What Are Signs You Might Need to Get a Root Canal?

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Have you been suffering from an ongoing toothache? That’s one sign that you might have an infection deep in the tooth near the root. At Colorado Root Canal Specialist, our endodontists in Thornton, CO, provide root canals to treat these infections. But how do you know if you need one? Let’s explore some signs that may mean you need a root canal.

Tooth Pain That Won’t Stop

If a tooth keeps hurting or has pain on and off, this can indicate that there’s an infection in the pulp. It might feel like a throbbing pain or a sharp pain that flares up at times.

Pain That’s Worse With Pressure

Does your tooth hurt more when you’re eating? A tooth that feels worse when you apply any pressure to it may mean you have a tooth infection in the pulp.

Long-Lasting Sensitivity to Heat and Cold

Having tingling or pain that lasts long after you’ve had something hot or cold to eat or drink can be a sign of an infected tooth. We perform root canals in Thornton, CO, to help ease this symptom.

Discolored Tooth

If a tooth has a darker coloring, that may indicate that the tissue in it is severely damaged or even dying due to an infection.

Gum Swelling or Tenderness

Tooth infections in the pulp can affect your gums, causing them to feel sore and tender or look swollen.

Jaw Swelling

You might have a swollen jaw in the affected area when you have infected tooth pulp that needs a root canal.

Schedule a Root Canal Today!

Do you need care for a tooth infection? At Colorado Root Canal Specialist, we offer root canals in Thornton, CO, to ease pain and save teeth from extraction. If your dentist recommends this type of treatment, we’re here to help!

Will My Root Canal Hurt?

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If you have a painful or infected tooth, you may need help from an endodontist in Thornton, CO. Unless you have gone through root canal treatment in the past, you probably have questions about root canals and what they entail.

One of the most common questions that people ask is whether their root canal will hurt. Knowing the answer to this question can help you as you move forward with root canal treatment. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a necessary procedure when a tooth is infected. During the root canal, the endodontist drills into the tooth and removes the infected parts. Next, the endodontist disinfects and seals the tooth.

When this process is over, the endodontist orders a dental crown to be placed over the tooth. Root canal treatments help save the tooth and can help stop the infection from spreading to other parts of the body.

Do Root Canals Hurt?

During the root canal, the dentist will numb the tooth to prevent pain and discomfort. Most people report that the greatest pain they experienced happened before the root canal. Dental infections can be very painful, but the root canal is designed to stop the pain.

How Long Will My Root Canal Take?

Root canals take about an hour or an hour and a half for complex cases. Your dentist can let you know how long your root canal will take before it begins.

Need Root Canal Treatment in Thornton, CO? Call Today to Make An Appointment

Do you need root canal treatment in Thornton, CO? If so, contact the dental professionals at Colorado Root Canal Specialist. A root canal is an emergency procedure, so it’s important to get your root canal as soon as possible.

Can a Root Canal Specialist Fix Nerve Damage?

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Nerve damage is tricky for nearly every medical professional. The nerve networks not only vary from person to person, but they can react very differently to the same stimuli. If you’re wondering how nerve damage works and whether a root canal specialist in Thornton, CO can fix it, we’ll look at what you should know.

Nerve Damage in Your Teeth

Every healthy tooth has nerves that root the tooth to the jawbone. Some teeth have just one main canal, while others have multiple pathways. It’s not necessarily common for dentists or endodontists to overlook a nerve, but it can occur more often than people realize.

This is why if you have nerve damage, it may not always be obvious to even the most experienced oral healthcare professionals. This is especially unfortunate when you consider that nerve damage is one of the most painful experiences that a patient can suffer from.

Can an Endodontist Fix Nerve Damage?

A root canal removes the nerve along with the pulp of your tooth, so it’s not necessarily fixing the nerve so much as eliminating the damage. The nerves of the surrounding teeth can then nourish the tooth in question so that you can retain your original tooth and preserve your long-term oral health. However, that doesn’t mean an experienced endodontist doesn’t have other tools or tactics that might mitigate the effects of nerve damage.

Nerve damage can sometimes be fixed if it’s mild to moderate, either on its own or via another procedure. If your nerve damage is on the cusp after dental trauma in Thornton, CO, it can help to talk to a team that’s seen it all. At Colorado Root Canal Specialist, we can give you our professional insights, so you can make smarter decisions that protect your teeth and gums for the long haul.

How Often Do Root Canals Fail?

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A root canal today is not only less painful than ever before, it’s also far more likely to succeed. Of course, if you’re trying to work out the exact numbers, you might find that the exact answers are a little murkier. Here, we’ll look at not just how often root canals fail but how to improve your odds of success.

The Numbers

Some researchers put the success rate as high as 95%, though these numbers aren’t always based on all the data. When endodontists around the country aren’t required to report their failure rate (and, what’s more, may not even know their failure rate), it can make it difficult to track the real rates.

