How Long to Recover From a Root Canal?

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A root canal in Thornton, CO, is done to save a permanent tooth. This treatment has been shown to be highly effective and safe. If you’ve been advised to have a root canal, it helps to know how to prepare, including how long you can expect the recovery period to last.

How Long Does the Recovery Period Last?

Everyone has different pain thresholds. What might be a minor discomfort to one person may feel much more severe to another. Some patients who have had a root canal feel okay returning to work immediately afterward. However, the vast majority of people will want to at least take the rest of the day off to rest and recuperate after a root canal. Nearly everyone can generally expect to feel back to normal after a couple of days. Of course, some follow-up care may be needed, too.

Follow-up Care After a Root Canal

After your root canal, yourThornton, CO root canal specialist will provide you with follow-up care instructions. In general, though, here’s what you need to know.

Pain Management

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used to manage pain. If you find you’re experiencing excessive pain, contact your dentist.

Oral Hygiene

Continue brushing, flossing, and rinsing as usual, but be gentle around the tooth that had the root canal treatment. Use a strong, disinfectant mouth rinse to get rid of excess bacteria.

Eating Habits

It’s advisable to eat soft foods for a few days following the procedure to avoid discomfort and to protect the treated area.

Follow-up Visit

Be sure to attend your follow-up visit so your dentist can check on the healing status of your root canal treatment.

To schedule your root canal or to get more of your questions answered about root canals, contact our office today.

When To Call The Dentist With Severe Tooth Pain

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If you have severe tooth pain and aching gums, you might want to visit the Thornton, CO dentist. Dr. McBridge at Colorado Root Canal is highly trained in treating tooth pain and sensitivities. Using a root canal reduces pain at the tooth’s root, which is difficult to reach otherwise. Learn more about how our dentist can assist you with severe tooth pain and when to schedule an appointment.

What is Tooth Pain

Toothaches, bleeding gums, and infected mouth tissue can all be the source of tooth pain. Some level of inflammation generally leads to a toothache. This inflammation can be due to foreign objects, such as food, lodged into gum tissue or between teeth. Accidents and injuries to the mouth can also cause tooth pain that needs to be diagnosed and treated to avoid tooth loss.

When Should I Go to the Dentist

If left unchecked, such objects can lead to infection and spread bacteria. As a result, you can have an abscessed tooth that requires a root canal. Other reasons for tooth pain include:

  • Trauma inflicted on the mouth
  • Chipped tooth
  • Cracked tooth
  • Damaged or decaying tooth root

The only way to determine what is causing your tooth pain is with a visit to the dentist. Our dentist can diagnose any problems resulting in toothaches, as well as offer solutions and treatments.

Treat Tooth Pain Today in Thornton, CO

When tooth pain strikes, you want a dentist to assist you with treatments. Call our office at 303-920-9145 to schedule an appointment with our Thornton, CO dentist, Dr. McBride.

At Colorado Root Canal, we specialize in root canal therapy and endodontic surgery to repair tooth root damage. Save your teeth and stop having mouth pain with a visit to the local root canal expert.

3 Things to Do When You’re In Severe Tooth Pain

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Severe tooth pain may build over time, or it can come out of nowhere. No matter which issue you’re dealing with, though, it’s important to take action sooner rather than later. Tooth pain can resolve on its own, but you may not want to count on it. Here are three steps to alleviate your discomfort — both short-term and long-term.

1. Take Painkillers

Painkillers are meant to be a bridge until you can get real care for your teeth, but they can be an important bridge if you’re in enough pain. Over-the-counter medications, like Tylenol and Aleve, can go a long way if it’s 4 a.m. and your general dentist is sound asleep. You can also look for numbing gels or ointments at your local drugstore.

2. Try Home Remedies

Home remedies include a cold compress on your tooth, which can numb severe tooth pain in Thornton, CO, or gargling with salt water or mouthwash. These measures are temporary, but they can take away the worst of it so you can relax.

3. Work with an Emergency Dentist in Thornton, CO

We don’t always think of dentists in Thornton, CO, the same way we think of emergency doctors, but perhaps we need to adjust how we see the situation. For anyone who’s suffered an emergency, having a reliable professional to call when the pain strikes is a truly priceless benefit.

The staff at Colorado Root Canal Specialist knows that the longer you wait, the more likely it is the pain will become worse (and so will its consequences). It’s why we offer emergency care. If you want to have a dentist that will spring into action when there’s no time to waste, contact us today to see how we can help.

What Is a Surgical Root Canal?

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Has your dentist in Thornton, CO told you that you need a surgical root canal? If so, you might be wondering what is a surgical root canal and how it’s different from a traditional root canal? Don’t worry, we are going to go over both types of root canals with you, so you understand what is involved and what to expect.

Let’s get started.

What Is a Surgical Root Canal?

When a dentist says the word surgery, that usually instills fear in most people. However, root canal surgery is a fairly simple procedure and something most dentists and oral surgeons do on a regular basis.

With that being said, it’s still surgery, so it does require the use of anesthesia. Using anesthesia will minimize the amount of pain you experience.

A surgical root canal is performed on patients who have infected tooth pulp. The tooth pulp is a crucial part of any tooth, and it consists of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.

How Is Root Canal Surgery Performed?

If you need a surgical root canal in Thornton, CO, your dentist will do the following:

  • Oral exam
  • Dental X-Rays
  • Numbing and local anesthesia
  • Remove infected tooth pulp
  • Fill the tooth
  • Finish tooth restoration

These steps will require two or so dental visits and the surgery itself can usually be completed within about three hours. After the procedure is finished, you will be able to go home the same day.

What Is a Non-Surgical Root Canal?

Non-surgical root canals or conventional root canals are more common than surgical root canals. The process is similar to having a filling done except it’s a much deeper, more detailed procedure. This is because the drilling goes much deeper down into the root of your tooth. Here is the process for a non-surgical root canal.

  • Local anesthetic
  • Drill down to the root canal
  • Remove the diseased tooth pulp
  • Clean canal with sodium hypochlorite
  • Fill tooth

Sometimes the dentist might need to reconstruct your tooth by placing a metal post in the tooth canal. Then a temporary crown is installed over your tooth and later removed and replaced with a permanent crown.

What’s Next?

If you want more information about surgical root canals, or if you have questions about other dental issues, please Contact Colorado Root Canal Specialist today. Let us show you how to say goodbye to tooth pain so you can get back to enjoying your life again!

Anatomy of a Toothache

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The pain associated with a toothache is usually intense. This is why most patients are desperate for relief when a toothache strikes — even to the point of asking for extraction to relieve the pain. Luckily, if your root canal dentist in Thornton, CO, sees you in time, they may be able to ease your discomfort without sacrificing the tooth that’s causing it. Many factors work together to cause a tooth to decay. If you better understand how a toothache occurs, you may better understand how a root canal resolves the issue.

Anatomy of a Toothache

Your teeth have more parts than most people realize, much more than just a root and a crown, including:

  • Periodontal Ligament — connects the tooth to the tooth socket
  • Cementum — protective, bone-like layer that covers the root
  • Blood Vessels and Nerves — run through the pulp cavity and the root canal
  • Root Canal — runs from the pulp chamber down through the root and into the jawbone
  • Enamel — covers the crown of the tooth
  • Dentin — hard tissue beneath the enamel
  • Pulp Chamber — located inside the crown of the tooth

When you have a cavity that’s left untreated, the decay eats through the enamel and the dentin into the pulp. This is when it may become painful, because the pulp chamber is filled with nerves. Infection may continue down the root canal and cause infection, or abscess, in the gums. The result is a toothache of epic proportions that may send you in a panic to your local dentist.

How Root Canal Therapy Can Help

Root canal therapy requires making an opening in your infected tooth, exposing the pulp and the root canal. These areas are then cleaned and flushed of infection. Your dentist then refills the root canal and the pulp with a permanent material that replaces the nerves and blood vessels. They then fill the opening and cap the tooth. Sometimes, they place a support within the root canal to help support the root. As a result, the tooth is saved, and your pain is alleviated. This makes treatment by root canal a great solution for the pain of an infected tooth.

For more information on root canal therapy in Thornton, CO, call Colorado Root Canal Specialist to schedule a consultation.

What Should You Do About That Toothache?

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Toothaches can be a real problem because they’re painful, and also because they’re an indication of a serious problem. In fact, tooth aches are dental emergencies! Knowing what to do about a toothache is important. Getting emergency dental care in Thornton, CO can help you avoid a lost tooth. If you’re experiencing a toothache, here’s how you can take care of your problem and take care of yourself.

Take an Anti-Inflammatory

Sometimes, taking an anti-inflammatory medicine like ibuprofen can help with dental pain. Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and don’t take more than the recommended dosage.

