Cincinnati Root Canal Therapy from Top Dentists

Understanding Root Canals & What to Expect at Your Appointment

A root canal treatment is required when the pulp inside a tooth’s root becomes a problem. A tooth root can become inflamed or infected for various reasons, including deep decay or injury. Even a tooth with no visible signs of trauma may sustain pulp damage.

If the tooth pulp becomes infected or inflamed, severe pain and even an abscess can follow, neither of which is pleasant. In cases where it’s been left way too long, you can even develop an infection in the jawbone itself. In such cases, getting a root canal is essential. In fact, it’s why seeing your family dentist any time you have a toothache is important.

A root canal is a treatment that has three goals:

1. Remove the entirety of the infected pulp
2. Prevent further infections in the tooth
3. Save the natural tooth

You might be wondering why we don’t just remove the infected tooth. But, whenever possible, it’s important to save a natural tooth, even one that’s non-vital, meaning that it has a deactivated nerve and no blood flow. Keeping a natural tooth preserves the function of your bite, protects your other teeth from disproportionate wear-and-tear, and, of course, it keeps your smile looking natural.

A Quick Historical Review of Root Canals

For millennia, people commonly died from tooth infections and more advanced conditions called abscesses. But it seems that root canal treatments have been saving people for over 2,000 years. Human remains from the 3rd century BCE show the Romans drained infected teeth and deadened nerves with copper, which has antibiotic effects. It was probably an awful procedure, because there likely wasn’t much but wine to lessen pain.

The Greeks and the Romans would do anything not to lose a tooth. They were likely just as concerned with a pretty smile as we are now. The Greeks would stuff mustard and herbs around an infected tooth and die from these infections before they’d let their tooth be pulled. Fortunately, the Romans may have been the first to break this cycle.

The technological resources we have now mean there’s no need to wait and worry about how bad an infection is getting, risking your whole-body health in the process. And it’s way less uncomfortable than getting a copper wire stabbed into an already painful tooth. Almost every time, we can remove the entire infection and save the natural tooth, all in an anesthetized outpatient procedure that’s no more uncomfortable than a routine tooth extraction or cavity treatment. So don’t delay a needed root canal; doing so can lead to a serious infection.

Signs and Symptoms You Might Need a Root Canal

Dentists typically recommend root canal treatment if you’re experiencing symptoms indicating tooth damage, infection, or both. For instance, you may need a root canal if you have

• A cracked tooth from trauma or a medical condition
• Temporary pain when biting down on something, which often indicates a crack or other damage
• A cavity that’s too deep to be corrected with a filling
• A loose, cracked, or broken filling that’s allowing bacteria and debris into the empty cavity
• Gums that are darkened or have “pimples” in the affected area

Symptoms of inflammation and infection requiring a root canal likely include:

• Persistent and intense toothaches, not just momentary pain when biting down on something
• Abnormal sensitivity to temperature and pressure
• Swollen lymph nodes in your neck
• Fever
• Discharge

Regarding discharge, there may be bleeding or leakage, or if the abscess ruptures, you’ll have a sudden rush of gross fluid (read: pus) in your mouth. This is an emergency; the infected fluid is now dispersed throughout your mouth and jaw. Seek an emergency dentist immediately.

The Health Risks of a Tooth Abscess

A tooth abscess occurs when the infection in the pulp creates a pocket of infected pus around the root of the tooth. While not extremely common, an untreated abscess will continue to spread to the bone around the tooth’s root. It may even extend into surrounding tissues and bone. And infections that get to your muscle and bone can cause permanent damage that may result in the surgical removal of said tissue or bone.

In some cases, infections originating from a tooth abscess can be fatal. Occasionally, the infection will spread to other parts of the body, such as the heart and lungs. In rare cases, the infection spreads to the brain, causing a brain abscess or even a coma.

The Root Canal Procedure at Beckham Square Family Dental

Our traditional root canal procedure involves cleaning the pulp from its chamber with very small instruments. After removing the pulp, the pulp chamber and the root are shaped to the required space so that a biocompatible material can fill the space. The most commonly used material is a rubber-like compound called gutta-percha, which is secured with an adhesive cement to ensure complete root canal closure. The opening is closed with a temporary filling, which will be removed so the tooth can be completely restored.

We use a new technology for root canal treatment called the Gentle Wave method, which makes the procedure more than 98% effective, reduces discomfort, and shortens healing time. This strategy for treating root canal infections uses fluid and acoustic vibrations instead of drills. In this way, there is less trauma to the tooth, and the vibrating fluid can reach every possible crevice where bacteria might be hiding. As always, our patients’ comfort is as important to us as the quality of the dental care we provide, which is why we prefer the Gentle Wave method for root canals.

Following the root canal, a restoration appliance will be placed on the tooth, possibly a crown or another type of protection. This device ensures the tooth returns to full function.

Once you’re cleared to go home, you’ll typically require a recovery period ranging from two days to a week to ensure proper healing. Recovery can look slightly different depending on the patient and the nature of the root canal. However, you can expect numbness and soreness for the first 24 hours after your appointment, with the soreness increasing as the anesthesia wears off. Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs can help with the pain. On the first day, you can also expect mild swelling, which you can reduce with an ice pack. However, contact your dentist if the swelling increases.

For the remaining 2-7 days, you’ll gradually feel more comfortable. Expect mild tenderness when chewing or biting, which should eventually subside. Be sure not to apply too much pressure when eating. You may still notice swelling, so continue applying your ice pack and remain consistent with your OTC medications, following your dentist’s instructions for post-procedure care.

Root Canals for Teeth that are Too Decayed to Save

Some teeth may not be strong enough to retain the restoration after a root canal. When this condition exists, a post may be placed inside the tooth. Occasionally, a dentist will recommend tooth extraction and replacement with an implant crown. While a root canal doesn’t sound like fun for many people, it’s better than getting an infected jawbone and having to undergo tooth and bone removal and reconstructive surgeries.

Contact Beckham Square Family Dental Today for Root Canal procedures in Cincinnati

If you are looking for a Cincinnati dentist who performs root canals and have a severe toothache that is not responding to over-the-counter pain medication, please call our office immediately at 513.489.7800. We are your local emergency dentist; we keep room in our appointment book for problems just like this.

We can quickly diagnose the problem to determine the best course of treatment. If a root canal is required, our dentists will refer you to a root canal specialist. Give us a call or use our contact form to schedule a consultation about your root canal today.