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WatchRoot Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy at Dr. Raffi General & Implant Dentistry: separating fact from fear

Root canals carry a reputation they no longer deserve. At Dr. Raffi General & Implant Dentistry, modern root canal therapy is performed under local anesthesia, and most patients describe the experience as feeling about the same as getting a filling. What the procedure actually does runs opposite to the fear around it: it removes the severe pain already being caused by an infected or inflamed tooth pulp.

Watch the video for a step-by-step look at what happens: the infected pulp is carefully removed, the canals inside the tooth are cleaned and shaped, and the space is sealed to prevent reinfection. A tooth treated this way can go on functioning for a lifetime, which is why saving your natural tooth is almost always the better choice over extraction and replacement.

Watch for these warning signs that a root canal may be needed: a severe toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers, pain when you bite down, swollen gums, or a tooth that's darkened. Any of these should send you in sooner rather than later, since an untreated infection can spread and turn a manageable problem into a much bigger one.

At Dr. Raffi General & Implant Dentistry, most patients complete treatment in a single visit lasting 60–90 minutes. Afterward, we typically place a dental crown over the tooth to protect it and restore full chewing function. Every step gets explained before treatment begins, and flexible financing options are available if cost is a concern.

Want the full story on Root Canal Therapy?

Our complete treatment guide covers what to expect, the procedure step by step, recovery, costs, and answers to the questions patients ask most.

Read the Root Canal Therapy guide

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Visit Dr. Raffi General & Implant Dentistry

Chicago Office

6215 W Touhy Ave

Chicago, IL 60646

Mon9:30am – 4pm

Tue9:30am – 5:30pm

Wed9am – 5pm

Thu9am – 11am

Fri10am – 1:30pm

Sat – SunClosed

Bourbonnais Office

876 N Convent St

Bourbonnais, IL 60914

Mon9:30am – 4pm

Tue9:30am – 6pm

Wed9am – 5pm

Thu9am – 1pm

Fri9am – 1pm

Sat – SunClosed

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Root canal therapy is necessary when the pulp of the tooth becomes inflamed, infected or dies. The tooth pulp is located in the pulp chamber, which is in the middle of the tooth. The pulp contains vital nerves and blood vessels that become infected when bacteria invade it. Bacteria is often introduced to the pulp through a deep cavity or fracture.

The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes, such as a deep cavity, a crack, an injury, or many other reasons. If the pulpal inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can travel through the tooth root and cause a painful abscess that results in bone destruction at the tip of the tooth root. You may realize you have an infected tooth because the tooth may be sensitive to hot or cold, you may have pain when you are biting, you may have swelling, or you may be experiencing throbbing or severe pain. You may also be unaware of the problem because you currently have no symptoms.

Your doctor may use a rubber dam or another isolation system to make sure the tooth is kept clean and dry during the procedure. Root canal treatment begins by first administering a local anesthetic to numb the tooth so that you are comfortable during the procedure. During a root canal, the pulp is removed from the tooth by making an opening on top of the tooth. Drills are used to remove decay and expose the canals.

A series of files and other instruments are used to clean and shape the canals of the tooth in order to prepare the tooth for a final filling material. X-rays may be taken during the procedure to inform your dentist of the ongoing process. Once the pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned, the next step is to fill the tooth. This may be done at the same time as the root canal or may be postponed until the next visit depending on your dentist’s judgment and the amount of infection.

When a root canal is filled, it is typically done by placing a material with a sealer in the canals and a temporary filling placed on the tooth. Remember that the root canal therapy treats the diseased pulp of the tooth, but the treatment is not complete until the tooth is restored to a functional stage. This normally means a crown is required to restore the tooth’s natural shape and appearance, seal the tooth, and prevent fractures. A root canal may require one or more dental visits so don’t be alarmed if your dentist asks you to return to complete your root canal treatment.

Remember to follow all recommendations and postoperative instructions given to you by your dentist, as this will promote the healing process.