Woman holding her jaw in pain while eating ice cream bar

Root Canal

Tooth sensitivity can make eating your favorite foods a painful experience, and persistent pain can dull life's greatest moments.

A root canal can restore a compromised tooth to a state of prime health. Say goodbye to daily discomfort, sensitivity, and dental pain.

Dr. Fuwad Al-Sabek is an endodontist in Orland Park, IL, who can provide you with a virtually painless root canal.

Suffering From Tooth Pain?

Our dental office in Orland Park offers a 24/7 appointment system so you can be seen sooner. If you are dealing with a painful tooth, inflamed gums, an abscess, or another uncomfortable dental issue, you may need a root canal. Contact us online or call us to schedule an emergency exam today.

When Is Root Canal Treatment Needed? Root Canals vs. Fillings

Root canal models

While minor cavities require a filling for treatment, an advanced cavity that has infected the nerves and blood vessels (pulp) within your tooth will require a root canal, the most common form of endodontic treatment. During root canal treatment, the pulp is completely removed in order to eliminate the infection and preserve the hard exterior of the tooth, which may need a dental crown to prevent further damage. 

Key Symptoms Of a Root Canal Infection

Which signs indicate the need for root canal treatment?

Sensitive Teeth

Eating a cold ice cream cone or a hot bowl of soup can lead to a sharp pain or a dull ache in your tooth.

Consistent Pain

Pain may disappear for hours or days, but if it keeps returning, it's time to see a dentist.

Inflamed Gums

Swelling around the infected tooth can be caused by a buildup of waste around the dead pulp tissue.

Tooth Discoloration

Bacteria in the pulp of your tooth can result in a grayish or brownish hue. 

Pimples Along the Gums

The bacteria from tooth decay can lead to abscesses along the gums. These abscesses often look like small pimples.

Chronic Bad Breath

Bad breath that persists after brushing and using mouthwash may indicate the presence of an endodontic infection.

Loose Teeth

Teeth can shift if the surrounding gums and underlying jawbone are infected. If you notice a loose tooth, contact your dentist for an examination as soon as possible.

Don't Ignore the Symptoms Call our Orland Park practice today

If you are experiencing symptoms of an infection, it is best to treat it as soon as possible to prevent the infection from spreading. If left untreated, further oral health complications can occur. These infections can be especially serious if you have diabetes or other autoimmune issues.

Don't wait or ignore the symptoms. If you believe you have an infection and need root canal treatment, contact us using our online form or call us in Orland Park, IL, to book a consultation.

(708) 873-9709

Premier Dental & Implant Center

"The best experience ever." Hear From a Satisfied Orland Park Patient

"The best experience ever. I hated dentists all of my life. However, this experience was a positive experience. I'm definitely going to revisit their office and make them my official dentist. Im blessed." Rabab Magid

How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?

Root canal treatment typically costs between $900 and $1,200 at our practice. Your final price will depend on your unique dental needs, including the number of treated teeth, the size and location of the teeth, and whether you receive sedation for the procedure.

Most dental insurance plans provide coverage for root canal treatment, which can significantly reduce or even eliminate your out-of-pocket costs. We accept many types of insurance and can help you file a claim to ensure you're making the most of your benefits.

If you are uninsured or need help with costs not covered by your dental insurance, know that we accept financing through CareCredit®. CareCredit offers healthcare loans with little or no interest, repayable in manageable monthly installments.

Aren't Root Canals Painful?

Root canal models

No! It is a common misconception that root canals are painful. Thanks to modern tools and techniques, many patients now report that root canal treatment is no more painful than having a filling placed.

Before your root canal treatment begins, your dentist will numb the area using a local anesthetic. This ensures you do not feel any pain. If you have dental anxiety, sensitive teeth, or if you simply need an extra level of assurance, our Orland Park, IL, dental practice offers sedation options to help ensure maximum comfort during treatment. Our sedation options include:

Oral Conscious Sedation

  • This method involves taking an oral sedative, prescribed by your dentist, about an hour before your procedure. This will help you feel comfortable during treatment. You will be groggy and unable to drive afterwards, so you will need a responsible adult to take you home.

IV Sedation

  • This type of sedation is administered through an IV line. You will feel the effects almost immediately and enter a state of "twilight sleep." Like oral conscious sedation, you will need a responsible adult to drive you home following treatment.

"Virtually pain-free." We Make Your Comfort the Priority

"This Practice is wonderful, they have a professional to cover all of your dental issues.  Just completed a dental implant, virtually pain free and each step was handled with great care.  Veronica gave me a dental cleaning today, best ever, thanks to your wonderful staff!" Jan

The Root Canal Procedure Step by Step

From beginning to end, here is what you can expect when undergoing a root canal at Premier Dental & Implant Center:

Dr. Al-Sabek is an endodontist, not just a regular dentist. He has undergone three additional years of special training to treat issues of the dental pulp, including root canal infections.
Dr. Al-Sabek is an endodontist, not just a regular dentist. He has undergone three additional years of special training to treat issues of the dental pulp, including root canal infections.

Diagnosis

Dr. Al-Sabek will conduct a thorough dental examination and discuss your symptoms with you. We'll also take X-rays of your mouth to look for signs of infected or inflamed tissue. We use digital X-rays, which provide ultra-precise imaging while exposing patients to dramatically reduced levels of radiation.

