Your Lincoln Dentist talks about the safety of root canals and answering CAQs about Root Canals
A note from Lincoln Dentist, Dr. Kathryn Alderman
Are you looking for a “dentist that does root canals near me?” If you need a root canal, you may ask: “Are root canals safe for my overall health?”
A root canal procedure is not the correct option for every patient. In fact, some patients choose to proceed with biological dentistry. Choosing biological dentistry would mean that those particular patients would choose to forego a root canal, and completely remove the tooth. Every case and every patient should be carefully evaluated. The final treatment decision should be based on the patient’s overall health, biting forces, and dental history.
In our article we’ll answer a few commonly asked questions about root canals including:
1. Are root canals dangerous?
2. How long does a root canal take?
3. Which is safer a root canal or an extraction?
You may have heard of the movie “Root Cause” and wonder where you can find it?
You may see the movie “Root Cause” here. While some of the facts are interesting in this movie, not all the information is correct and simply does not follow the medical facts.
An article by Lincoln endodontist Dr. Jamie Ring on “Root Cause” Theory Debunked
Which teeth are appropriate for completing a safe root canal and still maintaining your overall health?
A tooth can be injured by a newly placed dental filling, a crack, or even by being completely broken. Any of these things can lead to acute inflammation of the tooth. At this point, there is no extensive amount of harmful bacteria inside the tooth, and it is hurting because of the inflammation. Acute inflammation can often lead to a sharp, radiating toothache. The good news from your dentist in Lincoln, NE is, however, this type of tooth can be saved and preserved by means of root canal treatment, if you so choose. I believe that root canals can be a good choice for teeth with inflammation, but may not necessarily be great for those with an infection. Still curious about root canal safety? Learn more here.
What is a root canal and do I need to see an endodontist vs dentist for my root canal in Lincoln, NE?
We use the term “root canal” to describe the middle part of a tooth. This is where the nerves and blood supplies exist. If a tooth is damaged from decay, trauma, or some other issue, a dental professional may want to perform root canal therapy. During root canal therapy, your dentist in Lincoln, NE will carve out the center of the tooth into the root. He or she will remove the nerve and pulp while leaving the tooth intact.
I complete most root canals at my office. However, I will occasionally refer patients to an endodontist, who are root canal specialists. Endodontists are helpful, especially for severe cases. Many patients ask, “what is the difference between an endodontist vs dentist in Lincoln?” Endodontists are trained for advanced therapy beyond basic root canals. If your case is extremely complicated, you may be referred to an endodontist. I have, however, successfully treated hundreds of teeth with root canal therapy in Lincoln, NE over the years. If you’d like a professional opinion about having a root canal at our office or would like an opinion about seeing an endodontist, contact me, your dentist in Lincoln, NE. You can also call my office at 402-413-7000, or send an email directly to me at nebraskafamilydentistry@gmail.com
What about an abscessed or infected tooth for root canal treatment? Learn About Endodontics in Lincoln, NE.
If a patient has had a long-standing tooth infection, leading to the loss of bone around it, or having an obvious amount of pus, it would be safe to say that a root canal would be a poor treatment option for saving an abscessed tooth. Performing a root canal on an abscessed tooth will ultimately lead to a chronic low-grade infection within a patient’s mouth. Many patients have only a certain amount of tolerance to poor dental work and therefore, an associated low-grade infection is considered common. For patients with an auto-immune disorder, the immune system struggles daily and a compromised root canal can put additional and unnecessary strain on an already compromised immune system.
What about an abscessed or infected tooth for root canal treatment? Can it be saved with a root canal or should I get an implant?
Again, if a patient has a long-standing tooth infection, it will eventually lead to bone loss and/or a dental abscess. In these cases, a root canal is a poor treatment option.
I need to redo a root canal. Do I need to go to an endodontist vs dentist, or should I replace the tooth with an implant?
Your gentle, family dentist in Lincoln, NE says: the answer here is pretty simple. It’s usually better to replace the tooth with a biocompatible dental implant than to redo an infected root canal. Of course, you can always schedule a consultation with your family dentist or an endodontist in your area.



What is the cost of a root canal without dental insurance in Lincoln, NE?
The cost of a root canal can vary based on whether or not you have dental insurance.
If you are a candidate for safe root canal treatment, please read the CAQ’s about root canals.
Endodontists explain step by step process of getting a root canal:
American Endodontists talk about the common myths about root canals:
Common Failures of Root Canals:
Influence of microbiology on endodontic failure. Literature review:
Myths about root canals. Get answers from the American Academy of Endodontists answers:
In this video an Endodontist will answer the question: Are root canals safe for your health?
The American Academy of Endodontists answers this question regarding the safety of root canals for overall health:
Your Lincoln Dentist answering CAQs on the safety of root canals.

The key to an effective root canal is providing an exceptional experience for each patient. At our office, we use state-of-the-art technology, allowing root canal therapy to be accurate, safe, and comfortable.
Until root canals came along, the only way to treat an infected tooth was to remove it. Root canals traditionally have a bad name, and many people talk to their friends or watch YouTube videos that cause them to lose sleep worrying about the procedure.
In reality, root canals are very common. Root canals are useful when a tooth isn’t able to recover naturally from trauma. Dental trauma can include deep cavities, cracks, broken fillings, newly-placed fillings, and crowns.
But that might still leave you wondering:
The Benefits of Root Canal Therapy…
When you’re having serious discomfort, the most obvious benefit is to find relief. However, with root canal therapy, that isn’t the only benefit.
Root canal treatment stops infection and decay in its tracks. Instead of allowing your cavity to spread freely, a root canal gives us the chance to halt the spread of infectious bacteria. Unlike tooth extraction, root canals also preserve your tooth, giving you full functionality. When you have a tooth removed, it causes bone loss and changes the way you chew and speak. On the other hand, root canals prevent tooth and bone loss, giving you the freedom to eat and speak normally, and most importantly, stop your mouth from hurting. While root canal therapy offers many benefits, it may not be for everyone.
Dr. Kathryn Alderman is also a biological dentist in Lincoln, NE, and chooses to offer both approaches to dentistry to be able to cater to more patients. Always keep in mind that a root canal may not be for everyone, and your treatment decision will be compassionately respected.
Do you have a dental emergency and think you may need a root canal? Is an endodontist vs dentist better?

Whether you have a sharp toothache or infection during the week, after hours, or on the weekend, we’re here to help. For severe discomfort after hours, call our emergency line at 402-840-9783. During office hours, you’re always welcome to call us at 402-413-7000. The first place is to see your family dentist in Lincoln, NE for your emergency dental care. After your initial evaluation, it can be recommended on seeing your family dentist or endodontist treat the toothache.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Therapy
Many of our patients have questions about root canals. For that reason, I’ve tried to answer many of them on this page. Below are several of our most frequently asked questions about root canals.

Toothache FAQs
Looking for a second opinion about root canal therapy?
If you’d like a second opinion on your recent dental treatment or diagnosis, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can email me your x-rays and questions at nebraskafamilydentistry@gmail.com, or request an appointment online. I’d be happy to take a look and give you my professional opinion.
If you’re seeking a cost estimate, please text or call (402) 413-7141. We’re here to offer a pleasant, affordable, and hassle-free experience, whether you’re getting a root canal or just a second opinion.
You can also schedule an appointment at Preserve Family Dentistry. In addition, you can also schedule at any other Nebraska Family Dentistry locations using the form below. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to meeting you!
Wishing you health and happiness,

Dr. Kathryn Alderman, Your Lincoln Family Dentist
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