How Do You Know When You Need a Root Canal?

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Persistent pain in one tooth indicates that you could need a root canal. Oral pain also has many other causes, such as tooth decay, gum disease, an impacted tooth, or damage to a filling. In this blog, we present several symptoms to watch for that could mean you need a root canal in Thornton, CO.

Common Root Canal Symptoms

If you experience persistent tooth pain or any of the symptoms listed below, please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Colorado Root Canal Specialist.

  • Sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks can mean that you have damaged blood vessels in the nerves of your teeth.
  • Swollen gums near the tooth frequently cause throbbing pain. You might also notice a small pus-filled pimple on your gums.
  • A tooth that appears black or gray has most likely experienced trauma to its roots or internal tissues. You will need a root canal once the tooth pulp dies due to insufficient blood flow.
  • Your tooth feels looser than normal.
  • You have cracked or chipped the tooth.
  • Chewing or tearing food with the tooth is painful, and the tooth is also painful to the touch.

Although these symptoms don’t necessarily mean you need a root canal, it’s important to determine the cause so we can establish a treatment plan right away.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

After providing you with anesthesia and ensuring your comfort, Dr. McBride or Dr. Surjan will use special dental instruments to remove decay and bacteria from the nerve, pulp, and root of your tooth. Next, your dentist uses antibiotics to disinfect the area, fill your tooth’s empty roots, and place a dental cap over the tooth to prevent further infection. Your care team will then go over aftercare instructions with you.

If you need a root canal in Thornton, CO, please ask your dentist to refer you or contact us directly.

3 Things to Know About Calcium Deposits and Root Canals

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If your dentist is performing a standard root canal in Thornton, CO, the goal is to clean out the pulp of a damaged tooth. However, if the tooth in question has calcium deposits, the procedure becomes more complex. We’ll look at why this is, and what you should know.

1. Deposits Form Over Time

There is no single cause for calcium deposits, but they typically start for the following reasons:

  • Circulation: The less blood circulation to the pulp, the more likely calcium deposits will occur in the canal.
  • Wear-and-tear: Over the years, your teeth can decay just from standard use. Unfortunately, these deposits can be tricky, because you can get them without any symptoms.
  • Trauma: If you have any kind of bleeding in your tooth, say from an accident or injury, the blood can draw calcium to the tooth’s center.

Symptoms of decay can prompt people to get treatment. In cases where there are no symptoms, though, calcium deposits can cause more severe problems.

2. Specialty Care May Be Needed

Dentists will first take an X-ray to determine whether calcium has formed. What they do next will depend on exactly how the calcium has formed. In some cases, calcium will cause common dental problems, like cavities and toothaches. The tooth may become yellow due to the formation.

3. Colorado Root Canal Specialist Can Help

Calcium deposits cause the canal to narrow, which can make a dentist’s job far more complicated. If you want to work with a professional who specializes in root canals, contact an expert endodontic dentist in Thornton, CO. At Colorado Root Canal Specialist, our staff has the training and expertise to handle even the most complex cases, so you can put your dental issues in the rearview.

 

What to Look For in a Root Canal Specialist

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Are you in need of a root canal? Finding the right specialist can help make the experience a positive one. Knowing what to look for and how to conduct a search can help. Here’s what we recommend when you’re looking for a root canal specialist in Thornton, CO.

Good Patient Care

Good patient care is important for ensuring that you’re comfortable throughout the root canal – from the moment you walk in the door. How can you tell if a facility offers good patient care?

Start by calling their office. Notice how long it takes for them to answer the phone, if they put you on hold and, if so, for how long. Are they polite when they answer your questions? Do they know the answers to your questions? All of these factors are part of the patient care experience.

If you’re happy with this initial experience, ask to speak with one of the dentists on staff. Ask them about their experience and what kind of accommodations they offer to patients to keep them comfortable. Answers to these questions will also tell you something about how that dentist handles patient care.

Accept Your Insurance

Not every dentist office accepts every type of insurance. When you call the root canal specialist you’re considering, ask them if they accept your insurance.

Excellent Reviews

Do some research online. Some websites allow patients to review their medical professionals to provide information about the patient experience and other factors that make a difference. Read the reviews for each dental professional that you’re considering. Note that some dentists post reviews on their website, so you can easily find this information.

