Preserving your natural teeth is always the #1 goal of dentists. Root canal treatments are performed to do just that – preserve your natural tooth.
Dr. Ava Khodakhast, board-certified prosthodontist, specializes in performing root canals on anterior and premolar teeth. Her expertise ensures that patients receive the highest standard of care and a comfortable experience.
Key Takeaways
- A root canal is an endodontic treatment aimed at removing infected or damaged dental pulp to save the tooth.
- Signs of needing a root canal include intense tooth pain, tooth discoloration, and swollen gums.
- Discomfort or sensitivity is normal post-procedure and should resolve within a few days.
- Maintain good oral hygiene and attend regular dental check-ups to prevent future infections.
- Root canals have a high success rate. Potential risks include discomfort, re-infection, and damage to surrounding tissues.
What is a Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal is a type of endodontic treatment. The goal of this dental procedure is to remove infected or damaged tissue from inside the tooth. This tissue is known as the dental pulp.
The pulp has nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels. These parts nourish and protect the tooth. If the pulp gets infected or inflamed, it causes severe pain. Untreated, it may lead to tooth loss.
A root canal is performed on teeth that have deep decay or damage and cannot be restored with a simple filling. It is often recommended as an alternative to tooth extraction.
A root canal may be necessary if:
- You experience severe tooth pain or sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
- Your tooth is discolored or has a dark spot.
- You notice swelling or tenderness in the gums surrounding the affected tooth.
Root Canal
Root canal therapy is a very common procedure. It has a reputation of being undesirable and painful. But when done properly it is actually painless. Every tooth in your mouth is composed of a crown and a root. When a cavity or bacteria penetrates the tooth, the root and its nerves become irritated. As a result, the bacteria within the pulp cavity needs to be removed and cleaned in order to restore the tooth to its healthy state. Following the procedure, the tooth is fragile and consequently is restored with the natural crown for a lifetime of durability. Root canals have a success rate of 95% or greater. Most root canal are diagnosed by patients’ sensitivities to a specific tooth. Be sure to consult your dentist any symptoms or discomfort occur.
The Root Canal Procedure
This procedure aims to remove the infected pulp, relieve pain, and save your tooth. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of the procedure.
- Local anesthesia is used to numb the affected area. You will not feel any pain throughout the procedure. If you have dental anxiety or a severe sensitive gag reflex, dental sedation is available.
- A small opening is made in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber.
- The infected dental pulp, which includes blood vessels, nerve tissue, and soft tissue, is carefully removed.
- The hollow space is cleaned and shaped, preparing the tooth for restoration.
- Once the tooth is cleaned and shaped, it is filled with an inert rubber-like material called gutta-percha. The tooth is then sealed with a permanent filling to prevent further infection.
- If necessary, a dental crown will be placed on the tooth. A temporary filling or crown will be placed over the affected tooth. You will return for a second appointment to have your permanent crown placed. For more information about dental crowns, see our Dental Crowns and Inlays and Onlays service page.
Aftercare and Follow-Up
It usually takes about one to two weeks for your final restoration to be crafted. It is important that you come in for your final restoration as soon as it is ready.
The temporary restoration is not meant to be worn for an extended period. It is not as strong as the permanent restoration and will not protect your tooth and if left on past 2 months, may cause cavity around the temporary crown margins.
After your procedure, you may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity. This should subside within a few days. In the meantime, you can take over-the-counter pain medication to alleviate any discomfort. Always follow the recommended dose on the package and do not exceed the recommended daily amount.
Maintain good oral hygiene habits to prevent future infections. Good oral hygiene habits include:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride or hydroxyapatite toothpaste
- Floss daily to remove plaque and debris from between your teeth.
- Avoid sugary and acidic foods that can cause decay.
- Visit our office regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
If you experience severe pain, swelling, or any other concerning symptoms after your procedure, contact our office immediately.
Side Effects, Risks and Complications
Root canal treatments have a high success rate and are considered a safe and routine dental procedure. As with any medical treatment, there are some potential side effects, risks, and complications that you should be aware of. These include:
- It is common to experience mild discomfort or sensitivity. This usually subsides within a few days.
- Although rare, it is possible for the tooth to become reinfected. If all of the bacteria was not removed during the initial treatment, reinfection can occur.
- During the procedure, there is a chance of injury to nearby tissues such as nerves or blood vessels. Dr. Khodakhast is very skilled and will take precautions to minimize this risk.
If you have any concerns about potential side effects or complications, please feel free to discuss them with Dr. Khodakhast before your root canal treatment.
Root Canal Treatment Centennial, CO
At Argyle Dental & Prosthodontics, we strive to provide high-quality root canal treatments that are tailored to meet your individual needs in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
Don’t let the fear of a root canal prevent you from seeking necessary dental treatment. With modern advancements in dentistry, root canals are now more comfortable and efficient than ever before.
If you are searching for a root canal dentist in Centennial, root canal Highlands Ranch, CO, or a ‘dentist near me’, we can help! Our office in Centennial, CO is conveniently located in Arapahoe County, just 5 miles from Douglas County.
Call (303) 770-2254 to book an appointment or complete the online inquiry form. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, confident smile!
FAQs About Root Canal Treatment
There is a common misconception that root canal treatments are extremely painful. However, with the use of local anesthesia and sedation (if necessary), most patients report feeling little to no pain during or after the procedure.
The time it takes to complete a root canal treatment can vary depending on the complexity of the case. On average, the procedure takes 2 hours; however if it is severely infected or inflamed, it can take longer.
It is recommended that you avoid eating until the numbness from the anesthesia wears off to prevent accidental biting of your cheek or tongue. It is also important to avoid hard and chewy foods for a few days after the procedure to allow the tooth to heal properly.
In most cases, a crown is needed after a root canal procedure. This helps protect and strengthen the tooth, preventing future infections and potential fractures. Your dentist will discuss with you if a crown is needed based on your individual case.
As local anesthesia is typically used during the procedure, it is generally safe to drive yourself home. However, if you have been given sedation, it is best to arrange for someone else to drive you home.
Most dental insurance plans cover at least a portion of the cost of a root canal treatment. Our team will work with your insurance provider to determine your coverage and provide an estimate of any out-of-pocket expenses.
Yes, you should be able to return to work or your daily activities immediately after a root canal treatment. However, if you were given sedation during the procedure, it is best to rest for the remainder of the day.
