Hey everybody, it's Dr. Jon from Boulder Canyon Dental, and I get a lot of questions about what a root canal is and why would you need it. Today I'm going to go ahead and answer some of those basic questions so you have a better understanding of what a root canal is.
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a procedure where we remove the infected or agitated nerve from a tooth, and then we seal it with a biocompatible permanent material.
What are the signs that indicate I may need a root canal?
Signs that may indicate that you need a root canal would be pain on chewing, hot and cold sensitivity, swelling around the affected tooth, pain that throbs or radiates up to your ear, or even just a really dark colored tooth that doesn't respond to anything.
Can a root canal save a cracked tooth?
Cracked teeth can potentially be saved with a root canal if the crack can be prepped away prior to the root canal procedure and the final restoration. However, if that crack is severe, going below the gum line or even going through the floor of the crown itself, then a dental root canal is probably not the best recommendation. I would recommend discussing tooth removal and replacement with a dental implant.
When is it too late to get a root canal?
It can be too late to get a root canal if the tooth is severely damaged to the point where it can't support a final crown, if it has a big root fracture, or if the infection is so advanced that it's surrounding multiple teeth.
What happens during a root canal procedure?
The root canal procedure starts with getting the area comfortably numb. We do this with local anesthetics such as lidocaine, Septocaine, or Marcaine as needed. We also have options for oral sedation or even nitrous oxide if you're feeling a little bit anxious. Once the area is comfortably numb, we then access the infected nerve and remove it. We use a series of cleaning instruments and shaping and irrigation to flush out all the bad, dead tissue and to make sure there's no remaining bacteria. Once we do that, then we go ahead and seal the chamber and the canals with a biocompatible permanent material. Technically, then the root canal is done.
Do I need a crown after getting a root canal?
A lot of times, when you need a root canal, it's paired with having to get a crown, and that's usually because a lot of root canals tend to be in posterior teeth or back teeth that have multiple roots. If you need a root canal with a tooth that has multiple roots or if there is significant structural damage to the top of the crown, then a crown would be indicated. A big advantage at Boulder Canyon Dental is that we can do that crown at the same visit. So I would typically start with preparing your tooth for that crown while the crown is getting made, then I do your root canal, and by the time I'm done with your root canal, I can glue your crown on. This makes your time more efficient, so this procedure doesn't have to interrupt your life more than it already has to. In teeth with single roots and adequate structure, we don't always need to do a crown; there, we normally can do a very skinny access to clean what we need to clean and just seal that little hole with a composite material.
What can I do if my tooth is dark in color?
In some cases, patients don't have pain at all, but their teeth are just discolored. We see that a lot in the front teeth, obviously, because people look in a mirror or they see it in a photograph. If a tooth is appearing much darker than the teeth around it, it's most likely dead and not really responsive to any thermal sensation, and it doesn't always cause pain. In cases like this, once we complete the root canal of that tooth, we can place an internal lightning material called bleaching, and we can actually lighten that tooth. In this scenario, we would complete the root canal procedure, but then we would do something called walking bleach. This is a procedure where you place internal bleaching material inside the tooth that would remain in that tooth for one week up to two weeks to naturally lighten it back to match your other teeth. In some instances, we can get that color exactly like the other teeth, and a crown or a veneer would still be needed, but in most cases, one week of using an internal bleaching solution will lighten the tooth back to its natural beauty.
How safe is a root canal?
Root canals are considered to be extremely safe, and they're not linked to any serious health conditions.
How do I prepare for root canal appointment?
The best way to prepare for your root canal appointment is to continue or complete any of the medications that were given to you at your consultation. The day of your procedure, I also ask that you're well hydrated so you're feeling well. The typical root canal appointment is about an hour to an hour and a half; it all depends on whether we're also doing the crown that same day.
Will my tooth be sensitive after a root canal?
It is very common that even after a root canal procedure, that initially the tooth will still become or be sensitive, and that is due to an inflammation in the general area and the natural healing process. However, if after about a week you're still experiencing moderate discomfort, I would suggest you give our office a call so I can re-evaluate the area and just make sure nothing else is going on.
What is the best way to recover from a root canal?
