We know that the thought of having any kind of dental work can be downright scary and for many reasons. But, at Northstar Dental, we feel it’s important to share information with you to help ease your mind, so you know what to expect about root canal success. In our article we’ll cover:
- The probability of root canal success
- Why saving a tooth with a root canal can be a great idea
- Reason a root canal could fail
- Things you can do to prevent a failed root canal and increase root canal success
- Answers to frequently asked questions about root canals
What is the probability of root canal success?
Are you experiencing severe tooth discomfort? It’s possible that your tooth may require root canal therapy, which would leave you wondering about root canal success. Do root canals really work? At Northstar Dental, our family dentist, Dr. Kathryn Alderman is passionate about helping patients have positive experiences during root canal therapy. Her goal is to complete a quality root canal that will help you keep your tooth for many years. Many patients ask about the long-term prognosis of a root canal, or root canal success, of a treated tooth. Dr. Alderman does root canals on a case by case basis. This is because not every tooth has the opportunity for root canal success and can be treated successfully with root canal therapy.
Why is it a good idea to save a tooth by completing a root canal?
- Teeth that have sustained recent trauma like fractures or have had dental work and have an inflamed nerve as a result.
- A tooth with a deep cavity.
This picture shows the difference between an infected and Inflamed pulp tissue ( nerve space of a tooth)Most of the time, teeth with inflamed pulp tissues make good candidates for root canals. Often, teeth with infected pulp tissues make poor candidates for root canals, It is still possible to perform root canals on infected teeth but the long-term prognosis is not favorable. Why infected teeth are poor candidates for root canals? Every tooth has main canals where the nerves reside inside of the roots that are visible on x-rays. Besides main canals, every tooth has hundreds of tiny micro-canals as well. It is possible to clean out the main canals successfully during root canal treatment, but if the abscess is extensive, it is not possible to sterilize the hundreds of micro-canals. This will leave behind bacteria in the micro-canals, ultimately leading to failed root canal treatment.
Reasons a root canal could fail:
If any of the conditions listed above are present, root canal therapy is not a great long-term option. A better option is to replace a tooth with a dental implant.
Reason One:
If the tooth has a significant crack extending to a root of a tooth, harmful bacteria that is present in the oral cavity is able to enter the inner part of the tooth and into the root canal space, ultimately leading to reinfection and failure.
Reason Two:
If a tooth is not protected with a crown after root canal treatment, the tooth can break. Depending on the severity of the fracture, the tooth may or may not be able to be saved.
Reason Three:
Developing a cavity under a crown or a filling may destroy healthy tooth structure leading to root canal failure. A great way to prevent developing a cavity is by daily flossing and brushing and seeing your dentist regularly for checkups to address dental problems before they become more extensive.
Reason Four:
Excessive grinding can lead to the development of cracks in root canal treated teeth. The habit of bruxism or grinding at night is difficult to control. An excellent way to counteract grinding is to wear a custom-made night guard.
Reason Five:
If a patient has an auto-immune condition, a root canal has to be chosen carefully as an option to save the tooth. Patients with autoimmune conditions have an overactive immune system, and root canals can create an unnecessary burden on their immune system.
Preventing a failed root canal:
Is there anything you could do to prevent a failed root canal and increase the probability of root canal success?
In most cases, preventing a failed root canal is out of patient’s control, but there are a few things you could do at home:
- Wear nightguard if you grind your teeth.
- Be aware of clenching during the day, you may wear a day guard.
- Protect a root canal treated tooth with a crown.
- Floss and brush daily to prevent recurrent cavities
Frequently Asked Questions about Root Canal Success to Your Lincoln dentist.
Typically root canal therapy is a smooth and easy process for patients. Many patients have questions about the procedure and the end result, or questions about whether they should be treated by a general dentist or an endodontist. Below are some of our most frequently asked questions answered by Dr. Kathryn Alderman, our Lincoln dentist.
Q to Your Lincoln dentist: I hate dental work and am worried about having discomfort during my root canal.
During every root canal, I do everything possible to ensure my patient’s comfort. Most of the root canals are completed in our ZEN room, where the atmosphere is calming and peaceful. I also believe that the key to minimizing root canal discomfort is adequate anesthesia and great chair side manners. I have performed hundreds of root canals and have confidence and the necessary experience to help my patients feel comfortable during every root canal.
Q to Your Lincoln dentist that offers root canals: I have a returning dental abscess after a recent root canal, what should be done?
Although uncommon, a dental abscess can form after a recent root canal for several reasons. One reason is the possibility of an abnormal number of canals in the tooth that was not visible radiographically or clinically. This would make removing all of the bacteria impossible, leading to reinfection of the tooth. Another explanation could be that faulty restorations were placed in the tooth or that there was an undetected crack in the roots which allowed bacteria to enter the tooth and cause another abscess. To effectively treat this condition, an excellent option is to take antibiotics to prevent the further spread of infection and to re-treat the root canal or extraction.
