Skip to content Save your natural tooth and stop the pain
Root canal treatment removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth, then cleans and seals it so you can keep your natural tooth instead of having it pulled. At Sigma Dental Clinic on W Foster Ave in Chicago, Dr. Sepi Dashti fully numbs the area with local anesthesia, so most patients feel little more than pressure during treatment.
Common signs you may need a root canal include lingering tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold that doesn’t go away, a swollen gum or pimple-like bump near a tooth, or a tooth that has darkened. Dr. Sepi uses low-radiation digital X-rays to confirm the cause and explains your options before treatment begins. Most back teeth need a crown afterward to protect them. If you’re in pain, call (773) 506-2033. We see dental emergencies the same day.
Rather than extracting a damaged tooth, a root canal helps save your natural tooth, maintaining your smile and preventing further oral health issues.
Root canal therapy effectively removes infection and relieves the severe pain often associated with an infected tooth.
After the infection is cleared, your tooth will be restored to its full function, allowing you to chew and speak comfortably once again.
By addressing infection early, root canal treatment prevents the spread of decay to surrounding teeth and helps maintain the overall health of your mouth.
Common signs include severe or lingering tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold that stays after the food or drink is gone, pain when chewing, a swollen or tender gum, a pimple-like bump on the gum, or a tooth that has darkened. Some infected teeth cause no pain at all, so an exam and X-ray are the only way to know for sure.
A root canal usually feels no worse than getting a filling. The tooth is fully numbed with local anesthesia before treatment, and most patients feel only pressure. The treatment relieves the pain caused by the infection. Mild soreness for a few days afterward is normal and is usually eased with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Most root canals take about 60 to 90 minutes. Some teeth, especially molars with several canals, may need a second visit. Dr. Sepi Dashti will tell you what to expect before treatment begins.
Usually, yes, for back teeth. Molars and premolars handle heavy chewing forces, and a dental crown protects the treated tooth from cracking. Front teeth can sometimes be restored with a filling instead.
Saving your natural tooth is usually the better choice. It keeps your bite and jawbone healthy and avoids the cost and time of replacing the tooth with a dental implant or bridge. Extraction is an option when a tooth can’t be saved.
With a crown and good oral care, a tooth treated with a root canal can last many years, often a lifetime. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and regular checkups help protect it.
