Root Canal Therapy

Root Canal Therapy in Birmingham, MI

Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection.  In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.

Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed.  Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.

Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.

Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy:

  • An abscess (or pimple) on the gums.
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold.
  • Severe toothache pain.
  • Sometimes no symptoms are present.
  • Swellingand/or tenderness.

Reasons for root canal therapy:

  • Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth).
  • Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.
  • Injury or trauma to the tooth.

What does root canal therapy involve?

A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist).

While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva.  An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria.  If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments.

Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed.

At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials.  A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth.  In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed.  This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.

After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed.

You will be given care instructions after each appointment.  Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.

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Testimonials

I have been going to Dr. Bonadeo for about 30 years. He is very awesome in his practice, the excellence of his work is very obvious in each and every procedure he performs. Dr. Bonadeo is a great person as well, we always have a good time when I go in for an appt, we do have some good laughs sometimes.
His staff is very cooperative and always accommodating. Teeth cleaning is a breeze with Deanna the Hygenist, she is wonderful, and also has a great personality. My husband and I have been going to Dr. Bonadeo for so long, that we feel like family when we are there. His work speaks for itself, and that is why he has patients that have been going to him for their dental needs for so many years.

Karen O.

5.0 star rating 2/8/2020
I am very happy with and highly recommend my dentist Dr. Bonadeo. I have been his patient for a few years now since my previous dentist retired. Dr. Bonadeo is not convenient to where I live, but it is worth my travel to be under his care for my dental needs. I have had fillings, replacement of old fillings, root canal, crowns, and teeth alignment procedures performed by the very competent Dr. Bonadeo, all of which have been extremely satisfactory to me. He is personable and very concerned of your comfort level during your procedure. Going to the dentist in the past had been a scary experience for me, but "thank you" Dr. Bonadeo for making that experience more comfortable!

Carol D.

I have been a patient of Dr. Bonadeo's for over 35 years! The staff is friendly and the care received is excellent. His work is top notch!

Kari S.

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Contact Us.We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form.

Contact Us

We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form below.