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(303) 355-8670 
Find A Location A tooth that aches when you bite, stays sensitive after a hot drink, or develops a swollen spot on the gum needs a closer look. If the soft tissue inside is infected or inflamed, root canal treatment may save it. At The Dental Team of Cherry Creek, we examine the tooth and explain your options before recommending a next step.
The goal is to treat the problem inside a tooth that can still be restored. Your dentist will review your symptoms, examine the tooth, and use dental X-rays to assess its roots and surrounding bone. We’ll explain when a filling, root canal, specialist evaluation, or extraction makes sense.
Our Cherry Creek office offers restorative and emergency dental care Monday through Saturday. For significant tooth pain or swelling, call (303) 355-8670 to arrange an evaluation.
A root canal treats the narrow spaces inside a tooth’s roots when its pulp becomes inflamed or infected. The dentist removes the affected tissue, cleans and shapes the canals, then fills and seals them. A final filling or crown protects the remaining tooth.
Pulp contains nerves and blood vessels. Deep decay, a crack, repeated dental work, or injury can damage it. When the pulp cannot recover, treating the inside of the tooth can address the source while preserving the part you bite with.
Symptoms can signal trouble, but they cannot diagnose it. We examine the tooth, test its response, and review images before recommending treatment. Even a tooth that has stopped hurting may need attention.
A root canal is not right for every damaged tooth. Some need only a filling or crown. A tooth with too little sound structure or an unrestorable fracture may need extraction. Complex canals or trouble with a previously treated tooth may call for a specialist evaluation.
The plan depends on the tooth and how much damage remains. We’ll explain whether treatment and final restoration are likely to happen in one visit or in stages.
We confirm the diagnosis and numb the tooth and nearby area with local anesthesia. You may feel pressure or vibration. Tell us if you feel sharp pain.
The dentist makes a small opening, removes the affected pulp, then cleans and shapes the canals for a close seal.
The canals are filled and sealed. A temporary filling may protect the opening until a separate restoration appointment.
The tooth needs a lasting restoration. Some teeth can be finished with a filling. A tooth with substantial damage, especially a back tooth used for chewing, may need a crown. We’ll explain what will protect yours and when to have it placed.
If enough sound structure remains, root canal treatment can preserve your natural tooth and avoid replacing a missing one. It cannot repair every fracture or rebuild a tooth that cannot support a restoration. Extraction may then be the better choice.
We’ll discuss the tooth’s condition, likely durability, the full treatment plan, and cost, including the final restoration. If removal is recommended, ask about tooth replacement. Our Cherry Creek team can explain tooth extractions and options such as a bridge or implant.
Wait for numbness to wear off before eating so you do not bite your cheek or tongue. With a temporary filling, avoid hard or sticky foods on that tooth. Follow your instructions for brushing, medication, and the final restoration.
Tenderness when biting can last a few days, especially if the tooth hurt beforehand. Relief is not always instant; tissues around the root may need time to settle. Call if pain is severe or worsening, swelling increases, your bite feels uneven, or a temporary restoration comes out.
Fever, spreading facial swelling, or difficulty swallowing needs prompt assessment. Trouble breathing is a medical emergency. If you’re unsure, call our office for guidance.
A root canal removes affected pulp and lets a restorable tooth remain in place. The final filling or crown seals and protects the visible part from fracture and new decay.
Many treated teeth function for years, but a tooth may still need more care. New decay, a crack, or persistent infection can lead to retreatment or extraction. Regular exams and daily brushing and flossing help you protect it.
Local anesthesia numbs the area. You may feel pressure. Tell us immediately if you feel sharp pain. Soreness afterward is possible and should improve.
Time varies with the tooth, its canals, and whether care is staged. We can estimate your appointment after an exam. A final crown may require another visit.
Many back teeth and teeth with large repairs need a crown. A filling may be enough when more sound structure remains. Your dentist will recommend what fits the tooth and your bite.
Usually not. Antibiotics do not remove infected tissue inside root canals. Dental treatment addresses that source. Antibiotics may be appropriate if infection causes fever or is spreading.
Cost depends on the tooth, canal complexity, imaging, and whether a filling or crown follows. Insurance benefits vary. We can review your estimate, insurance, and financing options before treatment.
Most patients can drive after local anesthesia alone. If you receive oral sedation, arrange a ride and follow your dentist’s driving restrictions.
Tooth pain has several possible causes. An exam can show what is happening and what to do next. Visit The Dental Team of Cherry Creek at 3773 E Cherry Creek Dr N, Suite 120, Denver, CO 80209. Call (303) 355-8670 or request an appointment.
