Root Canals in Chicago, IL

Since this is happening on the inside of the tooth, you won’t necessarily see the damage. Instead, you could feel it through pain and notice other signs that include bleeding, swelling and bad breath.

A root canal removes the diseased or infected part of the tooth, and it removes the nerve from a severely broken tooth, allowing the tooth to be saved. You may need a root canal if you have a severe toothache or throbbing pain, often along with swelling in your jaw around your tooth.

The biggest benefit of a root canal is relief. Once the infected or inflamed pulp is removed, the pain that brought you in usually eases. Treating the infection also helps keep it from spreading to the bone and tissue around the tooth.

A root canal lets you keep your natural tooth. Saving a tooth is often the better choice for your long-term oral health, because it keeps your bite and the teeth around it in place.

Your dentist will start by examining the tooth and taking X-rays to see the shape of the roots and how far the infection has spread. The tooth is then numbed. A small opening is made in the top of the tooth so the infected pulp can be removed. The canals inside the roots are cleaned, shaped and disinfected, then filled and sealed. Depending on the tooth, this may take one or more visits, and a temporary filling is placed in between.

Most people say the procedure feels much like getting a filling. Afterward, the tooth may feel sore or tender for a few days, especially when you bite down.

Because a tooth that has had a root canal can become more brittle, your dentist will often recommend a crown to protect it. Until the final restoration is in place, try to avoid chewing hard foods on that side.