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Root Canal Treatment in Longmont, CO

​​Get expert root canal treatment in Denver to relieve pain and save your tooth. Comfortable, effective care with long-lasting results. Book your appointment today!

Tooth anatomy illustrating root canal procedures.

Save Your Tooth

Why Choose The Dental Team for Root Canal Treatment?

Experiencing intense tooth pain or sensitivity might indicate the need for a root canal to preserve your tooth and maintain oral health.

The Dental Team is dedicated to providing gentle and effective root canals that eliminate infection, alleviate pain, and prevent additional damage. Many fear that root canal procedures are painful, but modern methods and local anesthesia ensure minimal discomfort—comparable to receiving a dental filling. A root canal allows you to retain your natural tooth, thus avoiding extraction and implants. If severe tooth pain or sensitivity troubles you, don't hesitate—book your consultation today for prompt relief.

Root Canal Treatment AT A GLANCE

  • Alleviates tooth discomfort due to significant decay or infection
  • Eliminates bacteria and infected tissue from the tooth's interior
  • Preserves natural teeth, avoiding the necessity for extraction
  • Efficient and comfortable endodontic procedure using local anesthesia
  • Restores tooth functionality with a dental crown or filling

From Infection to Protection

Understanding Root Canal Treatment

A root canal treatment is a crucial dental procedure aimed at saving a tooth that is severely decayed or infected. When decay or trauma reaches the inner nerve tissue (pulp) of the tooth, it can lead to severe pain, infection, and potentially tooth loss if not addressed.

In a root canal procedure, the dentist or endodontist meticulously removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the canals within the roots, and fills them with a biocompatible material to seal the tooth and prevent any future infections.

After completing the root canal, the tooth is typically restored with a crown or filling to restore its strength and functionality.

Senior man smiling during dental check-up.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Unsure if a root canal is necessary? Be aware of these indicators:

  • Intense toothache that persists, particularly during chewing
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold substances lasting more than a few seconds
  • Swelling or tenderness in the gums near a specific tooth
  • Tooth darkening or discoloration
  • Pimple-like protrusions (abscesses) on the gums
  • Pain that disrupts sleep at night or intensifies over time

If you notice any of these signs, arrange for an examination promptly. A root canal can halt the infection's spread and avert tooth loss.

The Root Canal Process, Explained

What is the root canal procedure like?

A root canal treatment generally requires one or two appointments, depending on how severe the root canal infection is. Here's a breakdown of what occurs during the procedure:

Step 1: Numbing the Area

A local anesthetic is used to ensure you experience no discomfort throughout the procedure.

Step 2: Removing the Infected Tissue

The dental professional drills a small opening in the tooth to reach the infected pulp tissue. The diseased tissue is meticulously removed, and the root canals are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

Step 3: Sealing the Tooth

A root canal filling with a rubber-like material helps to prevent any further infection.

Step 4: Restoring the Tooth

The majority of teeth treated with root canals require a dental crown to regain their < strong > strength and functionality , although some might only need a simple filling . < p > Once completed, your tooth will work normally again, relieving you from pain.

Smiling woman in dental chair, feeling happy.

Choosing the Best Option

Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction: What's the Ideal Choice?

If you're dealing with a severely infected or damaged tooth, you might be considering whether a root canal or extraction suits your needs best.

  • A root canal preserves your natural tooth, helping you chew effectively and maintain a proper bite.
  • An extraction could necessitate a dental implant or bridge to fill the gap left by the missing tooth.

Typically, dentists advise preserving the natural tooth when feasible, which makes a root canal often the treatment of choice in Longmont, CO.

Choosing Wisely

Recovery and Aftercare for Root Canal Procedures

Many patients can return to their usual routines within a day. Here's how to look after your tooth following a root canal:

  • Refrain from biting on the treated area until your permanent restoration is complete.
  • Use prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications to alleviate any minor discomfort.
  • Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and using an antibacterial mouth rinse.
  • Attend scheduled check-ups to monitor healing and ensure the restoration is correctly placed.

After full recovery, your repaired tooth will perform just like a natural one.

Don't Wait! Relieve Tooth Pain

Root Canal Results Explained

Following your root canal treatment, you will find instant relief from discomfort as the infected pulp is removed. Some individuals might notice slight sensitivity for a few days, but this usually diminishes as healing occurs. Once a permanent filling or dental crown is applied, your tooth will feel and operate normally.

How Will My Results Appear?

  • Pain subsides immediately after the infection's removal
  • A natural-appearing, fully functional tooth restored with a filling or crown
  • No longer sensitive to hot, cold, or sugary foods
  • Enhanced chewing ability without discomfort or risk of further infection

A root canal preserves your natural tooth, allowing you to maintain a healthy bite and confident smile for years ahead.

Root Canal Frequently Asked Questions

If you're experiencing ongoing tooth pain, heightened sensitivity to temperature, gum swelling, or a small bump near the troubled tooth, you might require a root canal. Discoloration of the tooth or discomfort while chewing could also signal significant decay or infection. A dental professional can confirm the necessity for a root canal after conducting an examination and X-rays.

Typically lasting between 60-90 minutes per tooth, a root canal treatment is often completed in one or two appointments. If the infection is particularly severe, your dentist may use a temporary filling and arrange another visit for the permanent restoration.

With modern dental techniques and local anesthesia, undergoing a root canal feels similar to having a dental filling. Most patients experience immediate relief from pain once the infected tissue is removed.

You might feel slight soreness or sensitivity afterward, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

A well-performed root canal treatment can endure for many years with proper oral care. However, the treated tooth could still be at risk of fracture or reinfection, so placing a dental crown is often suggested for lasting protection. Maintaining regular dental visits and good hygiene practices will help preserve your treated tooth.

The expense of a root canal varies based on factors like the tooth's location, infection severity, and required restoration. Typically, dental insurance covers part of the cost, making it more affordable.

Your detailed treatment plan and cost estimate will be provided prior to your procedure.

You should be able to drive yourself home following a root canal procedure, as only local anesthesia is used. However, if you've had any form of sedation dentistry, you will need someone else to drive you home.

An untreated tooth requiring a root canal can lead to an infection spreading to nearby teeth, gums, and even jawbone areas. This could result in intense pain, abscesses forming, and eventually losing teeth. In rare instances, untreated dental infections can cause serious health issues that may necessitate emergency medical intervention.