Why Root Canals Fail

The nerves of the teeth can range considerably from one tooth to the next (and from patient to patient). Whereas some are straightforward, others are complex pathways that can be difficult to both observe and access. An endodontist in Thornton, CO with more experience and training can go a long way, but the reality is that there’s no fool-proof solution (just keep in mind that the same can be said for most medical treatments).

Why Take the Risk

While root canals in Thornton, CO can fail, they’re still the best way to save the tooth in question. While extraction may seem quick and simple (because it is), it still leaves you with an open space in your mouth. If you want to avoid jaw bone deterioration or the surrounding teeth slipping into its vacant position, then you’ll need to embark on further procedures (which can take months to complete).

If you have questions about root canal success rates, contact Colorado Root Canal Specialist for concrete advice that you can take to the bank.

Understanding the Difference Between a Surgical Root Canal and an Apicoectomy

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Have you ever had a toothache that just won’t quit, even after treatment? It happens! Sometimes, a regular root canal just isn’t enough to get rid of the infection for good. That’s when more advanced dental procedures come into play. If you’ve heard terms like surgical root canal or apicoectomy, you might be wondering, “What’s the difference?” What you need is a trusted dentist in Thornton, CO, to break it all down for you. And that’s what we’re here to do.

What Is a Surgical Root Canal?

A surgical root canal, or endodontic surgery, is like a deeper dive into your tooth’s problem. A standard root canal in Thornton, CO, treats the inside of the tooth from above. A surgical root canal works from the outside. A small incision is made in the gum to access the root tip directly. Then, any lingering infection is removed. Lastly, the canal is sealed. A surgical root canal procedure is often used when traditional methods can’t reach complicated root structures.

What Is an Apicoectomy?

Think of an apicoectomy as a “root tip removal.” In this procedure, we specifically remove just the very end of your tooth’s root (and any infected tissue around it). After that, the area is cleaned and sealed to prevent the infection from coming back. It’s generally the treatment that is used when a standard or surgical root canal hasn’t fully resolved the problem.

Key Differences Between the Two Procedures

Here’s a simple explanation. All apicoectomies are a type of surgical root canal. But not all surgical root canals are apicoectomies. Confusing. Isn’t it? Let’s break it down a little further.

Purpose – A surgical root canal targets infection through gum access. An apicoectomy focuses on removing the root tip.

Procedure – Surgical root canals can address multiple issues. Apicoectomies are more specialized.

Recovery – Both have similar healing times (1-2 weeks or so for most patients).

Success Rates – According to the American Association of Endodontists, surgical root canal success rates are over 85% (but that number varies).

Are You Looking for a Reputable Dentist in Thornton, CO?

Both traditional and surgical root canals are designed to save your natural tooth. And to get you out of pain! Which procedure you need will depend on your unique dental situation. If you’ve had lingering tooth pain or a failed root canal, don’t wait. Get treated today. Please Contact Colorado Root Canal Specialist to schedule an exam. And to find out if a surgical root canal or apicoectomy is the right solution for you.

What’s the Next Treatment After a Root Canal?

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If you’ve recently had a root canal—or have one scheduled—you might be wondering what comes next. Many people assume the tooth is all set once the infection is cleared. In reality, a root canal is just the first step in getting your tooth back to full strength, as your Thornton, CO root canal specialist explains.

Why a Crown Usually Follows

After a root canal, your tooth no longer has the nerve tissue that once nourished it. While the procedure cleans out infection and seals the inside, it also leaves the tooth more brittle than before. To prevent cracks or fractures, dentists often recommend placing a crown over the treated tooth. The crown acts like a sturdy helmet, protecting what’s underneath so you can bite and chew with confidence.

Not Every Tooth Needs the Same Follow-Up

Molars, which take the brunt of chewing, almost always need crowns. Front teeth, on the other hand, may hold up well with just a filling, since they’re under less pressure. Your dentist will evaluate the location and overall condition of the tooth to decide on the best restoration.

Keeping Your Tooth Healthy Long-Term

Once your crown or filling is in place, it’s essential to keep up with good dental habits. Brush and floss daily to avoid decay near the edges of the crown. Regular checkups help catch any issues early—ensuring your tooth continues to serve you well for years to come.

If you’ve completed a root canal in Thornton, CO but haven’t yet discussed the next steps, reach out. Protecting that investment now means fewer surprises later and helps preserve your natural smile for the long haul. Remember, don’t just disappear after your root canal treatment is complete. There’s a lot more to be done to ensure your tooth remains viable.

 

 3 Reasons to Get a Root Canal When You Need One

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Do you need a root canal? If you do, it’s important to see a root canal specialist in Thornton, CO. Going to the root canal specialist can help you get the treatment you need. There are many reasons to see a root canal specialist if you have a dental infection. Below are three important reasons to see a professional before the problem becomes worse.

1. It Could Save Your Tooth

A root canal is a treatment your dentist will use if you have an infection in your tooth. If you don’t get a root canal when you need one, the infection could cause enough damage that your tooth will need to be extracted. Getting a root canal can save your tooth.

