Save Your Tooth at Panneton Dental Group
Dealing with persistent tooth pain may be a sign of a tooth infection. Root canal therapy may be necessary to save your tooth and improve and protect your oral health. Thanks to the latest dental technology, root canal treatments are safe and effective solutions to infections. If you’re in Omaha or La Vista, NE, and require a root canal treatment, Dr. Mark Panneton and our team can safely conduct your procedure at our offices.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is an endodontic treatment that can disinfect and preserve a tooth’s structure without removing the tooth. This treatment is necessary when an untreated cavity is left alone for some time and spreads to the inner pulp chamber of your tooth. Since the bacteria can expand further to your other body’s parts, your entire health is at risk if you don’t seek proper treatment.
Signs & Symptoms of Tooth Infections
Knowing the signs of a tooth infection is vital so you can immediately seek treatment. You may need a root canal if you experience the following:
- Toothaches around your jaw and neck
- Persistent and severe tooth pain
- Swollen lymph nodes on your neck
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Dark discoloration of the tooth
- Swelling and tenderness of the gums
The Root Canal Process
Root canal therapy takes two appointments to complete: the first is to disinfect the tooth, and the second is to place a protective dental crown. Before starting the procedure, our Nebraska dentist will apply a local anesthetic to numb the site and your choice of dental sedation.
Dr. Panneton will carefully access and remove any infected material inside your tooth’s structure. After filling the space with dental resin to prevent future infection, Dr. Panneton will take an impression of your tooth and send it to a lab to create your dental crown.
In the meantime, you’ll receive a temporary crown to protect your tooth. You’ll then return for your second appointment to place your natural-looking crown and restore your healthy smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you undergo root canal therapy, you’re not only saving your tooth. You’re also receiving the following benefits:
- Improved and enhanced oral health
- Saves your tooth from extraction
- Prevents infection from returning
- Improved overall health
The length of your root canal treatment depends on multiple factors, including the extent of your infection. On average, these procedures take 30 to 60 minutes to complete. However, it may take longer if multiple teeth require treatment. During your initial consultation, ask your dentist about the timeline of your treatment.
Undergoing a root canal treatment is virtually painless. Most patients compare the treatment to receiving a dental filling. Your dentist will provide you with a local anesthetic and your choice of dental sedation, so you’ll feel relaxed and comfortable during your treatment. After the procedure, it’s normal to feel mild discomfort or pain. It’s recommended to take pain medications to alleviate it.