Some over-the-counter medications, like acetaminophen, aren’t considered anti-inflammatories and will not help as much. Make sure the medicine you’re taking is the correct medicine for your needs.

Swish With Saltwater

Salt water is a natural disinfectant and can help with a minor toothache. Put 1/2 of a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm (but not hot) water, and mix until the salt has dissolved. Put the salt water in your mouth and swish like it’s a mouth wash. The salt water will kill bacteria and help dull the pain at the same time.

Get Advice From Your Dentist

Toothaches can be a dental emergency, so if you’re experiencing a toothache, it’s important to get advice from your dental professional in Thornton CO. Call your dentist as soon as the toothache begins to describe the problem and the severity. Your dentist can tell you whether you need to come in for an appointment, and can also give recommendations to help dull the pain.

Schedule a Dental Appointment As Soon As Possible

Don’t let a toothache ruin your day. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, contact a dental professional as soon as possible to find out the potential cause and what can be done about it. At Colorado Root Canal Specialist, we can provide advice and help you decide whether you need a root canal or some other form of tooth repair or treatment. Call today to make an appointment and take care of your oral hygiene!

Boy at the dentist consultation. Checking and dental treatment in a clinic.

A Look at the Most Common Underlying Causes of Severe Tooth Pain

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Some would say that tooth pain could be deemed as some of the most intense, hard-to-treat types of pain. When tooth pain grows this severe, you could be facing an emergency situation that calls for immediate treatment by an emergency dentist in Thornton, CO. But what causes such severe pain in the first place? Here is a closer look at some of the most common underlying causes of severe tooth pain.

You May Have an Abscessed Tooth

An abscessed tooth is essentially an infected tooth. The infection causes inflammation and pressure around the nerves that are extremely sensitive to that new pressure. Oftentimes, an abscessed tooth will stem from decay that has allowed bacteria to slip into the soft tissues around the tooth. When left untreated, a dental abscess can be dangerous, so be sure to get to a dentist immediately for treatment.

Exposed Nerves May Be to Blame

Nerve exposure could be one of the biggest reasons for toothache. An exposed nerve can make it feel like you have a severe toothache, but you may not be able to pinpoint exactly where the pain is coming from. You may experience severe pain when you open your mouth or eat or drink something cold or hot.

Dental Trauma Could Be the Problem

A sudden or sharp blow to a tooth can lead to a traumatic injury to the tooth and the supporting soft tissue. This can obviously lead to some pretty intense pain. You can have a persistent ache, a burning sensation much like a scrape or tissue injury, and even some bleeding. Dental trauma can also leave you at risk for experiencing an exposed nerve or losing a tooth. Therefore, seeking immediate dental care is extremely important.

Get Help from an Emergency Dentist in Thornton, CO

Any time you are in severe pain because of your teeth, the situation should be considered an emergency. Be sure to get in touch with an emergency dentist in Thornton right away to find out what the problem is and how it should be treated. Reach out to us at Colorado Root Canal Specialist to schedule an emergency appointment today.

3 Reasons a Chipped Tooth Can Be a Big Problem

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After a fall or sudden smack to your tooth with a hard object, you realize you have a chipped tooth. The issue may not appear to be a big problem, but a chipped tooth can actually be a reason to seek emergency dental care in some cases. At the least, a chip in your tooth should lead you to contact the dentist for advice. Here is a look at a few problems that can arise when you have a chipped tooth.

A chipped tooth can lead to an infection.

Even though a chip may look small, the missing enamel could mean that the pulp of your tooth is open to bacteria. In the event this is the case, you could be highly at risk for developing an infection. The pulp of the tooth’s interior is softer and more vulnerable to bacterial accumulation. Further, if your tooth gets infected, you could be at risk for the infection making its way into your bloodstream.

A chipped tooth puts the full structure of your tooth at risk.

What looks like a simple chip looks quite more alarming under a microscope. Tiny, hairline fractures can stem from the chipped point and outward along other parts of the tooth’s structure. Unfortunately, this can mean that a small chip may have the full structure of the tooth at risk. While a root canal and crown can usually save the ailing tooth, many people don’t understand the extent of the damage and end up losing their tooth.

A chipped tooth can lead to severe dental pain.

Some people don’t feel anything immediately when they sustain a chipped tooth, but then severe pain settles in shortly after. This pain occurs because the fractured enamel can open up an access point for air to make its way to the tooth’s nerve. In the most extreme cases, the chipped tooth can actually cause nerve damage, which may lead to the tooth having to be extracted.

