Root Canal Treatment – Denver, CO
A Solution for Infected, Painful Teeth
If your tooth is in constant pain, it could mean that there’s an infection of the dental pulp (the collection of nerves, blood vessels, and tissues located inside a tooth). This is not a problem that will go away on its own; in fact, it could even reach the point where it spreads to other parts of the mouth. But with root canal treatment, Dr. Vernon can stop your discomfort and protect your smile from further harm. Give us a call today if you think you might require a root canal.
Why Choose Riviera Family Dentistry of Denver for Root Canal Treatment?
- Same-Day Appointments for Emergencies
- Saturday Hours Available
- In-Network With Many Dental Insurance Plans
Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?
You won’t know for sure whether you need a root canal treatment until a dental expert has examined the tooth in question. That said, there are several symptoms that can potentially be associated with an infected tooth. Call our office right away if you notice:
- A sharp pain in your tooth when you bite or chew.
- A tooth that’s sensitive to hot or cold food.
- Gum tissue that is unusually red or swollen.
- A pimple-like bump on the gums.
- An unusually darkened or discolored tooth.
- Chronic tooth pain that continues to grow worse.
The Root Canal Process
A root canal treatment involves removing infected dental pulp. To do this, we will need to create an opening in the tooth in question. Once the pulp is gone, we’ll need to sanitize the inside of the tooth to make sure that there aren’t any harmful bacteria remaining. Then we’ll place a biocompatible substance known as gutta-percha inside the tooth to help it keep its shape. To protect the tooth after the treatment, you will most likely need a dental crown.
While many people believe that root canal treatment is painful, this is not the case. A local anesthetic will be used to keep your mouth numb so that you don’t experience any discomfort while the procedure is being performed. We’ll also take whatever other steps are necessary to keep you as comfortable as possible during the process.
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
- Protecting Your Overall Health: An untreated tooth infection can spread to other parts of your body and increase your risk for serious health issues like heart disease. A root canal treatment can help you avoid this.
- Save Your Natural Tooth: If a dental infection grows too severe, you may need to have the tooth in question removed. With a root canal treatment, you can keep your natural smile intact.
- Stop Your Pain: The purpose of a root canal treatment is to get rid of the infection that’s causing you pain, thereby letting you once again eat, speak, and smile without discomfort.
Root Canal FAQs
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Root Canal?
Recovery time for a root canal differs for everyone, but many patients are able to return to their job or school the day after treatment. However, if your job requires physical labor try to take at least the next two or three days off, as vigorous exercise can make your healing process take longer by diverting blood from the treated tooth.
Your mouth will be sore for the next few days; be sure to take your prescription or over-the-counter pain reliever as directed.
During recovery, be sure to eat only soft foods and chew on the opposite side of your mouth as the tooth that had the root canal. You can brush and floss your teeth as you normally would but be gentle around the treated tooth.
Should you experience worsening pain after about three days, or if you notice any signs of infection such as a fever or swelling, call Dr. Vernon immediately.
How Long Do Root Canals Last?
Root canals have a very high success rate. In fact, most teeth that have received a root canal treatment go on to provide full chewing capabilities for many years or even a lifetime.
The longevity of your root canal will depend on a variety of factors, including the extent of damage to your tooth and how much time has elapsed between placing the temporary and permanent crown or filling. If too much time has passed, your tooth could be vulnerable to reinfection.
To ensure that your root canal lasts as long as possible, please be sure to follow Dr. Vernon’s post-op instructions and always practice excellent oral hygiene.
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
A root canal treatment can usually be completed in just one appointment, but it could potentially take two. If the latter is the case, your first appointment will involve placing a temporary antibacterial medication in the tooth to relieve your pain. You will then need to return to Riviera Family Dentistry to have the inside of the tooth cleaned out at a later date.
The length of a root canal procedure can range from 30 to 90 minutes or longer, depending on the location of the tooth within your mouth.
Molars have more root canals that must be disinfected than your front teeth. Generally, the farther back in the mouth you go, the longer your root canal will take.
Can I Take Antibiotics Instead of Getting a Root Canal?
Although antibiotics can treat bacterial infections in nearly every other part of the body, they unfortunately do not work on tooth infections.
This is because antibiotics must travel through the bloodstream to target the infected areas of the body. The bloodstream cannot reach the pulp of your teeth, and therefore they cannot eliminate infections there.
If your tooth’s pulp becomes infected, the only option to treat it (besides extracting it) is a root canal treatment.