Root Canal Therapy in Chicago, IL

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is a restorative procedure that removes infected or damaged tissue from inside a tooth. Once the pulp is cleaned and disinfected, the interior is sealed, and the tooth is restored with a dental crown to restore strength and function.

This treatment is typically needed when:

• A cavity has reached deep into the tooth’s nerve
• There’s trauma or a crack that exposes the pulp
• You experience lingering tooth sensitivity or severe pain
• An abscess forms at the base of the root
• A previous filling or crown has failed, allowing reinfection

Root canal therapy allows you to keep your natural tooth and avoid extraction, while eliminating infection and relieving pain.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Common symptoms include:

• Sharp, persistent tooth pain
• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers
• Pain when chewing or touching the tooth
• Swelling in the gums near the tooth
• A small bump or pimple-like lesion near the affected area
• Discoloration or darkening of the tooth

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an exam as soon as possible. Left untreated, infection can spread and lead to more serious complications.

The Root Canal Process

At our Chicago dental office, root canal therapy is performed with advanced technology and a focus on comfort:

1. Diagnosis and Imaging
   We begin with a thorough exam and digital X-rays to assess the extent of the infection and determine if a root canal is needed.
2. Numbing and Isolation
   The area is numbed with local anesthesia to ensure a pain-free experience. We isolate the tooth to prevent bacteria from entering during the procedure.
3. Cleaning and Disinfection
   The infected pulp is removed, and the inner canals are cleaned, shaped, and disinfected to eliminate bacteria.
4. Filling and Sealing
   We fill the cleaned space with a biocompatible material and seal the tooth to prevent reinfection.
5. Final Restoration
   Most teeth that undergo root canal therapy require a dental crown for strength and protection. We offer porcelain and ceramic crowns for natural-looking results.

Our team uses digital imaging and intraoral cameras to plan treatment precisely and reduce chair time.

Is Root Canal Therapy Painful?

Root canal therapy has come a long way in terms of patient comfort. The procedure itself is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. In fact, it’s designed to relieve pain caused by infection or nerve damage.

After treatment, some tenderness may occur, but this typically resolves within a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.

Meet Your Root Canal Dentist in Chicago

Dr. Ramy Bahu, D.D.S. has decades of clinical experience in conservative, comfort-focused dentistry. Known for his gentle approach and attention to detail, Dr. Bahu uses advanced techniques to ensure root canal therapy is efficient, effective, and minimally invasive. Whether you're dealing with a sudden toothache or managing long-term oral health, he’s committed to preserving your natural teeth whenever possible.

Related Services

Depending on your specific case, root canal therapy may be part of a larger restorative plan involving:

• Dental Fillings – for early-stage decay
• Tooth Extractions – when a tooth is too damaged to save
• Dental Implants – if extraction is required and you want a permanent replacement‍
• Full Mouth Reconstruction – for patients needing multiple complex treatments