Root Canal Therapy in
Lakewood, CO

The term “root canal” seems to bring dread to most people’s minds but in reality, the process of root canal treatment is not that painful. In fact, the pain you are suffering from when a tooth is affected by decay is usually far greater than the procedure itself.

Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.

Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed. You may think that just pulling a problematic tooth would be the answer but root canal treatment is cheaper than an extraction and replacement tooth would be. It also prevents issues for adjacent teeth that may occur if a tooth is removed.

Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth may have to be treated again due to new infections.

Signs and symptoms for possible
root canal therapy:

An abscess (or pimple) on the gums.
Sensitivity to hot and cold.
A hole in the tooth.
Severe toothache pain.
Swelling and/or tenderness of the face or neck.
Sometimes no symptoms are present.

Reasons for root canal treatment:

Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth).
Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.
Injury or trauma to the tooth.

What does root canal therapy involve?

While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva. An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments.

Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed.

At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.

After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed. Try to avoid hard, chewy or sticky food immediately after root canal treatment.

You will be given care instructions by your Lakewood dentist after each appointment. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment. If you feel any pain or pressure in the tooth a few days after the root canal treatment, please contact your dentist.

We are experts in all manner of procedures, including root canal treatment and therapy. Call us at our Lakewood, CO office to make an appointment today and free yourself from the pain of toothache.

Root Canal Therapy in
Lakewood, CO

Signs and symptoms for possible
root canal therapy:

Reasons for root canal treatment:

Do you need root canal treatment in Lakewood, CO?

What does root canal therapy involve?

Give us a call today and schedule your orthodontic consultation!

Root Canal Therapy in Lakewood, CO

Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy:

Reasons for root canal treatment:

Do you need root canal treatment in Lakewood, CO?

What does root canal therapy involve?

Give us a call today and schedule your orthodontic consultation!

Root Canal Therapy in
Lakewood, CO

Signs and symptoms for possible
root canal therapy: