Root Canal Therapy – Arvada, CO
Save Your Teeth, Stop Your Toothache
Over 15 million root canals are performed every year; despite that, there are still many misconceptions about the procedure. Many believe it to be an extraordinarily painful procedure when in reality it’s no more uncomfortable than placing a filling. It’d be more accurate to say that root canal therapy from our Arvada, CO dentist actually stops pain, because it allows us to remove the source of a toothache in just a single appointment. Call Dr. Paylor right away if you think your tooth is infected; root canal therapy may be your only option to save it.
Why Choose West Arvada Family Dental for Root Canal Therapy?
- Two Types of Dental Sedation Available
- Highly Compassionate Dental Team
- Locally Owned Dental Office You Can Trust
Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is not the answer for every toothache. It’s only performed in situations where the tooth is still salvageable but the infection or dental damage is dire enough that a simpler treatment such as a filling wouldn’t be enough. The following symptoms often point to dental issues that require root canal therapy:
- Intense, throbbing tooth pain that does not go away after a day or two.
- A tooth that has suddenly become sensitive to hot or cold foods and beverages.
- Notable discomfort whenever you bite or chew.
- Notable swelling or redness in the gum tissue around the teeth in question.
- Pimple-like bump known as an abscess forming on the gums.
Any infection that has reached the point of needing root canal therapy is considered a dental emergency. Call our dental office immediately so that we can set up a same-day appointment to diagnose and treat your tooth.
The Root Canal Process
Steps will be taken to keep you comfortable while the root canal therapy is performed. Two types of sedation are available for anxious patients, and a local anesthetic will be applied in order to numb the mouth. Once you’re in a relaxed state, we’ll perform a brief examination of your mouth before moving forward with the treatment.
A hole is made in the enamel to grant us access to the pulp – the collection of nerve endings, blood vessels, and tissues that nourish the tooth. Infected pulp has to be removed entirely along with any other infectious material. The inside of the tooth is subsequently cleaned and sanitized so that there aren’t any harmful bacteria left behind to cause further infection and decay. Then the tooth will be filled with a biocompatible material. A crown will most likely be required to support and protect the weakened dental structure afterwards.
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
When you want to stop the pain of a dental infection without sacrificing the entire tooth, root canal therapy is often your best option. By saving the tooth, you can save yourself the time, money, and trouble that it would take to have it replaced. Also, by getting rid of the bacteria in the tooth, not only do we get rid of the current infection, but we stop it from spreading to the jaw where it could cause serious problems. And despite its reputation, the procedure is virtually pain free – especially in comparison to the discomfort that you would experience when having the tooth extracted.
Root Canal FAQs
Do I Still Need a Root Canal if My Toothache Went Away?
If your once painful toothache seems to have gone away, you might think you no longer need a root canal. In reality, you need a root canal more than ever! When the infection advances to the point where the nerve of the tooth gets “killed,” it can no longer register pain. In other words, the infection is still present and progressing. So, don’t put off your appointment with our Arvada dental team.
Can I Take Antibiotics Instead of Getting a Root Canal?
No, antibiotics are not a suitable alternative to getting root canal treatment. Why? In short, the medication cannot reach the pulp of your tooth and, therefore, cannot eliminate the infection.
What Happens if You Wait Too Long for a Root Canal?
Simply put, the longer you wait to get a root canal, the more time the infection has to develop. There will eventually come a point where there will be no choice but to pull your tooth. Plus, your surrounding teeth and gums are more and more likely to be affected in the meantime. That’s why we recommend getting a root canal when we first recommend it – it’s the best choice for your oral health, your wallet, and your overall well-being.
Can Root Canals Be Prevented?
Fortunately, there are several relatively simple habits you can adopt to dramatically reduce your chances of needing root canal therapy. The first is implementing a solid oral hygiene regimen at home, which includes brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash daily. The second is coming to our office every six months for a checkup and cleaning (or sooner if you’re experiencing any abnormal dental symptoms). The third is quitting unhealthy dental habits, like biting your nails, chewing on ice, and smoking.
How Much Pain is Normal After a Root Canal?
Although you won’t feel anything more than some slight pressure from our team working while you’re in the treatment chair, it is normal to experience some soreness during the healing period. Don’t worry – there are several ways you can keep yourself comfortable, like sticking to soft foods, rinsing with warm saltwater periodically, and taking OTC pain medication as directed on the label. If the discomfort seems to persist after three days, then call our Arvada dental team.
Do Root Canals Make You Sick?
Back in the 1920s, a man named Dr. Weston Price said that it was better to have a tooth removed because root canal treatment didn’t remove all of the bacteria. To this day, people site this study as a reason not to move forward with this procedure. However, his research was poorly designed to begin with, and his findings have been debunked for several decades now. In other words, there is no scientific evidence linking root canal treatment with an increased risk of disease. The reality is that you’re more likely to get sick from NOT moving forward with the procedure to eliminate the diseased and infected tissue.