Root Canal Treatment in Chicago

A severely infected or damaged tooth doesn’t have to mean losing it. Root canal treatment removes the infected pulp from inside the tooth, eliminates the source of pain, and seals the tooth so it can continue to function for years — often a lifetime. According to the American Association of Endodontists, more than 15 million teeth are saved this way each year, and patients who have had the procedure are six times more likely to describe it as painless than those who have a tooth extracted.

At Floss & Co., Dr. Martha Silva, Dr. Izzy Naem, and Dr. Catherine Murphy use GentleWave technology to deliver root canal treatment that’s more thorough and more comfortable than conventional methods. As part of our restorative dentistry services, we take a patient-first approach to every procedure — explaining each step, managing your comfort throughout, and restoring the treated tooth with a same-day crown whenever possible.

When Is Root Canal Treatment Necessary

Root canal therapy becomes necessary when the soft tissue inside a tooth — called the pulp — becomes infected or severely inflamed. This can happen through deep decay, a crack that reaches the inner chamber, or repeated dental trauma. Left untreated, a pulp infection doesn’t resolve on its own. It spreads, causes intense pressure and pain, and can eventually lead to abscess, bone loss, or the need to extract the tooth entirely.

Treating the infection early almost always means less complexity, a shorter appointment, and a better outcome. If you’ve been told you need a root canal, or if you’re experiencing symptoms that concern you, coming in for an evaluation is the right first step. We’ll confirm what’s happening and give you a clear picture of your options before any treatment begins.

Signs You Might Need a Root Canal

Persistent Pain: Severe, throbbing pain that doesn’t go away. This pain might be constant or intermittent and can be felt deep within the tooth.

Sensitivity to Temperature: Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages. If the sensitivity lingers even after the hot or cold substance has been removed, it could indicate an issue with the tooth’s pulp.

Swollen Gums: Swelling, tenderness, or a small bump (abscess) on the gums near the affected tooth. This bump may resemble a pimple and could release pus.

Pain When Touching or Chewing: Pain or discomfort when you touch the tooth or apply pressure to it while eating or biting down.

Prolonged Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste: Chronic bad breath or a persistent bad taste in your mouth can indicate an infection inside the tooth.

Swelling in the Face or Neck: Severe infection can sometimes cause swelling in your face or neck.

Loose Tooth: An infected tooth might feel looser due to the surrounding bone being affected by the infection.

Contact us today to schedule your root canal consultation.

Getting Treatment Couldn’t Be Any Easier.

What Happens During Root Canal Treatment in Chicago

Root canal treatment removes the infected pulp from inside the tooth, cleans and seals the area, and helps prevent the infection from coming back. The procedure is done with local anesthesia, so most patients feel little to no discomfort while it’s being performed. Before treatment begins, the area around the tooth is fully numbed, and your comfort is checked throughout the visit. Afterward, a dental crown is usually placed over the tooth to restore its full function and appearance. 

According to the American Association of Endodontists, root canal treatment is one of the most effective ways to relieve pain from infected pulp while preserving the natural tooth structure. Keeping your natural tooth is always preferable to extraction when it’s a viable option, as it maintains proper bite alignment and prevents surrounding teeth from shifting over time.

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5 Benefits of GentleWave Root Canal Treatment at Floss & Co.

At Floss & Co., we use GentleWave technology to deliver a more thorough and comfortable root canal experience. GentleWave uses multisonic energy and fluid dynamics to clean even the most complex root canal anatomy, reaching areas that traditional instruments may miss.

The benefits patients notice most include:

  • More thorough cleaning throughout the entire root canal system
  • Less removal of natural tooth structure during the procedure
  • Reduced post-treatment discomfort compared to conventional methods
  • A faster overall process, often completable in a single visit
  • Lower risk of reinfection due to more complete debris removal

GentleWave’s advanced cleaning approach is particularly beneficial for patients with complex root systems or those who have experienced failed conventional treatment. It’s one of the reasons patients seeking root canal care in Chicago continue to choose Floss & Co.

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Serving Chicago and the Surrounding Communities

At Floss & Co., we’ve been caring for patients in Chicago’s southwest communities since 1982, and our commitment to accessible, high-quality care hasn’t changed. Our Archer Avenue location in Garfield Ridge makes treatment convenient for patients throughout the area, including those near Midway, Bridgeview, and Burbank. We welcome patients from all backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, and take the time to make every visit feel comfortable and unhurried.