Making the Patient Comfortable

We will provide local anesthesia at the treatment site. We aim to make the root canal procedure a virtually painless experience; if you want sedation, please let us know.

Removing Infected Pulp

Your endodontist will completely remove the pulp, nerves, and blood vessels within the decaying tooth. This eliminates the bacteria that caused the infection, creating a clean slate.

Filling the Tooth

After the infection is removed, the endodontist will replace the pulp with a rubber-like substance called gutta percha, sealing the access point. If you need a dental crown for extra support, a temporary crown will be placed on the tooth at this stage.

Applying the Crown

At a second appointment after you've healed, your temporary crown will be gently removed and a custom permanent crown will be placed over your new tooth. You're all done!

What Will My New Crown Look Like?

Your new crown will be virtually indistinguishable from a natural tooth. Our team uses premium materials like porcelain, zirconia, and IPS e.max® for dental crowns. These ceramics reflect light in the same way tooth enamel does, and they can be custom-shaded to match the precise color of the surrounding teeth.

These materials are also prized for their durability. A crown fashioned from one of these options can withstand the full force of your bite and last for 15 years or even longer before you need to consider replacing it with another natural-looking restoration.

porcelain dental crown for a larger tooth

Comfortable Care
That Preserves Your Smile
Make an Appointment in Orland Park Today

Dr. Al-Sabek and our team are dedicated to making every visit as pain-free and stress-free as possible. With our warm demeanor, patient-first approach, and multiple sedation options, your root canal treatment can fly by without worry.

Don't risk losing your tooth over a fear of pain. Our promise to you is that we'll be there to ensure your comfort every step of the way. What's more, undergoing treatment for this type of infection can relieve pain and discomfort. Book your appointment by contacting us online or calling us at:

(708) 873-9709

"The Entire Staff Goes Above and Beyond" Hear from Satisfied Orland Park Patients

1

Tracie McDaniel

2021

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My 19 year old daughter is a very anxious dental patient. From the moment we came for the consult through the procedure and follow up, she was comfortable and we felt well taken care of. The entire staff goes above and beyond to help you feel comfortable and genuinely cared for! They explain everything that needs to be done instead of surprising you later with regards to time to complete, cost, etc. She needed 3 root canals under anesthesia. The entire dental team rocked! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

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1

Omama Kashour

2021

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My experience at Premier Dental was nothing short of exceptional. Dr. Akhras and his staff are friendly, professional, and very knowledgeable. When I came to the office, I was greeted by a nice young lady who helped me check in smoothly and answered all my questions about the procedure and payment plans. They are also a very organized dental team which was evident when I only waited about 10 minutes to be seen and I was able to schedule my next check-up seamlessly.

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Root Canal Recovery

The recovery period after a root canal is generally mild and usually lasts less than a week. Here are a few things to anticipate and a few ways to make the process easier:

Manage Discomfort With Medication

You may experience some mild pain and swelling, especially in the first two days after your root canal. These symptoms can typically be managed with cold compresses and over-the-counter medication.

Prioritize Rest

Your body needs time to heal after your root canal. Avoid exercising for two to three days, and plan to take the day after your procedure off from work or school to focus on rest.

Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods

Biting down on crunchy or sticky foods can disturb the treatment area and dislodge your temporary dental crown. Try to chew using the other side of your mouth until you have fully healed and received your permanent crown.

5-Star Reviews "Best dentist I've ever been to hands down!"

Our client testimonials speak to the level of care and consistency you'll find at Premier Dental and Implant Center in Orland Park, IL.

1

cosmo calabrese

2022

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Honestly best dentist I’ve ever been to hands down! I have had fillings, root canals, and crowns and I’m lucky I came to this establishment. 

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1

Jennifer Anderson

2021

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The best dentist we've had in years. Very gentle, efficient and friendly. They will discuss all options with you and the best course of treatment. Highly recommend!

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Root Canal FAQ

Here are some of the most common questions Dr. Al-Sabek receives about this important endodontic procedure.
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How soon can I eat after a root canal?

You can eat within a few hours of your root canal procedure, or when the numbing anesthetic has fully worn off. Again, stick with soft foods to start, and try to chew with the side of your mouth that was not treated.

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Can I smoke after a root canal?

No, please do not smoke after your root canal. If you use tobacco, abstain until the recovery process is complete. Smoking after a root canal can affect your body's ability to heal and lead to uncomfortable complications.

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Can I drive home after my root canal?

If you received sedation for your root canal, you should not drive yourself home after the procedure. Sedation can take several hours to wear off completely. It's safer to have a friend or relative take you home. If your root canal was completed without sedation, you should be able to drive home and quickly resume all normal activities. 

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Wouldn't it be easier to just remove the tooth?

A dentist or endodontist will always try to save a tooth rather than remove it. Tooth loss carries more consequences than you may realize, including shifting teeth, facial changes, gum disease, and further tooth loss. The only way to minimize these risks after a losing a tooth is to replace it with a dental implant and restoration, which is much more expensive than receiving a root canal in the first place.

Premier Dental & Implant Center

Premier Dental & Implant Center

At Premier Dental & Implant Center, we provide high-quality dental care for your entire family. Dr. Yamen Akhras and our team offer a full range of dental services. We are also proud to be affiliated with:

  • American Academy of Periodontology
  • American Dental Association
  • Chicago Dental Associations
  • International Congress of Oral Implantologists

For more information about our services, contact our office online or call (708) 873-9709 today.

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