Root Canal Therapy: Relieve pain, heal infection, and save your tooth
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure that relieves discomfort and helps the body to eradicate a dental infection. Possible reasons a root canal may be needed include deep decay that reaches the nerve of the tooth, a crack extending into the nerve of the tooth, or trauma to a tooth due to a sports injury, fall, or other accident. Cincinnati endodontist Dr. Sullivan has the training and experience required to provide the highest quality root canal treatment available. Mason Endodontics and Microsurgery is conveniently located on the northside of Cincinnati. Call us today to schedule your root canal treatment.
1st Step of a Root Canal
A small access is made by Dr. Sullivan through the top of your tooth to reach the pulp chamber where the nerve canals originate from.
2nd Step of a Root Canal
The root canals are located with the help of a microscope and conservatively cleaned and disinfected with irrigants to remove all bacteria and other debris inside your tooth.
3rd Step of a Root Canal
The canals are dried and sealed with a biocompatible sealing material that ensures a complete seal of the root canal system inside your tooth. A temporary filling is placed. Most initial root canals can be completed in a single appointment. If your tooth is too infected we some times have to place a medication inside the canals and bring you back in 3-4 weeks to complete the root canal. Rest assured, Dr. Sullivan will do whatever is best for your tooth.
Final Step of a Root Canal
We write a post-operative report with x-rays to your dentist letting them know that the root canal is complete and you are ready for the final restoration. You will return to your dentist for a permanent filling or crown depending on what is best for your tooth.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
-Cold or hot sensitivity that is persistent and lingers
-Pain when chewing your food
-Spontaneous throbbing or aching from your tooth or jaw
-Pain that wakes you up at night or that you have to take medications to relieve
-Trauma to a tooth that causes fracture or the tooth to be loose
-A tooth turning grey or discolored can be an indicator that a tooth nerve is dying
-A small bump, swelling, or “pimple” next to a tooth or more severe swelling in the jaw or cheek
-Persistent sinus issues on one side can be a sign of tooth infection
