Root Canal for Arvada & Westminster CO

Despite being one of the most commonly performed dental procedures, root canals have an unfairly bad reputation. Many people believe outdated root canal myths and are fearful when they are told they need one. The truth is that a root canal is a simple, painless procedure that can save your natural teeth.

When Is a Root Canal Needed?

Your tooth is comprised of the enamel surface, the dentin that forms the structure of the tooth, and the pulp. The pulp is the soft tissue in the center of the tooth made up of blood vessels and nerves. When a tooth is severely damaged by decay or injury, the pulp is exposed and may develop an infection. Symptoms of disease include swelling, sensitivity to hot and cold, and pain. Left untreated, the infection can spread to other teeth, the jawbone, and surrounding soft tissues, causing severe damage and resulting in tooth loss. If you have symptoms of an infected pulp, your dentist may suggest a root canal, a non-surgical treatment to remove the diseased pulp and clean the tooth canals.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

  • Sharp or throbbing pain in and around the tooth
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages
  • A cracked or broken tooth
  • Swollen gums around the tooth
  • Darkening of the tooth
  • Sensitivity, especially when chewing, that lasts weeks or longer
  • Tooth decay that has spread below the gumline

If you have any of the above symptoms and are in pain, call us at Clear Creek Endodontics Phone Number 303-432-3636, and we will see you as soon as possible. Clear Creek Endodontics offers emergency, same-day appointments every Monday – Friday afternoon.

Root Canal Treatment

A root canal is performed under local anesthesia, so you do not feel any pain during the procedure. The injured pulp is extracted using special dental tools, then the canals in the tooth’s roots are cleaned, disinfected, and sealed. Most root canals can be performed in one procedure, but a second treatment may be needed if complex root systems are involved. After a root canal, you should be able to drive home and may return to your daily routine.

An example of a healthy tooth
Healthy Tooth
A tooth anatomy diagram highlighting pulp dentin and canal
Tooth Anatomy
A visual of tooth inflammation showing tooth decay and an inflamed pulp
Inflammation
A representation of a tooth with its canals cleaned
Cleaned Canals
An illustration of root canal filling of a tooth
Filling Placed
An example of a tooth healed by root canal therapy
Healed Tooth

Are Root Canals Successful?

The success rate for root canals is 90%, saving the tooth and eliminating the need for tooth extraction. If a root canal is unlikely to be effective, we will review options with you. Our goal is always to save the tooth if possible. Extracting a tooth can lead to other problems, including jawbone deterioration and shifting of adjacent teeth.

Root Canal Follow-Up

After we have removed the diseased pulp, cleaned the tooth canals, and filled the area with gutta-percha (a dental putty), we send your records to your dentist. It is crucial to see your dentist to complete the restoration of the tooth within a few weeks. A restoration such as a crown protects the tooth from bacteria, debris, and infection.

How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?

Each root canal procedure is unique. The cost depends on factors such as the severity of the infection, which tooth is being treated, and the complexity of the root system. Remember that a root canal is less costly than having a tooth extracted and replaced with an artificial tooth. Having a tooth pulled but not replaced can be even more expensive, often leading to crooked teeth and jawbone damage.

If you have been referred to our office by your dentist, it is because they are confident in our skills and that a root canal is the appropriate treatment. If you suspect you need a root canal, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Stratton by calling our office at Clear Creek Endodontics Phone Number 303-432-3636.

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