Root Canal Treatment in Chicago, IL
A decayed tooth can cause inflammation, sensitivity, and pain. When this decay reaches the tooth’s center (pulp) and affects the nerves, a simple filling cannot restore function or relieve discomfort. Fortunately, root canal therapy (RTC) can repair the tooth and free the patient of pain.
This procedure removes the inflamed or infected pulp from the inside of the tooth, eliminating bacteria and preserving the integrity of the tooth.
Dr. Fedin and his team at Chicago Dental Arts have been dedicated to providing specialized and effective dental care to Chicago since 1996. With decades of experience in restorative dentistry, Dr. Fedin can provide gentle and effective root canal treatment to restore your tooth and relieve your pain.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Our Chicago root canal treatment, or endodontic treatment, is a widely successful procedure utilized to alleviate pain and irritation caused by inflammation or infection of the tooth pulp. The pulp of the tooth is located beneath the enamel and is the soft, innermost portion of the tooth. It contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.
When an infection is present, or irritation or trauma has caused inflammation, these nerves become irritated, resulting in significant pain. The pulp can be compromised due to cracks in the tooth enamel, tooth decay, repeated dental procedures, or mouth trauma.
At Chicago Dental Arts, we strive to make your root canal treatment as quick and painless as possible.
Root Canal for Children (Pulpotomy)
A pulpotomy is a dental procedure for children that involves removing the diseased portion of the pulp (the innermost part of the tooth) while leaving the healthy part intact.
Pulpotomies are commonly performed when a child has extensive tooth decay or experiences trauma to a primary (baby) tooth.
During a pulpotomy, the dentist removes the diseased pulp tissue, applies a medicated dressing, and seals the tooth to prevent further infection.
The goal of a pulpotomy is to save the primary tooth, maintaining its function until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt.
Do I Need a Root Canal?
If you are experiencing tooth or gum sensitivity, calling our Chicago dental office immediately is vital to schedule an emergency appointment. While a filling may address your issue, you may need root canal treatment, and the longer you wait, the further decay can spread.
If the tooth is left untreated, other complications may arise, including tooth discoloration, increasing tooth pain, prolonged temperature sensitivity, a draining pimple on the gum, or general swelling.
Signs and Symptoms of Nerve Damage in a Tooth
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may need a root canal:
- Persistent toothache: Intense and persistent toothache, especially when chewing or applying pressure, can indicate that the pulp inside the tooth is inflamed or infected.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold: Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the temperature stimulus is removed may signal underlying issues with the tooth’s pulp.
- Swollen or tender gums: Swelling or tenderness in the gums near a specific tooth may indicate infection or inflammation requiring attention.
- Darkening or discoloration: Changes in tooth color, such as darkening or discoloration, can suggest damage to the pulp inside the tooth.
- Pimple on the gums: A pimple-like bump on the gums, known as a dental abscess, could be a sign of infection requiring intervention.
- Prolonged pain after dental procedures: Continued pain after dental work or procedures on a specific tooth may indicate the need for further evaluation.
Root canal treatment can preserve the natural tooth, preventing tooth loss in most patients. A consultation with Dr. Fedin can determine if you are eligible for root canal therapy or need another treatment, including extraction and dental implants.
What Are the Benefits of Root Canal Treatment?
While you may fear undergoing a root canal, advancements in technology and dentistry techniques have made this process easier, quicker, and more comfortable.
Root canal therapy offers several benefits:
- Preserves your natural tooth when decay (cavities) have reached the root
- Prevents the need for tooth extraction and more complicated dental procedures like dental implants
- Involves the use of porcelain crowns, which look, feel, and function like your natural tooth
- Allows you to continue to chew and speak comfortably and confidently
Do you want to learn more about root canal treatments in Chicago? Call Chicago Dental Arts today at (312) 642-6631.
How is Root Canal Treatment Performed?
Endodontic therapy is routinely completed in two visits. During your first visit, you will receive a complete examination where x-rays will be taken, and the diagnosis will be made. Once it is determined that a root canal procedure is required, your root canal specialist will administer an anesthetic to numb the area.
Next, a rubber sheet (rubber dam) will help isolate the tooth during the procedure. This ensures debris and fluid won’t pass into your throat.
The tooth pulp is accessed by drilling a small opening into the chewing surface. From here, the pulp chamber is cleaned, and the infected or damaged tooth pulp is removed from the root canals and the pulp chamber.
Tiny, specialized instruments are used to remove nerves and debris from the narrow root canals, and a disinfectant solution removes any trace of bacteria or infection.
Dr. Fedin will then fill and seal the spaces within the canals and place a temporary crown over the tooth. During your next appointment, he will replace the temporary restoration with a customized permanent crown to protect the tooth and restore function.
Root Canal Preparation And Post-Procedure Care in Chicago & Skokie, IL
Immediately following your root canal treatment, you may experience some numbness in the area and should avoid eating for a few hours. Mild discomfort is also possible but should subside after a few days.
Most patients can return to daily activities immediately following the procedure, so there is little to no downtime associated with root canal treatment.
