Gentle, Affordable Root Canal Therapy in Lincoln, NE

Root canal Therapy in lincoln, NE

Save Your Tooth, Restore Your Smile.

Do root canals hurt? Is there a dentist near me that does a root canal therapy?

The thought of a root canal may make you fearful or uneasy if you aren’t familiar with the procedure. There are common misconceptions that root canals, cause discomfort and/or illness and should be avoided at all costs. In reality, this procedure has changed and in those days, it is just like getting a filling done. Take the time to read the information on our page to find out how our Lincoln dentists can save teeth by offering a comfortable experience.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is not a type of dental procedure, but rather, it is an anatomical structure located in your gums beneath the tooth. Each of your teeth contains between one and four root canals. In each of these canals, there can be found dental pulp, blood vessels, connective tissues, and a collection of nerves. If this pulp were to become infected, the level of discomfort you experience could be almost unbearable. Root canal therapy is then recommended by our Lincoln dentists.

During root canal therapy, the dental pulp is taken out, and the remaining tooth structure is sealed. This is the only way in which most of the tooth can be saved. If an infected dental pulp is left untreated, the tooth will eventually die and need to be extracted. However, it is always good to preserve your natural teeth if you are able.

How can I avoid root canal problems?

It might take a little effort, but root canal problems can be avoided quite easily. You should always follow a strict oral hygiene regimen so that plaque does not build up and begin eroding the enamel of your teeth. If you regularly participate in recreational activities, or if you clench and grind your teeth while sleeping, you should discuss with our family dentist in Lincoln, NE about getting a custom-fitted mouthguard. This would help protect your teeth from cracking or being ground down. Always visit your dentist twice a year so that your dentist can see any potential oral health issues in their early stages before they progress and become more extensive and costly.

Benefits of Root Canal Therapy

Historically, root canal therapy has had a negative reputation. Many patients are still fearful of having this procedure performed. In reality, root canal therapy is a relatively easy procedure that can usually be completed in 90 minutes or less. After you’ve completed your root canal treatment, you will feel much better, especially if you have been suffering from an intense toothache from infection. Root canal treatment allows us to save your natural tooth, preserving your chewing function and visual aesthetics. Typically it is recommended to have teeth that have had root canal therapy crowned in order to support long-term chewing function.

What are the symptoms of needing root canal therapy?

An infected tooth can contribute to poor oral and overall health. A tooth infection can cause an abscess around your tooth and potentially lead to bone loss in your jaw. The following symptoms are associated with the need for root canal therapy:

Swollen glands or jaw
Unexpected sharp discomfort while chewing or biting
Sensitivity to hot or cold
Swollen gums in the area of the tooth
Feeling ill or feverish
Pus around the infected area
Bitter taste in the mouth

Frequently asked Questions about Root Canal Therapy

I have an autoimmune condition, is it safe for me to have root canal therapy? Are root canals safe for overall health?

Root canal therapy requires the removal of the source of a toothache. A toothache can occur from an acutely inflamed nerve or a nerve that has become infected or abscessed. If the tooth has acute inflammation, a root canal is safe for overall health. If the tooth’s nerve is infected or there is an abscess surrounding the tooth, it can be challenging to remove the entire infection with root canal therapy. If a tooth is severely infected, it generally does not have a good long-term prognosis whether an endodontist vs general dentist performs the procedure. This is because of the inability to completely eliminate the harmful bacteria from the area after it has spread around the roots of the tooth. Often, the bacteria in an infected nerve cannot be completely removed. As a result, the tooth becomes a source of chronic infection. After removing the nerve and blood supply from the tooth, it becomes a virtually empty, dead space. Bacteria that was previously responsible for a simple toothache can multiply greatly in this empty space, leading to chronic infection in the patient’s mouth. Teeth that have not been infected make great candidates for root canal therapy. Teeth with acute inflammation due to trauma or decay and not infection have an excellent prognosis for any patient, including patients with auto-immune conditions.

What’s a great solution for a toothache or an infected tooth?

Many people can tolerate old dental work or low‑grade infections for quite some time. But for those with autoimmune conditions, even a mild, chronic infection can place extra stress on an already overworked immune system. A compromised root canal may add unnecessary strain, making it harder for the body to stay balanced and protected. If you’re unsure which treatment option is right for you, schedule a visit with our Lincoln, NE dentists—they’ll guide you toward the safest, healthiest solution for your smile.

Which teeth are appropriate for gentle and affordable root canal therapy?