The best way to recover after a root canal is to take it easy for a few days. Rigorous activity can always just make us squeeze a little bit more, and just imagine that the area is basically bruised. We want to avoid agitating it. Softer foods, good oral hygiene, and just over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and Tylenol are usually all you need.
What does a root canal procedure cost?
A root canal procedure typically costs between $1,000 to $3,500. This just involves the root canal itself and whatever final restoration we need, whether it's a crown or a composite material. Luckily, most dental insurances cover a big portion of that. If you don't have dental insurance, that's no problem. We have an in-house discount plan that can save you money, or we also have 0% financing as an option, so we can make this root canal therapy affordable for everyone.
I hope I've been able to answer some of your questions on root canals. If you have more questions or you're ready to take action, please give us a call at (970) 514-0662. We're here to help.
When you experience an infection or trauma to a tooth, we may recommend a root canal. We will be able to treat your condition right here in our Boulder, CO dental office. Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.
Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.
Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.
Many of our patients express fear or concern about pain when it comes to having a root canal. However, the symptoms you feel are often the most painful part of the procedure. Because root canals eliminate your infection and promote healing, you should begin to improve soon after your treatment.
Root Canal Process
A root canal procedure involves several steps and may require two or three appointments to complete.
At the first appointment, your dentist will numb the area around the tooth. This is to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure.
Next, they will drill a small hole in the tooth to access the inside of the tooth. Your dentist will use a special tool to remove all of the infected tissue and nerves. Once this is complete, you should feel relief.
Your dentist will use an antibacterial solution to clean out and disinfect the inside of the tooth. Once it is clean, they will fill the root canal with a rubber material called gutta percha. Then the hole is sealed with a dental filling.
It is likely that your dentist will recommend a dental crown. This will help strengthen the tooth and protect it from further damage.
Save Your Natural Teeth and Get Relief from Toothaches
If you have a toothache that won't go away, it may be time to find a dentist who does root canals in Boulder, CO. Boulder Canyon Dental can help you get relief for your tooth aches, and help you discern why you're hurting. Sometimes the cause of the pain is a tooth that is infected and needs a root canal.
Though many jokes have been told about root canals, modern dental technology is very effective and root canals are a relatively painless way to clear out a tooth infection and save your natural tooth or teeth, while also helping rid you of your tooth pain. The dentists at Boulder Canyon Dental wants to help you keep your natural teeth, whenever it is possible, and he specializes in oral surgery, including root canals.
A root canal is a procedure specifically designed to save you from losing a tooth. Our teeth are comprised of certain parts, one of them being the pulp. A tooth’s pulp is where the nerve, blood vessels, and connective tissue are housed. When this area becomes inflamed or infected, then a root canal procedure must be taken in order to save that tooth from falling right out of your mouth.
Alternative Treatments
The alternative to a root canal is often a tooth extraction. Saving the natural tooth is desired because it prevents the development of additional dental problems after a tooth is lost or extracted: loss of bone in the jaw, shifting of teeth, and the detrimental effects on eating and speaking if not replaced quickly. Tooth replacement is also a more complicated and costly process.
Experienced And Skilled Root Canal Treatment in Boulder
Boulder Canyon Dental has been helping Boulder patients find relief from pain with a root canal for years.
If you feel you may be in need of a root canal, contact the friendly staff at (970) 514-0662 or request an appointment online today!
What is a Root Canal?
Your teeth are made up of three layers: an enamel layer on the outside, then a layer of dentin (the hard bony tissue that makes up the bulk of the tooth), and finally a soft inside core that extends into the root in your jawbone. A root canal is a dental procedure that is done when this core layer becomes inflamed, infected, or even is dead. The pulp and decay are removed to help preserve the infected tooth and prevent further decay.
When you experience an infection inside your tooth, it can cause painful inflammation and sensitivity. Our dentists diagnose this condition by using digital x-rays and other testing to determine the cause of your pain. Other root canal symptoms include:
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Swelling near the infection site
- Pain or pressure
- A pimple-like lesion on your gums
- Tooth discoloration
This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges.
At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums.
Using a root canal procedure to conserve a tooth may provide you with many benefits to your oral health. Some of these benefits include:
- restore chewing and biting force;
- restore sensation;
- provide a more natural appearance; and
- protect your teeth from further damage or infection.
