Root canals have long been considered a dreaded procedure, but root canal therapy has been around for centuries. The first known root canal was performed in the early 1700s, and its use spread steadily throughout Europe in the 19th century. While modern root canals are much more refined than they were back then, this endodontic treatment is still a very important procedure for saving teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted.
If you are experiencing tooth pain and searching for root canals Greeley, CO, visit Clearwater Dentistry in Greeley, CO. Using the latest Dentsply technology, Dr. Baughman and his staff will make sure your experience is comfortable and as stress-free as possible. If you are searching for a dentist near me, contact Clearwater Dentistry at (970) 515-3550 or complete the online booking form.
What Is a Root Canal?
So what exactly is root canal therapy? Root canals are necessary when bacteria from cavities make their way to the pulp chamber. The pulp chamber contains vital nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. When this happens, your tooth will become infected, typically leading to severe pain and swelling. A root canal treatment removes the infected or traumatized pulp, allowing the root of the tooth to be preserved while also relieving pain and infection.
Root canals may also be necessary if you have experienced one of the following:
- Trauma or injury to your mouth or face
- Trauma due to clenching or grinding of teeth
- Caries excavation of large cavities
- Cracked teeth
- Repeated dental procedures on the tooth
If left untreated, this infected soft tissue can cause significant damage to your tooth and even cause tooth loss and surrounding bone loss. In severe cases, an untreated dead tooth can lead to other serious life-threatening health complications. The infection in your head will spread through your bloodstream and can cause systemic problems beyond the mouth, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions. Infections in your mouth that are untreated can lead to heart problems, rejection of artificial joints, and even death.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
While visiting the dentist for a thorough examination is the only way to be sure you need root canal therapy, there are a few signs of infection that may indicate treatment is necessary. These include:
- Persistent pain in the affected tooth
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Discoloration of the affected tooth
- Swollen gums near the affected area
- A small pimple-like bump on the gum near the infected tooth
Before the Procedure
During the consultation, Dr. Baughman will explain your procedure in detail, answer any questions, and provide information on how to prepare for root canal treatment. Using the Dentsply Sirona CBCT 3D Dental X-ray, he can get a very detailed look at the affected root and precisely plan the treatment.
Plan on wearing comfortable clothing, and make sure not to wear makeup or jewelry for the procedure. If you suffer from dental anxiety and require sedation for the treatment, please talk to us about oral sedation and nitrous oxide sedation options. Our main concern is your comfort, and we will do all we can to ensure your root canal is a positive experience.
The Root Canal Procedure
The procedure typically takes place over two office visits, depending on the complexity of the root. The initial appointment begins with Dr. Baughman numbing your tooth and surrounding area so that you are comfortable throughout the procedure.
An isolation device will be placed around your tooth to prevent infection, and an access hole will be made in the crown of your tooth. The root canals will then be thoroughly cleaned using specialized tools, including the state-of-the-art Dentsply Wave One, for accurate navigation and root canal files to remove all the infected pulp and nerve tissue.
The next step is to fill the root canals with a special sealing material called gutta-percha. This resilient rubber-like material seals off the tooth canal and prevents bacteria from entering, protecting against future infection. Finally, a temporary filling or crown is used to help protect your tooth until the permanent crown or other dental restoration is placed at a later appointment.
Recovery and Aftercare
Following treatment, you may experience residual sensitivity for up to two weeks as the tooth’s root heals; however, this should be temporary. We recommend avoiding hard and chewy foods until the permanent crown is placed and brushing and flossing as you normally would.
When it is ready, a permanent restoration, such as a crown or bridge, will be placed to further strengthen your tooth. However, this is dependent on each individual case, and Dr. Baughman will discuss the best options for you.
Root Canal Or Tooth Extraction
The main goal of a root canal is to save your natural tooth. If treatment isn’t an option and a tooth extraction is needed, it’s important to replace your missing tooth with a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture as soon as possible. Leaving a gap in your smile can cause adjacent teeth to shift and can lead to further dental issues down the road, such as bone loss. A tooth extraction is always the last resort when a root canal is not viable.
