Root Canal Therapy
If an infection reaches the innermost tissues of a tooth, it can leave you in considerable pain and at risk of severe oral health problems. In such cases, you may need root canal therapy to eliminate the bacteria causing the problem, avoid the need for extraction, and protect your other teeth.
Dr. Warren Gase performs this procedure at our Cincinnati, OH, practice. With over 30 years of dental experience, he can address a wide range of oral health issues. Dr. Gase stays abreast of the latest techniques and methods and is a member of the American Dental Association, the Ohio Dental Association, and the Cincinnati Dental Society.
Why Get Root Canal Therapy?
If bacteria reach the soft tissue pulp at the center of your tooth, the infection can travel down the roots, spread to neighboring teeth, and erode the supporting jawbone. Left untreated, an extraction and replacement may ultimately be necessary. Fortunately, root canal therapy eliminates infection at its source and restores oral health and function.
Many patients worry that root canal therapy will be painful. On the contrary, it is often much more comfortable than living with a toothache. Furthermore, because the nerves are removed during the procedure, most patients report immediate relief afterward.
When Is Root Canal Therapy Necessary?
You may need this treatment if you have:
- A toothache
- Persistent bad breath or taste
- Gum or jaw swelling
- Sudden sensitivity to temperature changes
- Swollen or tender lymph nodes
Unfortunately, there are not always obvious symptoms associated with an infected tooth. That is why routine dental checkups are so important. Dr. Gase can detect any potential problems during your regular examinations at our Cincinnati practice.
To determine whether root canal therapy is appropriate for you, Dr. Gase will assess the extent of the damage. If the decay or fracture is too severe, then an extraction may be the more logical option.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Root canal therapy is typically completed in two appointments at our Cincinnati practice. To begin the procedure, Dr. Gase administers local anesthesia to numb the tooth. Next, a small hole is created in the tooth and all soft tissues at the tooth's center are removed, including the nerves and blood vessels. Using a disinfectant solution, the inside of the tooth is then thoroughly cleaned.
If the remaining tooth structure is not able to support a crown, then Dr. Gase can insert a post into one of the root canals to provide additional reinforcement. Next, the canals and the pulp chamber are filled with a rubbery dental material and the tooth is sealed with a filling to prevent reinfection.
Some tenderness is to be expected following root canal therapy. These side effects are temporary and should diminish within a few days. In the meantime, any discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
In many cases, a dental crown is necessary to fully restore the tooth. In these instances, patients are scheduled for a second appointment to have their restoration placed.
Learn about Your Options
Our practice accepts CareCredit® and LendingClub® financing options to help patients afford treatment. If you have developed pain, swelling, or other symptoms of an infected tooth, schedule an appointment with Dr. Gase. Contact us online or give us a call at (513) 931-3001.