How is a Root Canal Treatment Performed?
If you experience any of the above symptoms, most likely non-surgical tool root canal treatment is recommended to eliminate the diseased pulp. The injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed.
Our dentists always makes sure our patients feel completely comfortable prior to beginning any treatment by applying local anesthetic. He will access the inner canals of your tooth by making a small hole in your enamel. Next, they will remove any infection or diseased tissue using a method called rotary endodontics.
Rotary endodontics utilizes a superior method for cleaning out the chambers that house your pulp and nerve. Because it uses a highly flexible, thin tip, it reduces the chance of damaging the fragile interior of your tooth. It is also a quieter and more comfortable method to clean out the infection in your tooth. Because of this advanced technology, your procedure will be comfortable and you can enjoy increased success when it comes to treatment.
Once our dentists removes the infection, he will sterilize the area, fill it, and seal it with a temporary restoration while you heal.
How Does it Work?
- The procedure for a root canal is relatively simple. The dentist will drill into the tooth and remove the pulp and decay from the canals before filling the canals and sealing them with cement. You may also be given antibiotics to help kill the rest of the infection.
- If there is significant damage to the tooth or the root canal was done on a back tooth, you will need to come back once your tooth is healed to get a crown put on. The crown will help strengthen and stabilize the tooth.
You might be surprised to learn that your tooth is more brittle after a root canal. We may recommend a dental crown to protect a fragile tooth. Chewing requires extreme force and can result in broken or split teeth following a root canal unless we protect these teeth with a crown. We create custom porcelain crowns in our office that look and feel great. With a root canal and the appropriate restoration, we can extend the life of your tooth by decades.
How Do You Know If You Need A Root Canal?
The best way to know for sure is to come in for a visit so we can examine your tooth. Some warning signs to look out for are:
- Persistent pain
- Sensitivity to cold and heat
- Tooth discoloration
- Pain when you eat
- Swollen gums
If you’re experiencing one or more of the above symptoms, come in immediately to see the dentist.
At the center of every tooth is a hollow area, known as the “pulp chamber”. The pulp chamber serves as a sort of reservoir that holds soft tissues such as the nerve, connective tissue, and blood vessels.
The nerve of a tooth is located in the root. The root canals run from the root’s tip to the pulp chamber. However, the nerve does not play a major role in the day-to-day function of the tooth as it is primarily only used to detect hot or cold temperatures.
A root canal treatment may be required when the pulp of the tooth becomes damaged and bacteria starts to fill up the chamber and multiply.
This, along with decaying pulp, causes the tooth to become infected or abscessed. An abscessed tooth typically has pus-filled pockets at the tip of the root.
An infection in the tooth usually manifests in the canal, causing facial swelling, bone loss around the end of the root, or a drainage hole in the side of the tooth.
What Is The Root Canal Treatment Process?
The experienced staff at Boulder Canyon Dental will take an x-ray of the tooth in question prior to the treatment in order to check the shape of the canals and determine if the bone or surrounding area is infected.
To begin the process of treating the tooth, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the particular area.
By using a rubber sheet also known as a “dam” to isolate the tooth, your dentist keeps the tooth and surrounding area clean and dry and free of saliva.
A hole is then drilled into the tooth to gain access to the pulp chamber.
Once your Boulder dentist has exposed the pulp chamber, he or she will then begin to remove infected pulp and, eventually, the nerve itself.
This process is accomplished through the use of root canal files. These files, which vary in diameter, are placed one at a time into the tooth and down the entire root canal.
This effectively cleans out any debris from the chamber and canal. Once this is done, your dentist will refill the canals and chamber with a rubber compound and seal it with cement.
How Much Will a Root Canal Cost at Your Boulder Clinic?
The cost associated with this specialized procedure will vary. It is contingent upon factors such as the severity of damage to the affected tooth and which tooth is affected. It is also dependent upon age, general health, and the existence of any underlying medical conditions.
In general, endodontic treatment is much less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an artificial tooth. Simply put, if you need a root canal, it’s worth getting it done right away. The cost of not doing so is exponentially greater.
What Does Root Canal Therapy Involve?
A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist).
While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva. An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments. Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed.
At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.
After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed. You will be given care instructions after each appointment. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your treatment.