Why our dentists recommend tooth extraction
Our teeth consist of an outer shell of hard dental enamel, with a softer layer called dentin underneath it. Beneath the dentin is a soft tissue called pulp that houses connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels.
Because the pulp is covered by enamel and dentin, it’s normally very well protected. That is until bacteria make their way into the area through a very deep cavity, a fracture, or a hard knock to the tooth and cause an infection.
Why we need to perform a root canal
An infected tooth is typically very painful, and if our dentists don’t remove the infection, the pain will continue and worsen. At this point, the only option is to remove the tooth, which is never our first choice.
Missing teeth can have a wide range of oral health consequences, such as bone loss and shifting of surrounding teeth. Root canal treatment allows our dentist to clear the infection, preserve your natural teeth, and restore your oral health. A root canal also involves less discomfort and shorter recovery times than a tooth extraction.
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What happens during a root canal?
We understand that many patients are nervous about root canals, but it’s not a scary procedure. Our dentists in Chicago use advanced 3-D cone-beam (CBCT) imaging to plan your procedure because they can see the tooth in three dimensions.
By viewing your tooth in 3-D, they get a clear view of its anatomy and plan your procedure accordingly. This technology, combined with anesthesia dramatically improves patient comfort and outcomes, and patients typically feel much better as soon as they finish the procedure.
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Signs you might need root canal treatment
There are several symptoms of an infected or abscessed tooth to look for:
Severe toothache
Severe toothache can be caused by cavities, infections, gum disease, or cracked teeth, leading to throbbing pain and swelling. Temporary relief can be found with pain relievers or cold compresses, but see a dentist if the pain persists.
Extreme tooth sensitivity
Extreme tooth sensitivity is caused by worn enamel, gum recession, or cavities, leading to pain from hot, cold, or sweet foods. Using desensitizing toothpaste can help, but see a dentist if it persists.
Jaw pain or swelling
Jaw pain or swelling can result from tooth infections, gum disease, injuries, or TMJ disorders. Relief may come from pain relievers or cold compresses, but see a dentist if the pain persists.
A pimple-like bump on the gum
A pimple-like bump on the gum is often a sign of a dental abscess or gum infection. It can cause pain and swelling and may require treatment from a dentist, such as drainage or antibiotics.
Puffy, red, or swollen gums
Puffy, red, or swollen gums are usually signs of gum disease, often caused by poor hygiene or infections. Proper brushing and mouthwash may help, but see a dentist if it persists.
A bad taste or odor in your mouth
A bad taste or odor in your mouth can result from poor hygiene, tooth decay, or gum disease. Brushing and hydration may help, but see a dentist if it persists.
Our skilled dentists relieve your pain
Next, we access the inside of the pulp chamber through a tiny hole in your tooth. Our dentist efficiently removes the infected pulp tissue using modern rotary endodontic technology. Rotary endodontics makes the procedure much more efficient and comfortable than the time-consuming traditional method of using manual instruments.
After our dentist removes the infection, they fill the cleaned-out pulp chamber with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, then seal the tooth and place a temporary filling to protect it.
Most patients experience only minor soreness in the day or two following a root canal, which can be relieved with an OTC pain medication like ibuprofen.
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We ensure your comfort
If you have dental anxiety, we are pleased to offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation to help you relax throughout the procedure. We also offer neck pillows, blankets, and TVs in our treatment rooms to help you feel at ease and well cared for.
First, our dentist numbs the tooth using a very strong local anaesthetic to ensure you won’t feel any pain during your procedure. If you came to us in pain, you will appreciate the immediate relief you feel when the tooth is numb!
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Our pricing structure
We put our patients at the center of everything we do, which includes complete transparency with both the services we provide and our pricing. We’ve listed most of our services with fee structures below. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you might have.
Root Canal Treatment
$1021 – $1,415
Take-home whitening (custom trays): $299
Take-home whitening (GO whitening package): $75
Porcelain veneers: $1,500
Certain PPO plans cover up to 100%
Do you need an emergency root canal in Chicago, IL
If you have a throbbing toothache or another symptom, please call Wicker Park Dental Group at (773) 276-5566. We don’t want you to suffer needlessly, and we will arrange to see you the same day. If we can’t complete treatment that day, we will ensure that you’re out of pain and schedule you for our next open appointment.
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