Root Canal Therapy in Chicago, IL

Gentle Root Canal Treatment in Chicago with Dr. Contos

Tired of toothaches disrupting your life? At Contos Smile Center, one of the top dental offices in Chicago, IL, Dr. Contos offers advanced root canal treatment to alleviate pain and restore your smile. We provide gentle, effective care to help you regain your oral health.

Call us today at (773) 973-0531 to schedule a consultation. We welcome patients from Evanston, Oak Park, and Skokie.

What is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment, often simply called a “root canal,” is a dental procedure designed to save a tooth that is severely infected or damaged. Inside your tooth, beneath the enamel and dentin, lies the dental pulp, a soft tissue containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.

When this pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, trauma, or repeated dental procedures, root canal treatment is necessary to eliminate the infection and preserve the tooth.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal Procedure

You may need an endodontic treatment if you experience mild to severe:

Severe Toothache: Persistent and intense tooth pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure, can indicate pulp damage that may require root canal treatment.
Prolonged Tooth Sensitivity: Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, even after the source of the stimulus is removed, can be a sign of pulp inflammation.
Swelling and Tenderness: Swelling and tenderness in the gums surrounding a tooth may indicate an infection that has spread to the root.
Tooth Discoloration: A tooth that appears darker or discolored may have experienced internal damage to the pulp.
Tooth Abscess: A pimple-like bump on the gums near a tooth, often accompanied by pain and swelling, can be a sign of an abscess, a serious infection requiring root canal treatment.

Benefits of Root Canal Surgery

Root canal treatment offers significant benefits:

Saves Your Natural Tooth: Root canals allow you to preserve your natural tooth, avoiding tooth extraction.
Relieves Pain: Root canal treatment eliminates the pain and discomfort caused by infection or inflammation.
Prevents Infection Spread: By removing the infected tissue, root canal treatment prevents the infection from spreading to surrounding teeth and bone.
Restores Function: A restored tooth can function normally, allowing you to chew and speak comfortably.

Affordable Root Canal Therapy Costs in Chicago

At Contos Smile Center in Chicago, everyone deserves access to high-quality dental care. We offer a range of financial options to make your treatment as affordable and convenient as possible.

Insurance: We accept insurance plans, including UHC, Delta Premier, Guardian, Humana, Aflac, Aetna, and Principal. We are out-of-network providers with all other carriers, but in many cases, out-of-network benefits are similar to in-network benefits.
Patient Payment Options: For those without insurance or limited coverage, we offer flexible payment plans to suit individual and family needs.
Outside Financing Options: For larger treatment plans, we offer outside financing options through CareCredit and Lending Club.

We are dedicated to working with you to ensure you receive the best possible care. If you have any questions about your account or would like to explore financial options, please don’t hesitate to contact our financial coordinator, Suzanne, at (773) 973-0531.

Candidacy for Root Canal Treatments

Candidacy for root canal treatment is determined by several factors, and a thorough examination by Dr. Contos is essential for accurate diagnosis. Generally, you may be a candidate for root canal treatment if you experience any of the following:

Extent of Damage: A root canal is usually necessary when the pulp (the inner part of the tooth with nerves and blood vessels) is severely infected or damaged. This can be due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip.
Strategic Importance: Is the tooth important for chewing and maintaining the alignment of other teeth? Saving a strategic tooth can prevent future problems with bite and jaw alignment.
Restorability: Can the tooth be adequately restored after the root canal? If the tooth is too broken down, it might not be a good candidate, even with a root canal treatment.

Overall Health: Patients in good general health are better candidates for any dental procedure. Certain health conditions, like uncontrolled diabetes or a compromised immune system, can affect healing and increase the risk of complications.

The Root Canal Treatment Process

Dr. Contos and the team at Contos Smile Center prioritize patient comfort and use a gentle approach throughout the root canal procedure:

Diagnosis and Anesthesia: Dr. Contos will thoroughly examine your tooth, often using advanced dental technology like X-rays, to assess the extent of the damage and confirm the need for root canal treatment. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area around the affected tooth, ensuring a comfortable experience.
Accessing the Pulp Chamber: A small opening is made in the tooth crown to access the pulp chamber.
Removing Infected Pulp: Specialized dental instruments help Dr. Contos remove the infected or damaged pulp tissue from the pulp chamber and root canals.
Cleaning and Shaping: The canals are thoroughly cleaned and shaped to prepare them for filling.
Filling the Canals: The canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, which seals them to prevent reinfection.
Restoration: In most cases, a dental crown or other restoration is placed on the tooth to protect and strengthen it.

Aftercare for Root Canal Treatment

Aftercare for root canal treatment is essential to ensure the long-term success of the procedure and to maintain oral health. Here are some key aftercare tips:

Pain Relief: You may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity for a few days after the procedure. Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage this. Dr. Contos may prescribe medications as well, which you should take as directed for optimal healing.
Avoid Chewing on the Treated Tooth: Until the tooth is fully restored with a crown or filling, avoid chewing on it to prevent any damage or discomfort.

Gentle brushing and flossing: Continue to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily, but be gentle around the treated area. Use an antiseptic mouthwash as recommended by Dr. Contos to help reduce bacteria and promote healing.

Soft Foods Initially: Stick to soft foods for the first few days after the procedure. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could damage the treated tooth, especially before it is fully restored.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does root canal treatment hurt?

A common misconception about root canal therapy is that it’s a painful, complicated process, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Dr. Contos will administer a local anesthetic beforehand to ensure you don’t feel a thing while he works on your tooth. It’s normal to experience mild soreness for about one week after your procedure, though any discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and cold compresses.

If any pain or discomfort persists past one week, it may be a sign of reinfection. Contact our Chicago office right away at (773) 973-0531 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Contos will assess your situation and work to resolve any uncomfortable symptoms.

How long does a root canal treatment take?

The length of your root canal treatment depends on your individual needs and oral health. Root canal therapy can typically be completed in one appointment at our Chicago office. Each tooth takes around 60 minutes to treat. Dr. Contos can provide you with a treatment timeline at your initial consultation after having evaluated the condition of your tooth.

How long does it take to recover from a root canal treatment?

You may be able to return to your normal routine immediately after a root canal treatment, though it depends on your oral health and other factors. It’s important to follow all of Dr. Contos’s instructions after a root canal treatment. Some post-op instructions for root canal therapy include:

Avoid chewing on your new crown for at least 24 hours
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush on the treatment site
Maintain good oral hygiene
Eat soft or liquid-based foods for a few days
Take pain medications as prescribed

Don’t Put Off the Dental Care You Need for an Infected Tooth

We understand that a healthy, confident smile can significantly impact your quality of life. If you’re in Chicago, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, or Uptown, and you’re experiencing tooth pain or suspect you may need a root canal treatment, please contact Contos Smile Center at (773) 973-0531. We are dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain optimal oral health.