Whether you see an endodontist vs dentist, your tooth should be carefully evaluated to determine the prognosis after root canal therapy. Teeth with cracks, fractures, or newly placed fillings can exhibit symptoms of acute inflammation in the nerve. In these cases, there is usually not a large number of harmful bacteria inside the tooth. In these cases, the tooth may be symptomatic with a sharp toothache simply as the result of the body’s natural attempt to heal itself by creating an acute inflammatory response. Typically teeth in these cases can be preserved with root canal therapy.

What is the prognosis of a cracked tooth and root canal?

If the crack in a tooth is small, a root canal can be performed to save the tooth. If a crack extends to the roots of a tooth, it would be a good idea to remove the tooth and to not use resources to try to save the tooth.

Can a tooth infection make me sick?

Tooth infections have the potential to spread and enter the bloodstream and become life-threatening. This can make patients very sick, feverish and nauseous. If you suspect that you have an infected tooth and have noticed swelling of your face, neck or lymph nodes or have been feeling unwell, it is important to seek emergency dental care as soon as possible. If you cannot reach your emergency dentist in Lincoln, NE, you should proceed to the emergency room or walk-in clinic. The doctors at these clinics cannot perform dental procedures to eliminate your infection, but they can prescribe antibiotics to control the spread of infection until you can receive dental treatment.

Where can I find root canal therapy for children in Lincoln, NE?

A root canal that is performed on a baby tooth is called a pulpectomy. Sometimes it is necessary to save baby teeth that have had extensive decay by doing a pulpectomy. Children need their primary (baby) molars for chewing and maintaining space necessary for permanent teeth to erupt in the proper position. Our root canal dentist in Lincoln, NE often performs this treatment on young children, and is great at comforting children and helping them to relax during their appointments.

Is it normal to have sensitivity or discomfort after root canal therapy?

Try not to chew or bite on a partially treated tooth until the full root canal treatment is completed. It is normal to have mild discomfort after root canal therapy that usually lasts up to three to five days. During that time it can help to take Ibuprofen to help with the sensitivity.

In the weeks following a root canal, patients should not continue to experience a toothache or any discomfort. If you do experience an intense toothache several weeks after having a root canal, you should schedule an appointment with our emergency dentist in Lincoln, NE for an evaluation.

How long does discomfort after a root canal therapy last?

Our team at Southpointe works with thousands of children throughout the year. We’re excellent at creating that environment where kids feel safe helping them stay calm and comfortable. We truly enjoy doing it! During their appointments and while in our care, we’ll check for any potential problems with their teeth while talking to them, keeping them entertained and happy. There is no question that your child is in excellent hands at Southpointe Dental. We do check for these problems to prevent the possibility of more extensive dental treatment in the future.

Similarly, we are a wealth of knowledge and have great information to share with parents. We offer many tips and tricks so parents can help their children with good oral hygiene at home. If you’re looking for ways to teach your kids good home care, our gentle dentists in Lincoln, NE have you covered!

Will I need to take time off work after root canal procedure?

You can expect to be numb and to have mild tenderness in the jaw muscles for a few hours or days after root canal therapy. Your mouth may be numb for a few hours after the procedure, so if your job requires a lot of talking, you may decide to take the day off. In general, you can resume normal activity immediately after root canal therapy. Most patients return to work the same day.

What is the cost for gentle and affordable root canal therapy in Lincoln, NE?

Many patients ask if there is a cost difference between having a root canal done by an endodontist vs dentist. The cost of a root canal can vary. Our office accepts more insurance plans which typically cover 50-80% of the cost of a root canal. Usually, root canals in Lincoln, NE cost between $400 and $1000. After insurance, the cost can often be reduced to as little as $150.

Does dental insurance cover a root canal treatment?

Most dental insurances will cover anywhere from 50-80% of the cost of a root canal.

How do I find an endodontist that takes my insurance in Lincoln, NE?

To find out if an endodontist vs general dentist will accept your insurance, you can search the insurance company’s webpage for providers who accept your dental insurance. If you can find a provider who accepts your insurance, you can save money on your treatment.

I have a tooth with a root canal and a crown that hurts. Is that normal?

It’s normal to experience some discomfort immediately after root canal therapy. However, if you experience a toothache or mild discomfort long after root canal therapy, you could have a cracked or infected tooth. If this is the case, you should see our emergency dentist in Lincoln, NE to evaluate your toothache.

Should I have discomfort in a tooth with a root canal therapy years later?

You should not have discomfort or swelling years after a root canal was performed. If you experience these symptoms, you should see an emergency dentist to evaluate your tooth.