Root Canal Treatment Lincoln

A root canal may seem scary and complicated; however, modern techniques and leading-edge technology have made it more comfortable and effective than ever. Our experienced dentists use rotary endodontics to provide a more precise and comprehensive way to perform root canal treatment in Lincoln, NE.

Root Canals Don’t Cause Pain; They Relieve It!

A common myth is that root canal therapy causes pain. This misconception is likely because many people who need the procedure arrive at the dental office with an excruciating toothache. The fact is that once the dentist numbs the tooth, the pain is gone, never to return! 

The root canal is the part of the tooth that houses the bundle of soft tissues, nerves, and blood vessels called the pulp. Root canal therapy (RCT), also simply known as a root canal, is needed to remove pulp when it becomes infected. When the pulp is infected or inflamed, it can cause tremendous discomfort with RCT as the only option to relieve the pain. 

Root canal therapy extracts bacteria that can impact oral health, saves the tooth, and helps prevent recurring infections. In recent years, this therapy has evolved into relatively comfortable procedures requiring only one or two visits to our Lincoln, NE, dental office. 

A tooth infection can occur for many reasons, including trauma, a crack in the tooth, or deep decay that has reached the tooth’s pulp. The only way to know you have an infection is to visit your dentist; however, there are some warning signs you can look out for, including: 

• Severe tooth pain
• Sensitivity to temperature
• Pain when touching the tooth
• Tooth darkening or discoloration
• A raised bump on the gums
• Swelling and pressure

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and suspect you need an emergency root canal, please get in touch with our dental team so we can help you.

At Antelope Creek Family Dentistry, we have created a calm and caring environment where you can feel comfortable and confident about your dental care. Performing this tooth-saving procedure typically involves five simple steps:

1. Root Canal Diagnosis

Our dentists will perform a thorough evaluation to determine if RCT is needed. This step involves examining the tooth and taking digital x-rays.

2. Tooth Preparation and Numbing

We will apply a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues to ensure you are comfortable and don’t experience any pain during your treatment. Your comfort is paramount, and if you need anything, please don’t hesitate to let us know!

3. Removing Infected Pulp

One of our experienced dentists will create a tiny opening in the tooth and remove the infected or inflamed pulp using rotary endodontics. This technology is an electrically powered instrument with a nickel-titanium tip, which provides more flexibility and efficiency than traditional stainless-steel instruments. 

With rotary endodontics, we can easily and efficiently access the tooth’s curved root canal without damaging or stretching the passageway. This technology also eliminates the uncomfortable sounds and sensations people often associate with RCT.

4. Cleaning, Filling, and Sealing the Tooth

Once we remove the pulp, we meticulously clean and disinfect the tooth’s interior to remove all traces of disease. We fill the now-empty root canal with a strong, stretchy, rubber-like material called gutta-percha. 

The gutta-percha is heated and compressed into the canal to reinforce the tooth’s strength and durability. Once the gutta-percha hardens, we seal the tooth with a temporary restoration.

5. Healing and Restoration

After RCT, we place a temporary filling to protect the tooth as it heals. Some soreness is common after treatment, but taking an over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen is typically all that’s needed for prompt relief.

The final step is to place either a final filling or custom crown on the tooth for long-term protection and to allow you to chew comfortably again. After healing, a permanent filling or crown will protect your tooth for the long term. 

Depending on the tooth’s condition, we may also place a tiny supportive post inside the canal to stabilize the crown. A custom dental lab will create a final dental crown, and you will return to our office, where we will adjust it and cement it securely on your tooth. 

A root-canaled tooth can last many years if you properly care for it and your oral health. To ensure your restored and natural teeth stay in excellent shape, practice good oral hygiene by brushing at least twice daily and flossing once. Visit Antelope Creek Family Dentistry for teeth cleanings and routine checkups as recommended by our dentists or hygienists. 

Contact One of Our Dental Offices in Lincoln, NE

If you suspect you have an infected tooth, please call us promptly for relief and treatment. With gentle root canal therapy using rotary endodontics, our dentists can help save your natural tooth and preserve your smile. It’s time to get back to living your life without crippling tooth pain! Contact Antelope Creek Family Dentistry, and we can help save your smile in no time