Need A Root Canal? Call Today

If you need a root canal in Thornton, CO, call Colorado Root Canal Specialist today. We offer excellent patient care, accept many insurance types, and we also get excellent reviews from our patients.

how to prepare for a root canal

3 Ways that You Can Prepare for a Root Canal  

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Root canals can be a precarious situation for plenty of people. It’s ultimately a loss of control that patients have to contend with: you’re going to have this major procedure, and there’s not a lot you can do about it. Thankfully, there are ways that can prepare for what’s going to happen, which can make it all a little easier to get through it all. If you need (or think you might need) a root canal in Thornton, CO, here are our tips for getting ready.

Discuss, Discuss, Discuss

Dentists are busy people, but don’t let that stop you from asking questions and having discussions. If you have concerns about something, you shouldn’t hold back. What happens if you have an adverse reaction? What if you start feeling pain halfway through the procedure? How will a dentist handle an unexpected complication halfway through? Listening to the dentist and having them walk you through different scenarios can be surprisingly comforting.

Get Ready

Here are some tips to consider before a root canal:

  • Avoid alcohol or tobacco for the day beforehand
  • Get a full night’s rest
  • Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen before the appointment and have a couple of pain relievers on hand as well.
  • Eat beforehand: It may be difficult to eat for the first few hours after the procedure
  • Stock up on soft foods for the first few days

Find the Right Dentist in Thornton, CO

Having the right dentist isn’t just helpful for the more technical parts of the procedure, it can be helpful for the entire process. There are plenty of dentists who can perform a root canal but may lack any kind of bedside manner. A good dentist will ease your fears. They’ll be able to give you peace of mind about how the procedure will go and what will happen on the off-chance something goes wrong.

There are too many people who avoid dental care in the world, and much of it is due to general phobias about pain and lack of control. While it’s extremely unlikely that you’ll ever feel perfectly at home in a dentist’s chair, though, there are tips that can help you breathe easier. If you’re looking for an orthodontist in Thornton, CO, Colorado Root Canal Specialist in here to help.

 

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What Happens After Your Root Canal?  

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After a root canal, you’ll be able to return to your normal routine the same day. You can even drive yourself home afterward. You may experience some sensitivity, inflammation, or swelling, but this is usually easy to control through over-the-counter medications. If you’re experiencing more than mild discomfort, you should talk with your dentist in Thornton, CO, though you will already have a follow-up appointment on the schedule. Overall, you should expect several things to occur following your root canal, including:

Relief from Toothache

Because your dental professional removes the nerves associated with the affected tooth, you can expect to have no more pain in that tooth going forward. A root canal thoroughly cleans and sanitizes the small channels that lead down into the gums and bones. These canals are then filled with a dental compound to keep infection from returning.

No More Deterioration

A second great benefit of having a root canal is that it saves your natural tooth and prevents more damage from occurring. You’ll have to maintain good oral hygiene, that includes regular brushing and flossing, but if you follow your dentist’s instructions and keep regular appointments going forward, your tooth should not deteriorate any further.

Normal Tooth Function

Usually, when a tooth becomes damaged from decay or trauma, it becomes difficult to use. This may mean you’ve subconsciously been avoiding placing any pressure on the tooth. But after your root canal, you’ll be able to use your tooth again as normal, without having to worry about triggering a painful toothache.

Preventive Practices

Your dentist may ask you to quit smoking after your root canal because this can cause the root canal to fail, requiring a second procedure. You’ll probably want to up your dental hygiene game, too, after your root canal. This may help you avoid the need for more root canals in the future. Talk to your dental team about the best ways to care for your teeth and gums at home.

If you’re preparing to have your first root canal in Thornton, CO, let the experienced and friendly team at Colorado Root Canal set your mind at ease. This is an extremely common dental procedure that’s performed every day. There’s no need to worry about what happens during or after your root canal when you schedule your procedure with Colorado Root Canal.

 

Retreatment for Your Root Canal

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When your dental professional performs a root canal to save your tooth, they clean out the inner workings and refill the root canals with a material that’s intended to prevent re-infection. Lastly, the tooth is sealed with a restoration. Usually, this fixes the dental issue, and as long as you continue to brush and floss regularly, you’ll experience no further problems with that tooth. However, sometimes a root canal fails to prevent re-infection. When this happens, your root canal specialist in Thornton, CO, may suggest a procedure called a root canal retreatment.

What Can Cause a Root Canal to Fail?

