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Root Canals Specialist

Banks Dental Group

Christopher Banks, DMD

Dentist located in Auburn Gresham, Chicago, IL

Root canals relieve pain from severe decay or infection, and repair your tooth so it functions normally. Dr. Christopher Banks provides root canals to residents in the area of Auburn Gresham in Chicago. Make an appointment at his practice, Banks Dental Group, for a thorough evaluation to see if a root canal is for you.

Root Canals Q & A

Who is a candidate for a root canal?

A root canal is appropriate for teeth that are infected to the pulp – a collection of nerves and blood vessels in the center of the tooth. The pulp isn’t essential to the tooth’s function; it offers sensory information, such as sensitivity to heat or cold.

When bacteria has reached the pulp, it can multiply quickly and turn into an extremely painful or abscessed tooth.

How did the pulp get so infected?

Extreme decay, large fillings, a crack or chip, face trauma, or multiple dental procedures on the same tooth exposes the tooth to bacteria that can infiltrate the pulp.

What should I expect when getting a root canal?

During a root canal, Dr. Banks thoroughly cleans out the infected pulp. He uses a rubber-like material called gutta-percha to fill the empty space where the pulp was. Once this portion of the procedure is done, he puts in a crown or filling to restore the full shape of the tooth so it can function properly.

Why should I consider a root canal?

A root canal removes infected tissue that’s infiltrated deep into your tooth and causes severe pain. Gone untreated, a tooth with infected pulp can cause swelling, puss-filled pockets at the root of the tooth (abscess), bone deterioration, and holes in the side of the tooth that cause pus to drain into the gums or through the cheek.

What benefits does a root canal offer?

In addition to preserving your health and relieving pain, a root canal preserves your natural mouth shape and the feeling of your bite. This means you won’t experience changes in chewing or speaking. It also protects surrounding teeth from excessive strain or wear.

What symptoms suggest that I might need a root canal?

Dr. Banks provides you with a thorough examination to confirm whether you need a root canal, but it’s a good idea to schedule such a visit if you:

  • Feel toothache pain when chewing
  • Have darkening of the tooth
  • Suffer sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lasts
  • Experience swelling or soreness in gums around the suspect tooth

Does a root canal hurt?

Root canals feel similar to a regular filling used to treat a cavity. You feel notably more pain before you have the tooth treated.

Accepted Insurance Plans

At Banks Dental Group, we accept all insurance plans except Medicaid and private insurances. Here is a short-list of just some of the most popular plans we accept. Please contact our office and ask for Annette if you do not see your insurance provider listed here.

Banks Dental Group has made arrangements to provide extended payment plans with low interest rates. Applications are available at our front desk or please call 844-884-SAVE (7283) and quick approval can be made.

Contact us!

Aetna
All Kids
Avesis
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
CompDent
Delta Dental
Devoted
GEHA PPO
Harmony Health Plan
Liberty Dental PPO
Medicaid
MetLife Dental
Preferred Care Partners
United Concordia
WellCare