Risks of a Root Canal Procedure
Root canal therapy is a safe and routinely performed procedure with few risks. One main concern is that the canals may become reinfected, new decay can form, or the root canal may become damaged due to trauma; however, this happens in less than 5% of root canal cases.
As with any dental surgery, pain and swelling are possible complications, but these are typically minor and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Please contact us immediately if you experience severe pain, swelling, or other unusual symptoms.
Root Canals in Greeley CO
Our office offers state-of-the-art root canal treatment using the most advanced equipment for precise and comfortable treatment. Dr. Baughman and his team will do their best to make your root canal experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible, from the initial consultation to the follow-up care.
If you believe that root canal treatment is needed, please contact our office for more information or to schedule an appointment. To schedule an appointment, call (970) 515-3550 or complete the online booking form. We look forward to helping you maintain a healthy and happy smile. For the best dentist in Greeley, Johnstown, or Evans, CO, visit Clearwater Dentistry.
Summary
- Root canals are necessary when bacteria from cavities make their way to the pulp chamber. A root canal treatment removes the infected or traumatized pulp, allowing the root of the tooth to be preserved while also relieving pain and infection.
- If left untreated, this infected soft tissue can cause significant damage to your tooth and even cause tooth loss and surrounding bone loss.
- Signs you may need a root canal include:
- Persistent pain in the affected tooth
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Discoloration of the affected tooth
- Swollen gums near the affected area
- A small pimple-like bump on the gum near the infected tooth
- Three-step procedure:
- An access hole is made, and root canal is cleaned of infected pulp and debris
- Fill root canals with gutta-percha
- Dental crown placed
Frequently Asked Questions
Root canal therapy typically takes place over two appointments, depending on the complexity of the root. The initial appointment can take 1-2 hours and is used to clean the canals. A second appointment is scheduled approximately 7-14 days later for a permanent restoration, such as a crown or bridge.
Root canals are not necessarily painful as they can be performed with a local anesthetic. An active infection associated with the tooth can make it very difficult to ensure the tooth is completely numb for the root canal. During the procedure, our team will take every step necessary to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the process. After root canal therapy is complete, some slight sensitivity may be present as the anesthetic wears off. This is normal and should subside within a few days.
We strongly advise against smoking or using tobacco products after root canal treatment to promote proper healing. If you smoke or vape, this may be an opportune time to consider quitting.
Yes, for teeth that have large caries, constant or severe pain, trauma, or infection, root canals provide the best opportunity to save your natural tooth. Root canal treatment will help to restore the function of your natural tooth and prevent it from having to be removed. By removing the infected or traumatized tissue, root canal therapy can help you maintain a healthy smile for years to come.
Yes. It is recommended that teeth that had root canal therapy should be restored with a crown. After a root canal, the tooth is no longer receiving the normal blood supply to keep it strong and healthy. This can make teeth with root canals more susceptible to cracks, complete fractures, and cavities. The best restoration to treat a tooth that has been treated with a root canal would be a crown, bridge, or another fixed prosthesis.
Yes. You should be able to drive after treatment as long as you do not experience any adverse effects from the local anesthetic used during the procedure. We recommend you have a responsible adult with you when leaving our office after the use of any sedation.
No. Laughing gas or sedation is used to help you relax during root canal therapy and can provide a comfortable experience for patients who may be anxious about dental procedures. In most cases, treatment will be painless with laughing gas.
The cost of root canal treatment depends on the complexity of the root and may vary from case to case. Our office offers financing options, and we work with major insurance carriers to help make root canal treatment more affordable for our patients. We are happy to help you file any insurance claims and discuss payment options that may be available to you.
We are currently an in-network provider for the following insurance providers:
Anthem BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, Connection Dental, Delta Dental, GEHA, Guardian, Humana, Metlife, United Concordia, and United Healthcare. We direct bill to these providers and collect the estimated out-of-pocket portion at the time of service.
