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What is Root Canal Therapy? 

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What is Root Canal Therapy? 

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Sometimes we can injure our teeth in accidents or by what we include in our diets. In some instances, patients may need a root canal treatment to save their tooth. A root canal therapy is a common procedure that can help save your natural smile. 

Root canals are an alternative to tooth extraction when an infection or decay has compromised the integrity of the pulp of your tooth. Without root canal therapy, you could lose the tooth forever. Root canal therapy is a very common dental procedure, with over 15 million procedures performed each year. Here is how we provide root canal therapy at Mountain Aire Dentistry. 

What are Root Canals? 

Root canal treatment assists in eliminating bacteria from the infected root canal, preventing reinfection of the tooth, and saves the natural tooth. The American Association of Endodontists explains that when a person undergoes a root canal, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed. 

After this, your tooth has been saved, but it is no longer a living tooth since the pulp, nerves, and blood vessels have been removed. A dead tooth can be more prone to fracture or breaking as it is more brittle. To protect your tooth from these new complications, Dr. Bockrath will restore the tooth with a tooth-colored crown to guard it from injury. A crown is stronger than natural tooth enamel and preserves the integrity of the tooth preventing breakage. 

The advantages of saving the natural tooth with a root canal treatment includes more efficient chewing, normal biting force and sensations, natural appearance, and protecting other teeth from excessive wear. 

Why Do People Need Root Canals? 

Root canal therapy is done to help patients avoid having to have teeth pulled. Your teeth are meant to last forever. However, when they become diseased or injured root canals can save them from extraction. This type of therapy is necessary when an untreated cavity travels all the way to the pulp. 

This therapy may also be required when deep restorations or trauma to the tooth cause there damage. Once the pulp is infected, it can start to eat at the surrounding bone (known as a tooth abscess). The pulp of your tooth contains multiple blood vessels and nerves. When the pulp becomes infected, you’ll experience extreme discomfort. This condition cannot heal by itself. If left untreated, the tissues around the root of the tooth can become infected. Additionally, it can begin to spread, bacteria can damage the bone that holds the jaw. At this point, you will more than likely lose the tooth entirely. 

Signs of Infection 

Symptoms that indicate a root canal is needed include:

  • Severe toothache pain when eating or application of pressure 
  • Prolonged sensitivity (pain) to hot or cold temperatures (after the head or cold has been removed
  • Discoloration of the tooth
  • Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums
  • A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums 

When you take care of your symptoms when they hit, it can help prevent the condition from worsening or causing permanent consequences. Some patients, however, may not experience any symptoms. In this case, you won’t notice the issue until you come in for a checkup. These dental checkups and cleanings can help prevent small issues from becoming much larger, painful, and expensive. Keep your six month appointments to help protect your dental health. 

After the Procedure

Most patients that are undergo root canal can immediately feel less infection-related pain. Post-procedure pain and discomfort are easily remedied with common over-the-counter medications. Patients who are waiting for their permanent filling or crown should try to avoid chewing on the treatment both to prevent any additional damage or pain before their treatment is completed. For proper healing, you should continue to brush and floss regularly and rinse with warm salt water to relieve inflammation. 

Make an Appointment with Mountain Aire Dentistry

Root canal therapy perceptions formed decades ago before the introduction of modern technologies and anesthetics. Today, the discussed treatment is no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed. Root canal therapy removes damaged tissue from inside your tooth that is causing you pain. At Mountain Aire Dentistry, we can educate you on what to expect with root canal therapy and walk you through your options. If you believe that you may need a root canal, make an appointment with our team to learn more.

 


291 E Flatiron Crossing Dr,
Broomfield, CO 80021

(303) 731-7755

 

When you visit our Broomfield dental office, your smile is our top priority. Our Dentists invite you to experience the difference a warm and caring team can provide for you and your family. Enjoy a unique and comfortable dental experience designed to bring a healthier and happier smile back into your life. We invite you to call or visit our Broomfield dental office and discover the exceptional difference we offer to those we serve.