What Is a Root Canal?
Here’s everything you need to know about root canals in Lakewood, Colorado.
A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat and save a severely infected or damaged tooth. During the procedure, the dentist removes the infected pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) and cleans the inner chamber. Afterward, the tooth is sealed to prevent further infection. Contrary to common belief, root canals are relatively painless, thanks to modern anesthesia and techniques. Once the procedure is complete, a dental crown is often placed on the treated tooth to restore its strength and functionality. Root canals are vital for preserving a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted, allowing patients to maintain their natural teeth and oral health.
When You Might Need a Root Canal in Lakewood, CO
Here are the reasons you might need a root canal at your next dental visit.
You might need a root canal at your next dental visit if you're experiencing intense tooth pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure. Additionally, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, gum swelling, or a pimple-like bump on your gums are signs that the tooth's inner pulp might be infected or damaged. It’s best to consult with a dentist to determine the best course of action.
What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?
Most Lakewood, Colorado dentists will follow these steps.
Often a referral to a root canal specialist, or endodontist, will be given for you to receive care, where a thorough evaluation will be performed.
Local anesthesia is administered to numb the affected tooth and the surrounding area, ensuring the patient feels no pain during the procedure.
A rubber dam is placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva during the procedure.
The dentist drills a small opening in the crown (top) of the tooth, providing access to the pulp chamber and root canals.
The infected or damaged pulp, along with any debris, is removed from the pulp chamber and the canals. The canals are then cleaned, shaped, and disinfected to remove any remaining bacteria.
After cleaning and shaping, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material, often a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha, to seal the space and prevent further infection.
In many cases, the tooth is restored with a dental crown to provide strength and protection, especially if a significant portion of the natural tooth structure was removed during the procedure.
After the root canal, the tooth might be sensitive for a few days, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Regular check-ups are crucial to monitor the tooth's healing and ensure there are no complications.
A root canal procedure aims to save a severely damaged or infected tooth, relieve pain, and restore its functionality.
FAQs About Root Canals In Lakewood, Colorado
These are the most common questions we get about root canals in Lakewood, Colorado.
A root canal is needed when a tooth's pulp is infected or damaged due to decay, injury, or infection. It's necessary to save the tooth from extraction.
A well-done root canal can last a lifetime with proper care and regular dental check-ups.
No, the procedure is performed under anesthesia, so patients typically feel no pain during a root canal.
Care involves good oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and avoiding chewing hard foods on the treated tooth.
Yes, once healed, you can eat normally. Avoid hard foods initially and maintain good oral hygiene.
Yes, a damaged root canal can often be repaired by a dentist. Consult your dentist for appropriate treatment options.
Learn More About Root Canals In Lakewood, Colorado
For additional reading about dental cleanings and restorative dentistry services, check out our restorative dentistry resources:
We’re Not Just Tooth Doctors.
We look at your whole health.
At Fox Point Dental in Lakewood, Colorado, we take a holistic approach to dentistry and focus on the overall health of our patients. As functional dentists, we don't just treat dental issues at face value. We investigate the root cause of the problem to provide long-lasting solutions.
Good oral hygiene practices like brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash, as well as regular dental cleanings, are essential. However, they don't always address the underlying cause of dental issues such as tooth decay, misaligned teeth, bad breath, and others. These problems can stem from airway obstructions, overcrowded mouths, and narrow dental arches resulting from mouth breathing and sleep-disordered breathing.
Our focus on functional dentistry allows us to address the source of the problem and prevent future dental problems, while improving the quality of your life. Our aim is to help you and your loved ones smile with confidence, breathe easier, and lead a healthier life. We cater to patients of all ages and provide comprehensive dental care, from preventative cleanings to advanced procedures.
