Your Dream Team for Beautiful Smiles and Faces

Your Dream Team for Beautiful Smiles and Faces

Root Canal Therapy

South Side Chicago Dentist

A root canal is a treatment of the center of the tooth that is inflamed, infected or dead. The center of the tooth, called the pulp, is a soft substance that consists of nerve, blood vessels and connective tissue. Symptoms of the infection include visible injury or swelling of the tooth and sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums. If you experience any of the symptoms, contact your dental office.

Your dentist will take an x-ray of the tooth. If he or she determines that you need a root canal treatment, 1 or 2 appointments will be scheduled based on the size and duration of the abscess and other factors.

Before starting root canal therapy, the doctor will administer local anesthesia to ensure your complete comfort. A dental dam is placed on the infected site to isolate the affected area. A small opening is made through the top of the tooth to gain access to the pulp. The pulp, which is the soft tissue inside the root canal, is removed from the chamber and canals. The canals are then cleaned with a disinfecting solution. X-rays may be taken throughout the procedure to ensure each canal is being adequately treated.

Once the canals are cleaned, they are filled with gutta percha, a rubber-like material to protect and seal. A temporary filling may be placed in the opening until it can be replaced by a permanent filling. After the root canal is completed, the tooth will need a crown to protect it from fracturing.

After the procedure, your tooth may feel sensitive for the first few days. This discomfort may be relieved with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medications. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until you have a full restoration.

Root canal therapy can preserve a patient’s tooth for a lifetime. It is a highly successful procedure with more than a 95% success rate.

Visit Us

South Side Chicago Dentist
820 East 87th Street Suite 201,
Chicago, IL 60619

Office Hours
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: By appointment only

Contact Us

Yetta G. McCullom, D.D.S., M.S. (773) 488-3738
Cornell McCullom III, D.D.S., M.D. (773) 488-3738
Robin L. Ferguson, D.D.S., P.C. (773) 488-9075

In The News

South Side Chicago Dentist

  • ABC News
  • WVON - The Talk of Chicago
  • Healthfront
  • WCIU The U
  • WH - The Wellness Hour

Read Our Dental News

South Side Chicago Dentist

What is a Cosmetic Dentist? Chatham Chicago IL Dentist

What is a Cosmetic Dentist? Chatham Chicago IL Dentist

Despite popular belief, there is no official dental specialty for cosmetic dentistry. There are, however, countless courses, training programs and advanced training which can allow…

Read More >
May 15, 2023 | South Side Chicago Dentist
Should I Be Concerned About A Thumb Sucking Habit? | Best South Side Chicago Dentist

Should I Be Concerned About A Thumb Sucking Habit? | Best South Side Chicago Dentist

​​ Thumb sucking is one of the most recognizable behaviors found in children. Sucking is a natural reflex and infants and young children may use…

Read More >
May 01, 2023 | South Side Chicago Dentist
Healthy Smile, Healthy Body | Best Dentist Near Me

Healthy Smile, Healthy Body | Best Dentist Near Me

Good oral hygiene habits are essential to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. What  you might not know is that research has found the health…

Read More >
April 15, 2023 | South Side Chicago Dentist