Root Canals in Birmingham MI
When expertise really matters
Experience is vital when it comes to choosing a dentist for your root canal, and Dr. Sushko has been performing the procedure on his patients since 1981.
Dr. Sushko performs root canals that are fast and comfortable.
Because of his skill and expertise in the area, Dr. Sushko has earned a 100 percent satisfaction rating among his patients and was awarded Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a prestigious honor reserved only for the top general dentists in the country.
Our Root Canal Procedure
Before recommending a root canal, we collect a thorough history of any symptoms and perform an examination including dental X-rays. This aids in the accurate diagnosis of any tooth that may be suspected of needing a root canal.
Our root canals are fast and comfortable thanks to Dr. Sushko's years of experience. We use a combination of hand and rotary instruments, as well as local anesthetic, to ensure the procedure is done as gently as possible.
Dr. Sushko will evaluate your root canal situation and determine if he is able to handle it or if a specialist is required.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a procedure that is done to save a tooth that is badly damaged or infected. The pulp, or living part of the tooth, is made up of nerves and blood vessels. It is contained in the pulp chamber, a space inside center of the tooth which holds the pulp and extends into the roots. It becomes infected or dies for a number of reasons:
- Decay — bacteria causing tooth decay infects the pulp
- Trauma — a traumatic injury can cause an inflammation of the pulp
- Deep fillings — fillings that have to be placed close to the pulp chamber because of tooth decay or tooth fracture
- Unexplained — sometimes the pulp can become inflamed and can die for no apparent reason
During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed from the "canal" inside of the root, which is then cleaned, filled and sealed.
What are the symptoms that indicate the need for a root canal?
- Moderate to severe lingering toothache, which may be throbbing, when having hot or cold foods
- Toothache pain so intense it wakes you up at night
- Pain when chewing or biting
- Swelling on your gum which when pressed may release blood or pus
- Pain that starts in one tooth and spreads to other regions of the jaw or head, e.g. an infected lower molar (back tooth) may cause you to feel pain in the ear
- Sometimes, however, there may be no symptoms