When severe tooth pain strikes, it often signals infection or inflammation deep within the tooth structure. Root canal therapy provides a crucial treatment that relieves pain while saving teeth that might otherwise require extraction. This vital procedure removes infected or damaged pulp tissue from inside the tooth, eliminates bacteria from the root canal system, and seals the cleaned canals to prevent future infection. Despite outdated myths, modern root canal treatment is comfortable and similar to receiving a routine filling—providing immediate relief for many patients experiencing significant dental pain.
At Floss Lincoln Park, we understand that many patients feel anxious about root canal treatment. Our doctors prioritize your comfort through the entire process, utilizing advanced techniques and technology that make modern root canal therapy far more comfortable than its reputation suggests. With our extended hours from 7 AM to 7 PM on weekdays and Saturday availability, we can often accommodate emergency situations quickly to provide the relief you need.
When Root Canal Treatment Becomes Necessary
Root canal therapy becomes necessary when the pulp—the soft tissue containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue inside your tooth—becomes infected or inflamed. This typically occurs due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, large fillings, cracks or chips, or traumatic injury to the tooth.
Common signs that you might need root canal treatment include severe toothache pain (particularly when chewing), prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, discoloration of the tooth, swelling and tenderness in nearby gums, or a persistent pimple on the gums near the affected tooth. Sometimes, a tooth requiring root canal treatment may present no symptoms, which is why regular dental examinations with radiographs are essential for early detection of problems.
The Root Canal Procedure
After ensuring you’re completely comfortable with appropriate anesthesia, we create a small access opening in the tooth to reach the pulp chamber and root canals. Using specialized instruments, we carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp tissue from the chamber and canals. The cleaned space is then shaped to receive a biocompatible filling material.
Once thoroughly cleaned and shaped, the canals are filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha that seals the space completely to prevent bacteria from re-entering. In most cases, we recommend placing a crown on the treated tooth after root canal therapy to restore its strength and function while providing long-term protection against fracture.
Throughout the procedure, we use advanced techniques and materials to ensure your comfort. Many patients are surprised to find that modern root canal treatment feels similar to having a routine filling placed and provides immediate relief from the pain of an infected tooth.
Benefits of Saving Your Natural Tooth
While tooth extraction might seem like a simpler solution for a severely damaged or infected tooth, preserving your natural tooth through root canal therapy offers significant long-term advantages. Natural teeth allow for efficient chewing, normal bite force and sensation, and maintenance of your natural appearance.
Keeping your natural tooth helps prevent adjacent teeth from shifting out of position, which can lead to bite problems and increased risk of decay or gum disease in those areas. It also avoids the need for more complex and costly tooth replacement options like implants, bridges, or partial dentures.
Root canal therapy has an extremely high success rate, with many treated teeth lasting a lifetime with proper care. The procedure addresses the source of infection while preserving the outer tooth structure, allowing you to maintain your natural smile and function.
Root Canal Treatment Costs & Financing Options
Estimated Range: $1,300–$1,800
Monthly Payments Starting At: $40
Root canals at Floss Lincoln Park cost between $1,300 and $1,800 per tooth. We provide financing options through CareCredit starting at $40 per month and accept many major insurance plans to keep your care affordable and stress-free.
Book your appointment today and treat cavities with a natural-looking solution—financing and insurance options available to help manage your care.
