Root Canal Therapy
When a tooth becomes infected, removing the source of infection is necessary. Infection normally starts from deep decay on a tooth but it can also start in other ways, such as an injury or blow to the tooth or a chip or crack. Root canal treatment removes the infected area and allows the tooth to repair and heal. Some people become anxious when they learn that they need a root canal. However, there is no reason to be. The treatment is reasonably comfortable, and an infected tooth won’t heal on its own. Without a root canal, the infected tooth will get worse. Pain will increase. Your tooth may eventually be extracted and replaced with a bridge, implant or removable appliance. A root canal saves your natural teeth. It saves money in the long run. If you have severe pain while chewing or lingering sensitivity to heat and cold, you may have an infection that requires a root canal. Our dentists can perform scheduled and emergency root canals at any of our four offices in Omaha, Nebraska. Give us a call at Hillsborough: (402) 802-9956 , Village Pointe: (402) 505-7474, Ralston Square: (402) 307-6215, or Dundee: (402) 307-6220 for friendly and compassionate assistance. Schedule a Consultation Today Why Do I Need a Root Canal? At The Dentists, we understand that some patients have anxiety about root canal treatment, but we want to assure you that it will be comfortable for you. Treatment, in fact, is your most comfortable option because an infected tooth will never heal. The unpleasant consequences of infection only get worse and more painful with time. Root canal treatment, meanwhile, prevents the need to extract infected teeth. Root Canal Treatment Omaha Extracted teeth require replacement with a bridge, implant or a removable appliance to help with chewing and to prevent neighboring teeth from shifting. So, the root canal procedure not only saves your natural teeth but can be more cost-effective in the long run. What Happens During Root Canal Treatment? Root canal, or endodontic, treatment generally takes two appointments and some follow-up appointments. During the first appointment, we thoroughly numb your mouth and place a rubber dam around the infected tooth to isolate and help keep it dry. To get to the infected area, we make an opening through the top of the tooth down into the pulp chamber. We use tiny instruments called dental files to carefully remove the infected tissue and bacteria. These files also shape the root canals to receive a filling material. Then, we place medication in the root canals to kill any remaining bacteria that caused the infection and place a temporary filling or crown to protect the tooth. During the second appointment, we remove the temporary filling or crown and clean out the remaining infected tissue. We may need to take X-rays to be sure all the infected pulp is removed. We then fill the root canals with a sealer paste and a filling material to complete the project. Endodontic Therapy Bellevue At follow-up appointments, we restore your tooth to full function using any number of techniques including the following: White filling Dental crown A permanent restoration is needed to protect and strengthen the tooth. When the time comes, we’ll work together to decide which restorative procedure best suits your needs. FAQ How Can I Prevent the Need for Root Canals? − Cavities are one of those problems that can become worse the longer they are around. If left untreated, the bacteria from the cavity can start eating away at the root of the tooth itself. This can cause the tooth to die and require extraction. However, you can prevent cavities, as well as the need for root canals, by practicing good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and rinsing with mouthwash are the best ways to prevent cavities. But there are other ways you can prevent cavities. These methods include the following: Wearing a mouthguard Scheduling routine dental check-ups Eating a nutritious, tooth-friendly diet Refraining from consuming hard foods Never ignore tooth pain and sensitivity Quitting smoking Stopping alcohol consumption What Are the Consequences of Not Getting a Root Canal? What Are The Misconceptions of Root Canals? What is Involved in a Root Canal? Who Should Have a Root Canal? Who Should Not Have a Root Canal? Can I Prevent the Need for a Root Canal? What if I Do Not Have a Root Canal? Is a Root Canal Painful? What Are the Risks of a Root Canal? How Much Does a Root Canal Cost? What is the Recovery Time After a Root Canal?