For patients with dental anxiety, we offer multiple comfort options including nitrous oxide and oral sedation. We accept all dental insurances and offer flexible financing through CareCredit and Lending Club. Saving a tooth is almost always the better long-term investment — and our team is here to make that process as straightforward as possible.

Schedule Root Canal Treatment at Floss & Co. in Chicago

At Floss & Co., Dr. Naem and our restorative care team bring both clinical skill and a genuine commitment to patient comfort to every appointment. If you’ve been putting off treatment because of concern about pain or cost, we’d encourage you to come in for a consultation. Most patients leave our office surprised by how manageable the experience was — and relieved that the tooth pain they’d been living with is finally resolved.

We accept all dental insurances and offer flexible financing through CareCredit and Lending Club. Same-day crown placement is available for qualifying cases. Contact our office to schedule your root canal consultation — we’ll take care of you from the first call to the final crown.

Root Canal Treatment FAQs

How much does a root canal cost in Chicago?

Root canal procedures at Floss & Co. in Garfield Ridge Chicago are priced between $1,300 and $1,800 per tooth, depending on case complexity. Front teeth typically cost less than molars due to fewer root canals. Many dental insurance plans cover 50% to 80% of root canal costs. For patients needing payment flexibility, we offer CareCredit financing with monthly payments starting as low as $40. Our in-office savings program provides an additional 20% discount for uninsured patients. We provide detailed cost estimates during your consultation so you can plan your treatment with confidence.

GentleWave is an advanced root canal technology we use at Floss & Co. It combines multisonic energy and vortical fluid dynamics to thoroughly clean the smallest and most remote areas of your root canal system. Unlike traditional root canal methods relying primarily on files and irrigants, GentleWave reaches complex anatomy conventional techniques often miss. This results in more complete disinfection and debris removal. Clinical data shows 96.6% of patients report mild to no pain after GentleWave procedures, making it significantly more comfortable than traditional root canals while improving treatment outcomes.

Modern root canal treatment at Floss & Co. is performed with effective local anesthesia, making the experience similar to getting a filling. Most patients report root canals actually relieve pain from infected teeth rather than cause it. We offer multiple sedation options based on your comfort needs, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, and IV sedation for patients with dental anxiety. Our GentleWave technology further minimizes discomfort with its minimally invasive approach. We work closely with you to ensure a pain-free, relaxed experience throughout your procedure.

Signs you may need a root canal include severe or persistent tooth pain that doesn’t go away, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures even after the source is removed, swollen or tender gums near a specific tooth, a pimple-like bump (abscess) on your gums, tooth discoloration or darkening, pain when chewing or touching the tooth, and persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste. These symptoms indicate the pulp inside your tooth may be infected. If you experience any of these warning signs, contact Floss & Co. promptly. Early intervention gives you the best chance of saving your natural tooth.

A root canal procedure typically takes 60 to 90 minutes for a single tooth, though more complex cases involving molars with multiple canals may require additional time or a follow-up appointment. At Floss & Co., our GentleWave technology often allows us to complete treatment more efficiently while achieving superior cleaning results. After the root canal, you’ll need a follow-up visit for your permanent crown, which protects the treated tooth and restores full function. We offer same-day crown options to minimize the number of appointments needed for complete restoration.

Meet Dr. Izzy Naem

Dr. Naem is a dedicated general and cosmetic dentist specializing in advanced dental technologies with personalized patient care. With his expertise in airway expansion and comprehensive dentistry, Dr. Naem ensures every aspect of your dental experience meets the highest standards of excellence. Specializing in cosmetic dentistry, airway expansion, and innovative treatments, Dr. Naem uses cutting-edge technology to help patients enjoy optimal health while maintaining the highest standards. His practice philosophy emphasizes building meaningful relationships with patients, taking time to understand their unique needs, and creating treatment plans that are both functional and aesthetically exceeding expectations.

Dr. Izzy

Patient Testimonials

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Located in the heart of Chicago, Floss & Co. combines state-of-the-art technology with warm, patient-centered care. Dr. Naem and his team provide comprehensive dental services, from preventive care to advanced cosmetic and implant dentistry, all designed to keep your smile healthy and confident.

We accept ALL dental insurance plans and offer flexible payment options to make quality dental care accessible to every patient.

The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional dental care, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a dental condition or treatment. Please don't hesitate to contact our office directly if you have any questions about our services, treatments, or policies.
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