If you’ve ever experienced severe tooth pain, you know how it can affect your entire life. At Superior Dental Health of Lincoln, we understand that dental issues can be both painful and concerning. One of the most common procedures we perform to relieve pain and save natural teeth is a root canal.

Despite its reputation, modern root canal treatment is similar to getting a routine filling and can usually be completed in one or two appointments. Our team at Superior Dental Health of Lincoln specializes in gentle, effective root canal procedures that eliminate pain while preserving your smile.

A root canal is a dental procedure that treats the inside of a tooth. Under the white enamel and hard layer called dentin is a soft tissue called pulp. This pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue that helped the tooth grow during its development. When this pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, cracks, or injury, a root canal becomes necessary.

During the procedure, the damaged pulp is removed, and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed. This process eliminates pain and saves your natural tooth, allowing you to continue eating the foods you love and maintaining your natural smile.

Several signs may indicate you need a root canal treatment:

• Severe pain when chewing or applying pressure
• Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Darkening of the tooth
• Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums
• A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums

Sometimes, however, there are no symptoms at all. Regular dental check-ups at Superior Dental Health of Lincoln can help catch problems early, before they become painful or lead to tooth loss.

Without treatment, the infection in the tooth pulp can spread to the surrounding bone, leading to an abscess. This not only causes more severe pain but can lead to bone loss around the root tip and potentially spread infection to other parts of your body.

The root canal procedure typically involves these steps:

• First, we take an X-ray to see the shape of the root canals and determine if there are signs of infection in the surrounding bone.
• We use local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. You’ll remain comfortable throughout the procedure.
• We place a dental dam (a small protective sheet) over the area to keep it clean and free from saliva during the procedure.
• We make an opening in the crown of the tooth and clean out the infected pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals.
• After the space is cleaned and shaped, we fill the root canals with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha.
• Finally, we place a temporary filling to close the opening. You’ll later return for a crown or other restoration to protect the tooth and restore it to full function.

Most patients report that having a root canal is no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed. With proper care, most teeth that have had root canal treatment can last a lifetime.

[Related: How to Choose a Dentist]

At Superior Dental Health of Lincoln, we take pride in providing comfortable, effective root canal treatments. Our experienced team uses advanced technology and techniques to make your procedure as quick and painless as possible.

Don’t let fear of root canal treatment keep you from getting the care you need. Contact Superior Dental Health of Lincoln today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help relieve your pain while saving your natural tooth.