What is the solution for root canal safety?

It is important to find a qualified dentist who is skilled at performing root canals and understands the importance of effective removal of bacteria to avoid negative treatment outcomes. It is important that your dentist carefully examines the tooth to be sure it is eligible for root canal therapy.

What about abscessed or infected teeth?

When a tooth has been infected for a long time, it can develop an abscess. Treating these teeth with root canals usually does not give the patient a good long-term solution because when the infection is more extensive, it is nearly impossible to remove all of the bacteria. When bacteria is left behind, it results in a chronic low-grade infection that destroys the bone.

Patients who are otherwise healthy may have strong enough immune systems to tolerate this type of low-grade infection, but patients who are dealing with autoimmune disorders or have other inflammatory medical conditions may struggle to manage their health as a result of this infection. Even in healthy patients, infected teeth can add stress to the immune system and contribute to other health problems.

Should I see an endodontist or a regular dentist for my root canal in Lincoln, NE?

General dentists are family providers who are able to perform a variety of dental procedures, including root canals. Endodontists are professionals who have additional training beyond basic root canal therapy and are able to perform other more in-depth surgeries within their practice. Each general dentist is different and some prefer not to do root canals in their practice while others do them routinely. If your general dentist is skilled and confident about performing root canals and properly selects teeth for root canal treatment, you would be in great hands for a root canal therapy with your general dentist. General dentists may refer more complex cases to endodontists if they feel that the case requires additional knowledge. The question as to whether you should see an endodontist vs general dentist really depends on how complex the case is and if your general dentist does root canals in their practice.

My tooth hurts after a root canal is it normal? 

After a root canal has been performed, some patients may feel sore for a day or two. Alternating doses of ibuprofen and Tylenol help to reduce normal post-operative inflammation. Usually, after the first 24-48  hours, patients should feel much better than they did prior to having the root canal. If you are experiencing severe discomfort or swelling after a root canal, you should call your endodontist or general dentist immediately. You can call your general dentist for an emergency appointment if you are experiencing these symptoms regardless of whether an endodontist vs general dentist performed your root canal.

What is the most commonly recommended medication for a toothache and relief of discomfort after a root canal?

An excellent way to control the inflammation after a root canal is to alternate doses of ibuprofen and Tylenol. Studies show that this combination is more effective than any form of narcotics. It is likely that your toothache symptoms will improve significantly after your root canal is done.

Is it normal to have a sharp toothache months after a root canal?

If your root canal was successful, you should not have any discomfort on the tooth months later. If you experience symptoms of discomfort or swelling months after a root canal, you should call your emergency dentist. It does not matter if you had a root canal with an endodontist vs general dentist, the pain years a root canal therapy is not normal and it is likely that your root canal treated tooth needs attention.

What is the cost of a root canal vs extraction in Lincoln, NE?

Generally, the cost of a root canal and crown is higher than an extraction but lower than replacing a tooth. Our office accepts most insurance plans and our prices are very competitive with other dentists in the Lincoln, NE area.  Usually, dental insurance covers 50 – 80% of the cost of root canal treatment. The cost of a root canal to patients is even lower if patients have dental insurance.

What to do for relief of discomfort after a root canal?

You can alternate doses of ibuprofen and Tylenol to manage post-operative discomfort. This is the most effective way to relieve discomfort as it helps to reduce inflammation.

Help relieve discomfort before you have an appointment for a root canal procedure?

Patients who are experiencing a severe toothache or any swelling can take a combination of ibuprofen and Tylenol to manage the inflammation. If you are experiencing a fair amount of discomfort your general dentist will see you prior to the root canal appointment and will examine your tooth. Sometimes they will prescribe antibiotics to help control the infection which will help with any discomfort until the root canal appointment. During the appointment, you will be numbed with a local anesthetic to help minimize the amount of any sensitivity during the procedure. Afterward, you can continue to take over-the-counter medications to help control inflammation.