2. It Will Stop The Pain

Tooth infections can hurt a lot. Seeing the root canal specialist when you have a dental infection can stop the pain quickly. Many people worry that getting a root canal will hurt. Root canals don’t usually hurt because the dentist numbs the area before starting the procedure. This means that the only pain you’ll feel comes before the root canal even begins.

3. You’ll Stop the Spread of Infection

Dental infections can spread to other parts of your body. If you get a root canal, you can stop the spread of a dental infection to protect your body from more harm.

Do you need a root canal in Thornton, CO? Get help from the root canal specialists at Colorado Root Canal Specialist. We provide fast, efficient root canal services to help our patients protect their dental health.

Why You Might Need a Surgical Root Canal 

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Are you having symptoms of a tooth infection despite having a traditional root canal done? You may need what’s known as a surgical root canal or apicoectomy. This endodontic procedure removes root tips that are infected, allowing you to keep your tooth and experience pain relief. Our dentist in Thornton, CO, Dr. Robert McBride, offers this treatment. Here’s when we might recommend this approach.

Repeat or Ongoing Infections

Do you keep getting an infection in the same tooth? Or do you have an infection that isn’t improving? A standard root canal might not provide you with the result needed to prevent this from happening. Or you might end up with another infection if bacteria enters your tooth again. A surgical root canal can help correct this and prevent additional infections.

Narrow Root Canals

You might have calcium deposits in your canals, causing them to be narrower than normal. In this case, a traditional root canal might not be adequate for removing infected material. Having an apicoectomy done allows Dr. McBride to thoroughly clean these canals — keeping additional infections at bay.

Diagnostic Reasons

X-rays might not provide us with the details needed to diagnose problems with your tooth. We might have you undergo a surgical root canal that allows us to diagnose the issue, such as a small fracture that isn’t showing up on X-rays.

Damaged Areas

If your tooth root has damaged parts or if there’s damage in the bone surrounding the tooth, Dr. McBride may recommend an apicoectomy to treat these areas.

Visit Us for Root Canal Treatment

Do you have an infected tooth even after a traditional root canal? At Colorado Root Canal Specialist, Dr. McBride performs surgical root canals in Thornton, CO, to remove infected root tips — and keep infections from coming back!

Debunking Common Root Canal Myths

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Have you been told that you need a root canal? For many patients, this is a fearful experience due to many myths surrounding this procedure. Colorado Root Canal Specialist wants to debunk these myths so you can feel confident in getting the treatment you need.

I Don’t Need a Root Canal if My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt

While most people find out they need a root canal because of severe tooth pain, it’s possible to have deep decay that’s not causing discomfort. If your tooth’s pulp is infected or damaged, you likely need a root canal to save the tooth and prevent complications.

Root Canals Cause Serious Illness

Some patients believe that root canals cause cancer or other systemic diseases or open the door to these problems in the future. This myth is based on research studies, but those research studies were poorly done and have been debunked. Today, scientists and dentists have found no evidence linking root canal procedures to serious disease.

Pulling the Tooth is Safer

Some patients will choose to pull a tooth instead of having a root canal. While this can be a valid option for diseased teeth, saving the natural tooth with help from your Thornton, CO, dentist, is almost always a better choice. Pulling teeth can allow the surrounding teeth to move and shift, which hurts your bite, unless you invest in a crown or bridge to fill that gap.

Root Canals Destroy the Tooth’s Root

This myth comes from the name, but in reality, the roots of the teeth stay in place during a root canal. Rather than disrupting the roots, this treatment removes the pulp and fills in the tooth to protect it.

If you are considering a root canal, a skilled endodontist is an important person to have on board. Reach out to Colorado Root Canal Specialist to schedule treatment.

What to Expect With Root Canal Recovery

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The thought of having a root canal in Thornton, CO isn’t something that anyone looks forward to. But if you consider how much pain and discomfort is relieved by the root canal, you could easily look at it like one of the best dental treatments you’ve ever had. Of course, a person doesn’t just walk out of a root canal appointment feeling like a new person…quite yet. Recovery might take a few days. Here’s what to expect with root canal recovery.

Swelling and Inflammation

Now’s not the time to have that important work photo session. For a few days, you’ll probably have a swollen face and jaw, much like you would if you had someone punch you in the face. The swelling will go down quickly, however, so there’s no need to schedule plastic surgery! To help reduce swelling, you can apply a cold compress to your cheek near the treated area. For the inflammation, try sticking to a soft food diet for a few days. That can minimize irritation and protect the tooth while it heals. Foods like soup, yogurt, mashed potatoes and smoothies are good options during this time.

Discomfort Will Fade

Within a week or two, most of the discomfort will fade, and you’ll be able to return to your normal activities, including appearing in public. However, if you experience severe pain, swelling that doesn’t improve, or signs of infection such as fever, you should contact your dentist immediately. Your recovery from a root canal procedure shouldn’t last more than a week. If it does, you might need additional treatment.

In the long term, a root canal can save your tooth and prevent more serious dental issues. With proper care and regular check-ups, the treated tooth should last many years, allowing you to maintain a healthy, pain-free smile. Contact your Thornton, CO dentist today to learn more!