There are several possible scenarios in which a root canal may fail to protect your tooth. For example:

  • If there was a delay between the original root canal and the placing of the restoration
  • If there is a subsequent injury to the treated tooth
  • If the treated tooth develops a second cavity after treatment
  • If the restoration becomes loose or breaks away
  • If your dentist was unable to reach curved or narrow root canals to clean them thoroughly during your initial procedure

Any one of these possibilities could cause you to need root canal retreatment. If you begin experiencing pain in a tooth previously treated, schedule an appointment to see your dental professional right away before your condition worsens.

What Is a Root Canal Retreatment Procedure?

During your root canal retreatment, your dental professional will perform an oral exam and take diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, to better understand why your initial restoration failed. Afterward, they’ll devise a course of treatment. A root canal retreatment involves removing the initial restoration, re-cleaning and sanitizing the root canals, and re-filling the holes. They’ll also place a new restoration on top to seal the tooth. Ideally, this will fix the issue you’re having with that particular tooth.

If you suspect you may need root canal retreatment in Thornton, CO, call Colorado Root Canal Specialist today. A member of our friendly and experienced team is waiting to take your call. And we’re happy to schedule an appointment that conveniently fits your busy schedule. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and comprehensive oral exam.

3 Reasons a Fractured Tooth May Require a Root Canal

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When a tooth experiences some level of trauma, a crack may develop. In a lot of cases, a dentist will recommend a root canal in Thornton, CO as part of the treatment process if the tooth is salvageable. Root canals protect damaged teeth on a number of levels. Take a look at some reasons why a root canal may be recommended if you sustain a fractured tooth.

1. To protect the tooth from nerve exposure

A fractured tooth that has been severely damaged may leave the nerves within the tooth exposed. Nerve exposure can be especially painful, especially when your teeth are exposed to either hot or cold temperatures. You may feel throbbing pain that seems to linger long after exposure. A root canal may be an option to remove the damaged tooth structure and replace it so that the nerve is no longer exposed.

2. To prepare the tooth for a crown

Once a tooth is cracked, a dental crown may be recommended to fully restore the tooth’s structure, protect it, and restore the visual appearance. Before a dental crown is placed on the damaged tooth, the underlying tooth does have to be repaired. The crown itself does not protect the tooth fully after it has been damaged, so a root canal may be recommended.

3. To restore the internal structure of the tooth

When the internal structure of the tooth is damaged, this leaves the tooth vulnerable to decay. Bacteria and other microbes can get trapped inside the tooth, which may lead to decay from the inside. A root canal restores the internal structure of the tooth, which means risks of decay can potentially be lowered.

Talk to a Root Canal Specialist in Thornton, CO

A fractured tooth can be a serious dental health situation. Therefore, seeking treatment from a Thornton, CO dentist right away is important. Look for a dentist that is skilled in the area of endodontics to ensure your tooth gets the best attention. Reach out to us at Colorado Root Canal Specialist to schedule an appointment today.

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!

Why Is a Root Canal Better Than an Extraction? 

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Both a root canal and a tooth extraction can relieve the pain of a toothache. However, it’s always best to save the natural tooth when possible. Before yourendodontist in Thornton, CO, extracts a tooth, they must have a plan to replace it. Otherwise, bone loss may occur. For this reason, it’s always preferable to save an existing tooth. A root canal is often the solution.

What Is a Root Canal?

When your dental professional performs a root canal, they make an opening in the crown and treat any infection that has formed inside the pulp. Afterward, they remove the pulp and seal off the canal, so reinfection can’t occur. Finally, they pack the crown with a temporary plug that keeps the treated tooth secure until you can return for your filling. This not only saves your natural tooth, but it can relieve your toothache, too.

Before performing your root canal, your endodontist will numb your tooth, so you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. And your root canal is usually performed right in the office, so you’re free to leave afterward. You may experience tenderness or mild discomfort after your root canal, so talk with your dentist about the best form of pain relief for you.

Why Is a Root Canal the Better Choice?

Your dentist will always try to save your natural tooth when possible because it’s usually easier to repair a tooth than to replace it. Once the tooth has been extracted, something else must go in its place to prevent bone loss. Usually, this is a dental implant, a partial denture, or a fixed bridge. Each is a second procedure that must be performed during follow-up visits. And some procedures, such as implants and dentures, require more than one visit to your dental professional. For these reasons, it’s always preferable to treat the afflicted tooth than remove it.

Call Colorado Root Canal Specialist Today

If you think a root canal may be the answer to yourtoothache in Thornton, CO, call Colorado Root Canal Specialists today. Our friendly and professional clinicians are always willing to do what’s necessary to save your tooth and relieve your pain. Call today to schedule a consultation.

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.