damage and decay. 

Does a Root Canal Hurt?

In most cases, the root canal and crown procedure is virtually pain-free! Our dentists carefully administer local anesthesia to ensure your mouth is totally numb prior to your procedure, so you shouldn’t feel anything. In fact, about 75 percent of patients say they experience no discomfort during their root canal.

For the 25 percent who do, this is typically caused by the tooth infection, rather than the procedure itself. We will provide medication to help prevent infection and relieve any discomfort you do feel.

Root Canal Cost in Chicago

The price of a root canal in Chicago will depend on a number of factors, including the type of tooth and the extent of the infection. In general, a root canal will cost between $700 and $1,400 per tooth. This cost includes an exam, x-rays, local anesthesia, pulp removal, and filling materials.

If you have a dental insurance plan, your policy may cover the root canal procedure, but it’s best to check with your insurance company directly before going ahead with treatment.

At Art of Modern Dentistry, our dentists are always transparent about cost and will discuss any associated fees with you before administering treatment. And because this procedure is so important, we offer a variety of convenient payment plans and medical financing options.

Are there Alternatives to a Root Canal?

Once infection sets into your tooth, a root canal becomes a necessary treatment. We understand that the idea of a root canal can be less than pleasant, but it is the only way to save your infected tooth.

If you don’t want a root canal, tooth extraction is another viable treatment option. During a tooth extraction, the entire infected tooth is removed and replaced with a dental implant, dental bridge, or partial denture. Although extraction is an alternative to a root canal, it is actually more invasive than a simple root canal, and we generally only recommend this procedure if you have a severely infected tooth.

While it may be tempting to delay treatment, keep in mind that the infection within your tooth won’t go away on its own. As the infection progresses, you will begin to experience more serious problems, and the infection can eventually spread through your tooth down into your jawbone.

Our dentists understand that many people are apprehensive about receiving a root canal. That’s why we work hard to make your visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Find an Experienced Root Canal Dentist Near Me

If you’re dealing with pain from an infected tooth, turn to the experienced professionals at Art of Modern Dentistry. Our dentists have performed hundreds of root canal procedures, and they understand what it takes to make you feel safe, comfortable, and cared for during treatment.

Call us today at 773-935-3600 to set up an appointment.