Root Canal Therapy
Pain-free treatment that saves an infected tooth and ends the ache.
Few dental treatments have a worse reputation than the root canal — and few deserve it less. At Smile360 Chicago, a root canal is how we stop the pain of an infected or damaged tooth and save it, so you keep your natural smile instead of losing a tooth. With modern techniques and a gentle, unhurried approach from Dr. Mustafa Salam, most patients tell us it feels no different than a routine filling. And if you're in pain, we can often help the same day — right here on Devon Avenue, on the North Side of Chicago.
In short
- A root canal relieves your pain — it doesn’t cause it
- Often completed in a single visit
- Saves your natural tooth instead of removing it
- Same-day appointments when you’re in severe pain
Signs you might need a root canal
A tooth's inner pulp can become infected or inflamed from a deep cavity, a crack, or an injury. Common warning signs include:
- A lingering toothache, or pain when you bite or chew
- Sharp sensitivity to hot or cold that doesn't fade
- Swelling or tenderness in the nearby gum
- A small pimple or "boil" on the gum
- A tooth that's darkening, or a lost or leaking filling
Sometimes there's no pain at all — one more reason regular checkups matter. If something feels off, call us; catching it early keeps treatment simple.
Note
Modern root canals feel much like a routine filling. With today’s anesthetics, most patients are comfortable the whole time and surprised by how easy it was.
Does a root canal hurt?
This is the question we hear most — and the honest answer is no. The pain people associate with root canals is really the infection itself. We thoroughly numb the area first, and with today's tools the procedure is quick and comfortable — most patients say it feels just like getting a filling. If you're anxious, tell us and we'll take it slow. Afterward, the ache that brought you in is gone, and any mild soreness usually settles within a few days.
What to expect
Most root canals take one or two visits. We gently remove the infected tissue from inside the tooth, clean and disinfect the canals, and seal them to prevent re-infection. Because a treated tooth can become brittle, we usually finish with a crown to protect it and restore full strength — often with same-day crown technology, so you leave with your smile whole. From there it's yours to keep, brushing and flossing like any other tooth.
In pain right now?
An infected tooth won't get better on its own, and the ache tends to get worse. We keep same-day appointments open for urgent tooth pain — call us and we'll get you seen fast, ease the pain, and start saving the tooth.
Clear pricing, insurance, and financing
We'll always give you a clear estimate before we begin — no surprise bills. We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicaid (which typically cover a good portion of a root canal) and file the paperwork for you, and for patients without coverage we offer transparent self-pay pricing plus flexible financing through CareCredit. Saving your natural tooth now is almost always more comfortable — and more affordable — than replacing it later.
“Saving your own tooth is almost always better than replacing it — and a root canal is how we do it.”
Gentle, tooth-saving care
Dr. Salam built Smile360 Chicago to take the fear out of the dental chair, and that's exactly the spirit we bring to root canals — honest explanations, a calm and patient pace, and modern technology that makes the whole thing easier than you'd expect. The goal is simple: end your pain, save your tooth, and get you back to your day.
Think you might need a root canal — or just want the pain to stop? Book a visit at Smile360 Chicago, or call us for same-day care.
What's included
- Gentle sedation options
- Single-visit when possible
- Saves your natural tooth
Frequently asked questions
Can’t find your answer? We’re happy to help — give us a call.
An infected tooth won't heal on its own — the infection can spread, the pain gets worse, and you can eventually lose the tooth (and face more expensive treatment). A root canal stops the problem early and saves your natural tooth, which is almost always the better and more affordable choice.
Easy for most people. You may have mild soreness or sensitivity for a few days, easily managed with an over-the-counter pain reliever, and you can usually get back to normal right away. Most patients feel fully healed within a week or two.
Usually yes, especially on back teeth. A treated tooth can become brittle, and a crown restores its full strength and protects it for the long term. We'll let you know what's best for your specific tooth.
Most are completed in one or two visits, each about 60–90 minutes. We'll usually place a crown afterward to protect the tooth — often the same day, so you leave with your smile whole.
Common signs are a lingering toothache, pain when biting, sharp or lasting sensitivity to hot and cold, gum swelling, or a small pimple on the gum. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all — another reason regular checkups matter. If something feels off, give us a call.
No — this is the biggest myth about root canals. The pain people remember is really the infection. We fully numb the tooth first, and with modern techniques the procedure feels much like a routine filling. Any mild soreness afterward usually settles within a few days.
From our blog
Tooth Ache? Here’s What’s Causing It and How to Get Relief Fast
A throbbing toothache is your body’s way of saying something’s wrong. Here are the most common causes of tooth pain, what you can do for relief right now, and when to see an emergency dentist in Chicago.
Dental Anxiety? 7 Ways We Make Visits Stress-Free
If the dentist makes you nervous, you’re far from alone — and you don’t have to white-knuckle it. Here are seven ways we help anxious patients feel calm and in control.