Root Canal in Omaha & Bellevue, NE

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

A root canal is meant to remove infected pulp, but many people often refrain from getting one due to fear or believing a misconception.

Below is a list of what can potentially occur by not getting a root canal:

• Increased pain
• The formation of abscesses
• Increased chance of an infection spreading
• Tooth loss
• Bone loss around the tooth
• Having difficulty eating
• Your overall health is negatively affected

Regarding the latter, having an oral infection can be the catalyst for all sorts of problems. It can lead to heart-related conditions, diabetes, and pregnancy complications.

Root canals are one of those procedures that have a lot of myths and misconceptions surrounding them. A common misconception about root canals is that they are extremely painful. Due to the modern innovations in dentistry these days, patients who require a root canal feel next to nothing. The discomfort experienced is usually after the root canal is performed.

A root canal usually involves two sessions plus follow-ups. During the first, we numb your mouth and drill from the top of the tooth to the pulp chamber. We remove the infection with dental files, shape the canal to accept a filling, apply medication to kill the remaining bacteria, and install a temporary crown or filling.

At the second appointment, we removed the temporary and cleaned out any remaining infected tissue. We then fill the root canal with sealer paste and the filling material.

We restore tooth function with a white filling or a crown during follow-up appointments.

People with heat- or cold-sensitive teeth, cracked or chipped teeth or swollen, tender gums may need a root canal.

We cannot restore some teeth due to severe damage or bone degeneration. A root canal will not help in these cases.

Practicing good oral hygiene, such as brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash is the best way to prevent a root canal. It is also important to treat cavities promptly and never ignore tooth pain or sensitivity.

Not getting a necessary root canal can result in increased pain, difficulty eating, abscesses, bone loss, a decline in general health and the eventual loss of the tooth.

It’s a myth that root canals are extremely painful. With modern dentistry, they are no worse than any other dental procedure. There can be mild discomfort for a few days.

A small percentage of root canals fail. Sometimes, the damage is too deep, the enamel too frail, or not all infection is removed. This may result in the loss of the tooth.

It depends on which tooth is affected and the complexity of the problem. Most dental insurance covers some of the cost. It’s less expensive than an extraction and replacement.

After the root canal procedure, it is possible to feel numb for two to four hours. Most people can return to their regular activities immediately, so there is no need for downtime.