Q to Your Lincoln dentist that offers root canals: Is it normal to have discomfort after root canal therapy? Is it normal to have sensitivity after root canal therapy?
Try to avoid chewing or biting on the treated tooth until the full root canal treatment is completed. It is normal to have mild discomfort for three to five days after treatment. During this time, taking ibuprofen can help ease discomfort.
Q to Your Lincoln dentist that offers root canals: Is it safe to have a root canal with a compromised immune system?
If the tooth has been infected for a long time and has extensive bone loss or presents with draining pus, a root canal is not a good treatment option for long-term success. Performing a root canal on an abscessed tooth will lead to a chronic low-grade infection in a patient’s mouth. Many patients have strong immune systems which can temporarily tolerate poor dental work and low-grade infection, however, patients who suffer from autoimmune conditions are unable to tolerate the strain this type of treatment would put on their compromised immune function.
Q to Your Lincoln dentist : Should I see an endodontist or a family dentist for a root canal?
I am able to complete most cases requiring root canals at our office but occasionally will refer some cases to an endodontist. If you would like a professional opinion about whether or not your case requires attention from an endodontist or a general dentist like myself, please contact us for a consultation
Q to Your Lincoln dentist that offers root canals: Where can I find root canal therapy for children in Lincoln, NE?
Primary teeth (baby teeth) root canal treatment is called pulpectomy treatment. Primary molars are important for chewing function and space maintenance until permanent teeth erupt. I perform pulpotomy treatments for children in my office and am skilled at keeping kids comfortable during treatment.
Q to Your Lincoln dentist that offers root canals: How much does a root canal cost in Lincoln, NE?
Root canal prices vary depending on several factors. Whether you choose to be treated by a general dentist or an endodontist can affect the cost. Our office accepts most insurance plans which usually offer coverage of 50%-80% of the cost of root canal treatment. In our office, root canal fees after insurance range from $450 to $950. After insurance, the cost to the patient can be as little as $150.
Q to Your Lincoln dentist that offers root canals: What is the cost of a root canal without dental insurance in Lincoln, NE?
Many of our patients do not have dental insurance. For patients who do not have dental insurance coverage, we work with Lincoln Dental Plans to offer affordable pricing including discounting and payment options. When you set up a consultation, we will give you estimates for your root canal treatment.
Q to Your Lincoln dentist that offers root canals: Do I need to take off from work after my root canal?
After treatment, you will be numb for a few hours. If your job requires a lot of talking you may decide to take part of the day off from work, however, it is not necessary to take any time off from work for recovery after root canal treatment. It is safe to resume normal activities after treatment.
Q to Your Lincoln dentist that offers root canals: I had a root canal in the past, and the tooth is beginning to hurt again. What should I do?
Call your dentist if you experience any discomfort months or years after root canal treatment. It is not normal for a root canal treated tooth to have symptoms, and this could be a sign of infection and should be evaluated immediately.
The information on this page was written by Dr. Kathryn Alderman.
This gentle Lincoln, NE dentists says: “Dental anxiety or dental phobia, affects millions of people across the United States. If you’re one of them, you should know that you aren’t alone. There’s no need to feel embarrassed, ashamed, or afraid when you’re with us. We’ve helped several patients in the past through their dental anxiety, and we’re happy to help you, too. Dr. Kathryn Alderman, dentist for dental anxiety in Lincoln, NE, has worked with thousands of patients suffering from dental anxiety in Lincoln and surrounding communities. Throughout the process, she’s helped patients overcome their fears.”
You can schedule with this Lincoln, NE dentist, or her partners, online 24/7 at her North Lincoln Location of Nebraska Family Dentistry. This “dentist near me” serves the local communities close to Northstar Dental in Waverly, Davey, Raymond, Garland, Ceresco, Greenwood, and Malcom.
Affordable Dental Care
Make easy, affordable payments for your procedure with dental payment plans we offer.
Schedule Day or Night
Schedule your dental appointment at anytime of the day or night with our online scheduling.
We have 7 Locations in Lincoln, NE!
- Lincoln Family Dentistry – Central Lincoln
- South Lincoln Family Dentistry – South Lincoln
- Northeast Lincoln Family Dentistry – Northeast Lincoln
- Preserve Family Dentistry – East Lincoln
- Coddington Dental – West Lincoln
- NorthStar Dental – North Lincoln
- SouthPointe Dental – Southwest Lincoln
- Emergency Dentist NE – Emergency Dental Care
Nebraska Family Dentistry has multiple Lincoln Dental Clinics!
Choose a “dentist near me” location that is convenient for you.