Contact a Thornton Emergency Dentist for Advice

Sometimes, the smallest issues with your small can lead to worrisome problems. If you have sustained dental trauma and have a chipped tooth, reach out to us at the Colorado Root Canal Specialist in Thornton, CO for advice.

 

 

Everyday Practices That Can Help You Avoid Ever Needing a Root Canal

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Every year, dentists across the planet perform tooth-saving root canals to prevent the rapid deterioration of an ailing tooth. While the procedure is effective, the best plan is to avoid the possibility of ever needing a root canal to begin with. Here is a look at a few good things to keep in mind about taking care of your smile to ensure your chances of needing a root canal are lowered.

Floss every day.

Flossing thoroughly breaks away hidden residue and food particles between your teeth. So, flossing is such a critical part of your everyday oral care routine. Nevertheless, many people do neglect flossing, and, unfortunately, neglecting to floss is almost a surefire way to end up with decayed teeth. The residue that is allowed to sit idle between the teeth starts to break down tooth enamel and lead to decay.

Be vigilant about examining your teeth and their condition.

One of the top reasons people need a root canal is a tooth has deteriorated so much that a general filling is not enough to save the tooth. Be vigilant about examining your teeth. Invest in a small oral mirror to look at the back of your teeth. And, of course, get to the dentist when you spot any small spots of darkness or anything that looks like decay.

Watch what you eat.

Nutrition is one aspect of a healthy smile to tend to throughout your life. So much about your oral health and the strength of your teeth are related to what you eat:

  • Sugar breaks down into acid that is detrimental to your teeth
  • Lack of vitamins and minerals can contribute to the demineralization of the teeth
  • Not enough raw, crunch veggies and fruits can lead to plaque buildup
  • Nutritional foods encourage proper blood flow to your gums to prevent gum disease

Try to follow a well-balanced diet, rich in bone-supporting calcium, potassium, and other minerals. Drink plenty of water, lower sugar intake, and pick raw veggies when possible.

Trust Us for Root Canal Treatment in Thornton, CO

Even though you can do your part to avoid ever needing a root canal, there may come a day when you need one just the same. If you have an ailing tooth, reach out to us at the Colorado Root Canal Specialist in Thornton, CO for help. Root canals may sound intimidating, but when done by true professionals, the procedure is not much different than an average filling for most patients. We are the true professionals who are here to help!

signs of dental trauma

Common Symptoms of Dental Trauma

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Dental trauma occurs when something impactful affects the inside of the mouth, lips, teeth, gums, tongue or jawbone. Most often, your dentist in Thornton sees dental trauma after a physical incident, such as a sports injury, vehicle accident, human physical altercation or a fall. Dental trauma can be very serious and should always be attended to by a dentist. However, sometimes dental trauma isn’t obvious. In that case, it can go untreated and quickly develop into something even more serious. Here are some common signs of dental trauma.

Fractures

Following an incident of some kind, a fracture may develop in a tooth or jawbone. Fractures can be so small that they can only be seen with an x-ray. They also vary as to the depth that they occur. Superficial fractures may occur on the surface of the teeth or bone and cause little trouble. But deeper fractures can make the tooth more vulnerable to bacteria, easily breakable and more sensitive to heat or cold. If you suddenly have one or more sensitive teeth after an incident, chances are you may have fractured a tooth. Deep fractures in the jawbone can lead to TMJ and other serious problems, including tooth loss.

Tooth Displacement

Another common symptom of dental trauma may be a loose tooth or a permanent tooth that’s been knocked out of its socket. These are both situations where you’ll need to see a dentist right away. Loose teeth from dental trauma can often be saved by your Thornton dentist, but you need to make an appointment as soon as possible. Even a tooth that’s been knocked out as a small chance of being saved, and if you contact your dentist immediately.

Earache and Vertigo

Patients are often surprised to discover that their sudden painful earache is the result of dental trauma along the jawbone. Anytime the jawbone is injured, the ear may be affected. You may even have vertigo, since the ear is primarily responsible for balance and equilibrium. Don’t ignore an earache or dizziness, especially if it occurs soon after an incident.

Your mouth and jaw are not meant to be hit. Your teeth, especially, are not well-protected against physical trauma. Anytime you experience an incident and suspect dental trauma, contact your dentist for a thorough exam.