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 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. 

To learn more about how this treatment can save your tooth, schedule an appointment by calling our Omaha dental office at (402) 934-5200 or our La Vista office at (402) 537-4620.

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 health is at risk if you don’t seek proper treatment. 

Benefits of Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy offers several benefits for patients experiencing dental pulp infection or damage. These benefits include:

• Pain Relief: Root canal treatment effectively alleviates severe toothache by removing the infected tissue and relieving pressure within the tooth.
• Preservation of Natural Tooth: Unlike extraction, root canal treatment preserves the natural tooth structure, maintaining proper chewing function and preventing adjacent teeth from shifting.
• Improved Oral Health: By eliminating infection and sealing the root canal, this procedure prevents the spread of bacteria and reduces the risk of future oral health issues.
• Long-Term Success: – With proper care, root canal-treated teeth can last a lifetime, providing lasting benefits to oral health and quality of life.
• Aesthetic Restoration: – After treatment, the tooth is restored with a natural-looking crown or filling, enhancing the smile’s appearance and restoring function.
• Cost-Effective Solution: – Root canal therapy is often more cost-effective than extraction followed by replacement options, saving money in the long run.

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 at Panneton Dental Group

1. Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

Before initiating root canal treatment, your Nebraska dentist thoroughly examines the affected tooth. This typically involves assessing your dental history, and symptoms, and performing diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, to evaluate the extent of damage or infection. Based on the findings, Dr. Panneton will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to address your needs.

2. Pre-operative Procedures

To ensure your comfort during the procedure, local anesthesia is administered to numb the affected tooth and surrounding tissues. In some cases, sedation options may be available for those who experience anxiety or have complex treatment needs. Once you’re adequately numbed and relaxed, Dr. Panneton can proceed with the root canal procedure.

3. Accessing the Root Canal System

Using specialized dental instruments, your Omaha or La Vista dentist opens the tooth’s crown to access the infected pulp chamber and root canals. This step may involve removing any decayed or damaged tooth structure to facilitate access to the root canal system while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.

4. Cleaning and Shaping the Canal

Once access to the root canal system is established, Dr. Panneton carefully removes the infected or damaged pulp tissue using a series of files and irrigating solutions. The goal is to thoroughly clean and disinfect the root canals to remove any bacteria, debris, or toxins contributing to the infection. Additionally, he shapes the canals to create a smooth and uniform space for the filling material.

5. Filling and Sealing the Canal

After the canals are cleaned and shaped, they’re filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This rubber-like material is placed into the canals to seal them off and prevent the re-entry of bacteria or fluids. Dr. Panneton may use a sealer to ensure a tight seal and protect against leakage or contamination.

6. Restoration of the Tooth

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 strengthen and protect the tooth against further fracture or decay. You’ll then return for your second appointment to place your natural-looking crown and restore your healthy smile.

Aftercare and Maintenance Tips Following Root Canal Procedure

Proper aftercare and maintenance are crucial for ensuring the success and longevity of your root canal-treated teeth. Here are some essential tips to follow:

• Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily to remove plaque and food debris from between the teeth and along the gumline. Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to help reduce bacteria in the mouth.
• Avoid Chewing on Hard Foods: To prevent damaging the restored tooth, avoid chewing on hard or crunchy foods immediately after root canal therapy. Opt for softer foods and liquids until any discomfort or sensitivity subsides.
• Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your dentist to monitor the healing process and ensure the success of the treatment. Follow any additional instructions provided by your dentist for post-operative care.
• Avoid Smoking and Tobacco Products: Smoking and using tobacco products can hinder the healing process and increase the risk of complications after root canal therapy. Consider quitting smoking or using tobacco to promote better oral health and overall well-being.
• Address Any Discomfort Promptly: It’s normal to experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity after root canal therapy. However, if you experience severe pain, swelling, or other concerning symptoms, contact your dentist immediately.
• Maintain Regular Dental Check-Ups: Continue to visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings to maintain optimal oral health. Your dentist can monitor the restored tooth and address any issues that may arise promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions