Root Canals

Root canals can be just as comfortable as getting a routine dental filling, thanks to the modern equipment and advanced techniques used at the office of Sabrina E. Mickel, DDS. In the Beachwood, Ohio, office, Dr. Mickel and her experienced team put gentle care and patient comfort at the top of their priority list, so there’s no need to delay necessary dental care any longer. Call the office or use the online booking feature to set up your appointment today.

What are root canals?

Root canal therapy, or a root canal, is a dental procedure to restore an infected or damaged tooth to its natural function and appearance. More than 25 million people have root canals every year. 

When might I need a root canal?

The team at Sabrina E. Mickel, DDS, often recommends root canals if you have a deep cavity, cracked tooth, or other serious tooth issues. Some signs that you might need a root canal include:

• Persistent tooth pain
• Heat or cold sensitivity
• Gum swelling
• Bump on your gums
• Jaw swelling
• Discolored tooth
• Loose tooth

In many cases, a root canal is the most effective way to preserve your tooth instead of losing it. 

How do root canals work?

Root canals start with local anesthesia to numb your tooth and dental sedation to maintain your comfort and relaxation during the procedure. The team creates an opening in the tooth and removes the infected and damaged tissue from within your tooth. 

They disinfect the root canals (the canals within the tooth’s roots) and fill them with a rubbery material (gutta-percha). After that, the team places a temporary dental filling, which keeps bacteria out of the tooth. 

Usually, people who have a root canal need a crown afterward, as the tooth is weak and needs reinforcement. After your custom crown is ready, the team removes the temporary filling and secures the crown atop your tooth. A crown fully restores your tooth appearance and allows you to eat without pain. 

Do root canals hurt?

Root canals have an undeserved reputation as a painful and difficult dental procedure, but in reality, they’re no more painful than filling a cavity. The team at Sabrina E. Mickel, DDS, has extensive root canal experience, and it’s one of the procedures they perform most frequently. 

Because the team uses safe anesthesia, advanced dental tools, and the most advanced imaging technology, root canal procedures are very predictable, with excellent outcomes. Instead of causing pain, the procedure actually relieves the pain that an infected tooth can cause. 

The comfort-focused team at Sabrina E. Mickel, DDS, makes the root canal process a smooth and easy one that’s no more difficult than a routine filling. So, there’s no reason to delay saving your tooth any longer. Call the office or use the online booking feature to set up an appointment today.