Root Canals/Endodontics

Are you experiencing severe tooth pain? Has it led to sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks? It could be a sign that you need a root canal. At Hart Dental Group, we offer endodontic services in Upper Arlington and Grandview, including root canal therapy. 

What Is Endodontics?

Endodontics is a specialty of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of dental pulp and tissues surrounding the roots of a tooth. A root canal is a type of endodontic treatment that removes infected or damaged tissue from the inside of a tooth. This allows the tooth to be saved instead of extracted.

Even though a root canal is not always necessary to address oral decay or inflammation, it is a very important procedure that we offer. We may be able to use it to help you save your tooth.

Why Do I Need a Root Canal?

If the dental pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to decay, injury, or a previous dental procedure, it can cause pain and sensitivity. If not treated quickly, the infection can spread and eventually lead to tooth loss. We want to prevent a tooth extraction from being required, which is why we may recommend a root canal to save the tooth and alleviate pain and discomfort.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

A root canal may take more than one visit to complete. There are a few steps involved in this process, including:

1. Examination: First, Dr. Hart will examine the tooth and take X-rays to determine the extent of the damage and whether a root canal is necessary. We want to review all treatment options with you to ensure we provide you with the best care possible. 
2. Anesthesia: We will use local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth and ensure you are comfortable during the procedure.
3. Access: Dr. Hart will create a small hole in the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and reveal the damaged material.
4. Cleaning: Dr. Hart will remove the infected or damaged tissue in the chamber and root canals using specialized instruments.
5. Filling: The pulp chamber and root canals are filled with a synthetic material to seal them and prevent further harm.
6. Crown: Depending on the extent of the damage, we may place a dental crown over the treated tooth to provide additional protection and support.

We will do everything we can to keep you as comfortable as possible as we address your oral health needs. 

What Is the Recovery After a Root Canal?

After a root canal, you may experience some discomfort and sensitivity for a few days. Dr. Hart will provide instructions on how to manage any pain or swelling. We can prescribe pain medication if necessary. 

We will also recommend that you avoid hard or crunchy foods and practice good oral hygiene to prevent further infection. Dr. Hart will also provide detailed aftercare instructions to take care of your tooth once we are done. 

Rely on Hart Dental Group for Endodontic Care 

At Hart Dental Group, we understand that a root canal can be a daunting prospect, but our responsive team is dedicated to providing safe and effective endodontic care to our patients in Upper Arlington and Grandview. 

We are always available to help you when you need it, and our timely oral care prioritizes you every time. If you are concerned that you might need a root canal, reach out to us to schedule an appointment at (614) 486-1123.