When a cavity reaches the nerve of the tooth, a root canal becomes the last option available to save the tooth. Occasionally, a tooth may die without any signs of a cavity. In both cases, the nerve of the tooth dies and becomes infected. For root canal safety, the bacteria from this nerve death or infection from a cavity must be completely eliminated. If it is not successfully eliminated, the tooth will become a source of chronic infection.
Root Canal Safety: What is the Solution?
The best way to be proactive about the potential failure of a root canal is to find a root canal dentist or endodontist in Lincoln, NE who understands the importance of eliminating the bacteria and is careful about selecting eligible teeth for root canal therapy. Many teeth do not qualify for root canal therapy due to the extent of infection around the tooth. The prognosis for these teeth is poor, and patients are better served by removing teeth with extensive infections.
Root Canal Safety: What Kind of Teeth are Appropriate Candidates for a Root Canal?
Your root canal dentist or endodontist in Lincoln, NE can help you determine if your tooth is a good candidate for root canal therapy. A tooth that is broken, or injured usually does not contain a significant amount of harmful bacteria. In this situation, the nerve of the tooth is dealing with a short-term, acute inflammation of the pulp or nerve. This tooth can often be saved successfully with root canal therapy.
What About Abscessed or Infected Teeth?
If a patient has had a long-standing tooth infection, an abscess will typically develop as a result. Performing a root canal is a poor treatment option for saving an abscessed tooth, and doing so can lead to chronic low-grade infection in a patient’s mouth. Many patients have a high tolerance for this kind of infection. However, those with autoimmune disorders will find themselves struggling to stay healthy as a consequence of a compromised root canal. This kind of infection puts unnecessary stress on a person’s body. This is a situation in which the safety of a root canal should be questioned by your dentist or local endodontist in Lincoln, NE.
Root Canal Safety: What are My Options If a Root Canal Will Not Work?
Typically, the next best option would be to create a dental implant made out of compatible material. A dental implant will protect you from the buildup of bacteria and the resulting infection.
Commonly asked questions for an endodontist about root canals?
The answers are taken from the American Academy of Endodontists
My tooth hurts after the root canal is it normal?
Immediately after a root canal, it is normal to have some tenderness around the area. This makes some patients question root canal safety. The fact is that your symptoms before the root canal are usually much worse than any symptoms afterwards. Within a few days, the natural inflammation your body creates to heal after the procedure should subside.
I have soreness after root canal and how long should it last?
For the first 24-48 hours after having a root canal with your dentist or local endodontist in Lincoln, NE a root canal, it is not uncommon to have some aching and sensitivity. This is your body’s normal response to the micro-surgery of root canal therapy. You can take ibuprofen and Tylenol to help manage these symptoms during this time, but your symptoms should subside soon after your root canal has been completed if everything is healing normally.
What is the best medication for a toothache and pain relief after root canal?
After receiving root canal therapy from your dentist or local endodontist in Lincoln, NE, you may take Tylenol and ibuprofen to manage your discomfort after the procedure. You may alternate doses of Tylenol and ibuprofen for best results.
Can you still get a toothache after root canal years alter?
Root canal safety has been a concern, especially for patients who have had toothaches years after their treatment. If the root canal was successful and the body healed normally afterward, you should not experience any toothaches years later. A toothache years after a root canal is usually from a cracked root that has created infection around the root canal. Also, a toothache could be a chronic, low-grade infection from an unsuccessful root canal that is no longer tolerated by the body. In this case, the tooth should be removed.
Is it normal to have sharp toothache months after root canal?
It is not normal to experience a sharp toothache months after a root canal especially if it was successful initially. If the tooth had a micro-crack or the infection was too extensive before the root canal was performed, this can result in failure of the root canal and the tooth should be removed to get rid of the infection. You should call your dentist or local endodontist in Lincoln, NE if you are experiencing a sharp toothache months after a root canal.
Is it better to have a root canal or extraction?
Every tooth should be carefully evaluated by your dentist or local endodontist in Lincoln, NE before having a root canal done. Root canal safety is not guaranteed for teeth that have a large infection or have root fractures. It is not possible to completely eliminate the bacteria causing infection in these situations and patients are better off removing teeth and replacing them with dental implants.
What is the cost of a root canal vs. extraction in Lincoln, NE?
The cost of root canals and extractions vary depending on the tooth and severity of the condition of the tooth. You dentist or local endodontist in Lincoln, NE can give you an estimate based on your insurance coverage for both procedures.
Can I go back to work after a root canal?
Root canal safety and returning to work afterward are common questions patients ask. Some patients choose to take the day off if they do not want to be numb during working hours. The anesthetic administered for root canal treatment lasts longer than the average anesthetic used for fillings. This is the patient’s choice. Ask your dentist or local endodontist in Lincoln, NE in your specific case.
What to do for pain relief with the sharp pain after root canal?
After the anesthesia wears off, and your root canal has been completed, you may feel sore and tender. This should only last for a day or two. During this time, you may alternate between ibuprofen and Tylenol to reduce inflammation and help bring down any swelling. If your pain is increasing significantly after your root canal, call you dentist or local endondontist in Lincoln, NE to make sure your tooth is healing normally.
If you’re concerned about your teeth or have any questions about the root canal process, feel free to make an appointment online with a local dentist near me or give us a call.
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