Before Your Chicago Root Canal Treatment
Preparation for a root canal involves the following:
- Consultation and evaluation: The process begins with a thorough examination, often involving X-rays, to assess the condition of the tooth and the extent of pulp damage. Our Chicago dentist explains the root canal procedure, addressing any concerns or questions you may have.
- Pre-procedural antibiotics: In some cases, if there is an active infection, Dr. Fedin may prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the infection before performing the root canal.
- Anesthesia options: He will explain your anesthesia options to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure. This typically involves local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding area.
- Sedation Dentistry: Chicago Dental Arts also offers sedation dentistry for patients who experience dental anxiety or phobia.
Recovery After a Root Canal
Root canal therapy has come a long way and does not involve the same level of discomfort it did decades ago.
After the root canal, expect to feel numbness in the treated area due to the anesthesia. This numbness typically wears off after a few hours.
You may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity in the treated tooth for a few days after the root canal. Over-the-counter pain medications, as recommended by our dentist, can help manage any post-procedure discomfort.
Follow these five tips after receiving a root canal treatment:
- Avoid chewing on the treated tooth: It’s advisable to avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is placed. This helps prevent pressure on the tooth during the initial recovery period.
- Follow-up appointments: Attend your follow-up appointments so our dentist can monitor the healing process and have your custom restoration placed.
- Maintaining oral hygiene: Proper oral hygiene is essential for recovery. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups help maintain the health of the treated tooth and prevent future issues.
- Resuming normal activities: You can resume your normal activities soon after a root canal. However, strenuous physical activities and extreme temperatures in food and beverages should be approached with caution.
- Monitoring signs of concern: While mild discomfort is normal, persistent pain, swelling, or any signs of infection should be promptly reported to the dentist for further evaluation.
What Results Can I Expect After Receiving Root Canal Treatment?
After successful root canal treatment, you can expect the following:
- More efficient chewing
- Norming biting force
- Natural appearance of the affected tooth
- Elevated protection from future wear and infection
- Alleviation of pain from prior infection
Alternatives to Root Canal Treatment
A root canal treatment is the best option to save your natural tooth and is quite effective. However, while rare, they can fail. When this occurs, your dentist will refer you to an oral surgeon for endodontic surgery or recommend repeating the root canal procedure.
If there isn’t enough healthy tooth structure left to stabilize a crown, our dental team will likely recommend tooth extraction and the creation of a replacement. With this option, Dr. Fedin will remove the troublesome tooth, place a dental implant, and create a natural-looking crown that blends in flawlessly with your other teeth.
An inflamed or infected tooth can cause significant pain, which worsens if the unhealthy tooth is left untreated. Furthermore, it can lead to severe complications, including an infection that spreads to the bone. The best way to preserve your oral health and save your tooth is to seek immediate treatment with our reliable dental team at Chicago Dental Arts.
Advantages of Root Canal Therapy Over Extraction
Root canal treatment is less invasive than dental implant placement and takes less time. It also costs less and is typically covered under most dental plans.
Affordable Root Canal Cost and Insurance Coverage
Chicago Dental Arts offers affordable root canal treatment and works with most insurance companies. Our team is happy to help you navigate the insurance process, even with coverages we don’t work with directly.
Root Canal Therapy in Chicago, IL
At Chicago Dental Arts, we are dedicated to providing our patients with the highest-quality services in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere you won’t find at your typical dental practice.
We are well known for our “zero pain, zero anxiety” approach to dentistry, and our entire team is dedicated to doing everything possible to ensure you enjoy a relaxed, painless experience every time you visit us.
Call our Chicago, Illinois, root canal treatment provider at (312) 642-6631 if you have questions regarding your dental treatment or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Fedin. We also offer cosmetic and sedation dental services for ultimate comfort and satisfaction.
Root Canal FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is a root canal, and why is it needed?
- A root canal is a dental procedure that involves removing the infected or inflamed pulp inside a tooth and sealing it to prevent further infection. It is needed when the pulp becomes damaged due to deep decay, trauma, or other dental issues.
2. How can I tell if I need a root canal?
- Common signs indicating the need for a root canal include persistent toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling or tenderness in the gums, discoloration of the tooth, and a pimple-like bump on the gums. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult with a dentist for an evaluation.
3. Is a root canal painful?
- While the reputation of root canals being painful is a common misconception, modern techniques and anesthesia make the procedure relatively comfortable. Patients may experience mild discomfort during recovery, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
4. How long does a root canal procedure take?
- The duration of a root canal procedure varies depending on factors like the tooth’s location, complexity, and the extent of infection. On average, a root canal can take one to two hours. Multiple appointments may be needed, especially if additional procedures or a crown placement is required.
5. What happens after a root canal?
- After a root canal, patients may experience some numbness, and mild discomfort or sensitivity is normal. Over-the-counter pain medications can be used as directed by the dentist. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the healing process, and a permanent restoration, like a crown, may be placed to protect the treated tooth. Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to ensure the root canal’s long-term success.
