Endodontics and Root Canal in Chicago

When Does a Dentist Decide a Root Canal is the Best Treatment?

If you have a consultation with a Chicago root canal specialist, like the ones at East Village Dental Centre, we'll take X-rays and perform an exam. Our findings and your symptoms will help us decide if a root canal is the ideal treatment. Signs you may need a root canal procedure include:

• Tooth darkening
• Facial swelling
• Spontaneous or unprovoked pain
• Tender or swollen gums
• Pain with biting down
• Lingering cold or hot sensitivity

If you have one or more of these symptoms, we urge you to reach out and make an appointment with our staff in Chicago.

What Should You Expect During a Root Canal Treatment?

It's common to be anxious about having a root canal because you're not sure what happens. Once your procedure starts, it usually takes an hour from start to finish. For damaged molars, it can take longer. However, you should expect the following:

• Your dentist will numb the area so you don't feel pain as they work.
• They'll isolate the tooth with a sheet of rubber that lets the tooth stick through to ensure no bacteria-laden saliva gets into the canal.
• THe dentist will make a small access cavity in the back of the chewing area of your tooth to allow their thin instruments to get the canals.
• Next, they will clean, shape, and smooth the canals before rinsing them to remove debris.
• The dentist will fill the canals using a biocompatible material and seal them using dental cement.
• The last step is to apply a temporary filling to close the access cavity until you get your custom root canal crown. Once you get the crown, your tooth is functional.

You'll feel minor discomfort for a day or two after the procedure, and over-the-counter pain medications are usually enough to help manage your dental discomfort.

What is the Average Cost of a Root Canal?

The cost associated with a root canal varies, and our staff won't be able to give you an estimate until our staff at East Village Dental Centre in Chicago review your X-rays and perform an exam.

Your tooth's condition plays a huge role in the cost, as well as where it is in your mouth. Front teeth are less expensive to treat than molars because they have fewer roots. Luckily, dental insurance usually offers coverage for some of the cost. If you're on a tight budget, remember that a general dentist is less expensive than an endodontist.

To learn more about this procedure, contact our office to make an appointment. After the exam, we'll give you a cost breakdown.

Are There Different Root Canal Procedures Available?

Standard root canals might not be suitable for everyone. For instance, an apicoectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat teeth infections that persist even after root canals. This surgery helps find canals not visible in earlier X-rays, removes the root tip, and clears out any infected tissue. A special filling goes at the root's end.

For children, a pediatric pulpotomy may be used. In this procedure, the infected part of the tooth's pulp is removed to prevent further damage, but the roots are left intact. The tooth is then covered with a crown to protect it until the adult tooth is ready. This helps maintain the space needed for the new tooth.

Is a Root Canal Procedure Painful?

Root canals are known for being painful, but that's outdated information. Today, dentists use local anesthetics to numb the area thoroughly, making the procedure painless and stopping toothache pain for good. Avoiding a root canal treatment can worsen the problem and increase pain. If you're experiencing a toothache, contact our root canal specialists in Chicago for help. Contact our office to set up an appointment.

How to Find a Dentist for Root Canal Near Me

Call East Village Dental Centre to find a dentist to do your root canal in Chicago. Remember, the sooner you call, the more treatment options you have to restore your smile.