Midwest Endodontics, LLC, Endodontics, Omaha, NE

Procedures

Procedures

Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is a common dental procedure performed by dentists and endodontists. Depending on your general dentist's preference and comfort level, a patient may be referred to an endodontist to complete the procedure. Regardless, the goal of this procedure is to retain a natural tooth that would otherwise require extraction.

The root canal of a tooth is the hollow space in the center of the tooth and root(s), which contains the soft dental pulp (root canal tissue). This tissue was primarily involved in the formation of the tooth during childhood. The dental pulp is composed of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. A tooth can develop the need for root canal therapy for various reasons. Commonly, a history of deep decay, deep decay, and subsequent restoration- fillings, crowns, etc., can ultimately lead to inflammation and infection of the soft root canal tissue over time. Depending on the severity, the presence of a crack or history of dental trauma may also create the need for root canal therapy.

Root canal treatment involves the removal of the inflamed or infected tissue in the central portion of a tooth. The biocompatible filling material is then placed within the disinfected root canal system. Eventually, a permanent crown or filling material will need to be placed to protect the tooth. For further information regarding root canal therapy, click on the link below:

For information regarding common misconceptions about root canal therapy, click on the link below:

Authorized GentleWave Providers

Effectively cleaning the deepest, most complex portions of the root canal system requires incredible innovation—and we are proud to offer that technology with the GentleWave® Procedure. The GentleWave Procedure is a state-of-the-art alternative to standard root canal treatment. The ultracleaning technology of the GentleWave Procedure is an advanced combination of fluid dynamics and a broad range of soundwaves that work together to reach into the microscopic spaces and remove bacteria, debris and tissue. The GentleWave Procedure effectively cleans and disinfects the root canal system, and there's less chance of failure over time.

The GentleWave Procedure uses a minimally invasive protocol to access the infected root canal system, which means it is preserving more of the natural tooth and, in doing so, is helping to keep the tooth's structure strong.


With the GentleWave Procedure, we can also typically clean and fill the tooth in just one appointment, reducing the number of appointments required.


Achieving an exceptional level of cleanliness requires advanced endodontics—and that's something we take pride in providing. Contact us today to discover the GentleWave Difference for yourself.

Root Canal Retreatment

Generally, teeth that have undergone endodontic treatment will provide you with years of service. Most often, these teeth will last as long as other natural teeth. However, an endodontically treated tooth may fail to heal and cause pain months or years after successful treatment.


Retreatment of a tooth with past root canal therapy initially involves the removal of the existing canal filling material. Then, the entire root canal system is cleaned and disinfected. Your Endodontist will simultaneously search for additional canals or unusual root canal anatomy that likely necessitated the retreatment.

There are several reasons for improper healing after root canal therapy. Occasionally, a tooth possesses a complicated root canal anatomy, and these variations were undetected during the initial root canal treatment. Excessively curved or narrow canals can pose an extreme clinical challenge for complete disinfection during the initial root canal treatment. Contamination by saliva and decay (bacteria) of the treated root canal system can also occur months or years after successful endodontic therapy. Lastly, the species of bacteria contributing to a dental infection and the patient's inherent ability to heal properly after root canal therapy greatly impact the success rate of root canal treatment.

Every patient's tooth and dental condition are unique. Before initiating root canal retreatment, your Endodontist will discuss the probability of success for the procedure. Considerations of other treatments will also be discussed, including root canal surgery (Apicoectomy) and extraction. For further information regarding root canal retreatment, click on the link below:

Endodontic Surgery

Most often, standard root canal treatment (and possibly retreatment) is sufficient to address dental problems associated with the root canal tissue and supporting periodontal (gum and bone) structures. Occasionally, an endodontic surgical procedure may be necessary to save a tooth from extraction.

The most common endodontic surgical procedure is Apicoectomy (apico = apex or tip of the root, ectomy = to remove).

The success of standard root canal treatment and retreatment can be affected by variations in canal anatomy. These variations may include extra canals, excessively narrow (calcified) canals, and extreme curvatures of the canals. These variations can be impossible to manage with standard non-surgical treatment. Consequently, the source of the infection may persist and necessitate surgical intervention. Additionally, the size of the localized endodontic infection, the species of bacteria comprising this dental infection, and the patient's inherent ability to heal properly after non-surgical root canal therapy greatly impact the necessity of endodontic surgery.

Lastly, surgical exposure can aid in diagnosing a cracked root or in locating an accessory canal that may not appear on the radiograph and yet may be contributing to a patient's symptoms.

For more information regarding endodontic surgery, click on the link below:

Dental Traumatic Injuries

Chipped teeth account for most all dental injuries. Dislodged or knocked-out teeth are less frequent but more severe injuries. Treatment depends on the type, location, and severity of each injury. Even if mild, any dental injury requires examination by a dentist or an endodontist immediately. Sometimes, neighboring teeth suffer an additional, unnoticed injury that a thorough dental exam will only detect. For further information regarding traumatic dental injuries, click on the link below:

Cracked Teeth

Cracked teeth show various symptoms, including erratic pain when chewing, possibly with the release of biting pressure, or pain when your tooth is exposed to temperature extremes. In many cases, the pain may come and go, and your dentist may have difficulty locating which tooth is causing the discomfort.

For further information regarding cracked teeth, click on the link below:

Share by: