Root Canal Therapy Can Help Save Your Tooth
Root Canal Therapy in Colorado Springs
If your tooth is severely damaged, but your dentist thinks an endodontist can save it, they’ll recommend root canal therapy. Read on to learn what to expect during root canal therapy and the best way to prepare for your upcoming procedure.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy, better known as a root canal, is a standard procedure at Elevation Endodontics. Root canal therapy can restore an infected tooth to its natural appearance and function. Contrary to what Hollywood wants you to believe, root canal therapy in Colorado Springs is no more painful than filling a cavity.
Dr. McKissock and Dr. Kersten will suggest root canal therapy if you have a very deep cavity that is in danger of becoming infected. The infection can spread to the nerves in the root of your tooth. If left untreated, a deep cavity can abscess and eventually lead to bone loss in your jaw as well as other health problems. Drs. McKissock and Kersten may also recommend root canal therapy for cracked or damaged teeth, especially if your tooth’s nerves are exposed.
A Root Canal Therapy in Colorado Springs Can Keep You Healthy
When your doctors perform root canal therapy, the treatment is relatively simple and often performed in one or two visits. They clear your canals of harmful bacteria and infected tooth pulp, then fill and seal them up. Read on to learn about the steps for this endodontic procedure:
What is a root canal therapy procedure?
Preparation of the Area – Your tooth is examined and x-rayed. A local anesthesia injection numbs the gums and the tooth’s root. Once you are completely numb, your doctor places a dental dam around the tooth.
A dental dam is a 6-inch thin, square sheet made from latex or nitrile. It isolates the tooth and keeps it clean and dry during the procedure.
Drilling and Cleaning the Roots – Your endodontist drills an opening through the crown to access the root. The pulp is removed from the chamber by minuscule dental instruments. The canals are disinfected with a solution that eliminates harmful bacteria and treats the inflammation and infection.
Canal Shaping – Once cleaned, the canals are shaped to prepare the tooth for the gutta-percha and cleaned a second time.
Filling the Canals – Gutta-percha is a biocompatible material that fills the canals. It is a rubber-like resin filled inside the channel and heated to 40°C to soften and stick to the root. Your doctor presses the material tightly to fit snugly against the walls of the inner tooth.
Filling – Once filled, adhesive cement is used to seal the hole to prevent bacteria from entering the tooth. In some instances, when a tooth is severely damaged and there is not enough tooth left to hold the restoration, your endodontist will place a post inside for support.
Healing and Antibiotics – You are sent home to heal with a prescription for antibiotics to kill off any infection left. You are given post-care instructions on what foods to avoid and what to expect the following few days of healing.
Experiencing discomfort is perfectly normal after the root canal therapy. Over-the-counter pain medications usually alleviate mild pain. The best way to recuperate and heal is to get adequate rest for at least 24 hours following the process.
Adding the Crown – A new crown perfectly matching the existing teeth is placed around the tooth to add strength and stability. Once set, the new tooth can chew normally again.
A root canal treatment is simple and the most common dental procedure here at Elevation Endodontics. Nearly 16 million root canal therapies are performed in the United States alone each year. Don’t let root canal hearsay frighten you.
Is a Root Canal Painful?
Today, with the safest and most effective anesthesia, precise tools, and incredible imaging technology, a root canal doesn’t have to be painful. Root canal procedures are typically not different from having a deep filling.
Let Us Save Your Tooth With Root Canal Therapy
Elevation Endodontics has many years of experience in providing root canal therapy in Colorado Springs. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask us. Don’t let fear keep you from receiving the endodontic treatment you need to save your tooth. Your health may depend on it.
If you are concerned about your teeth and believe that a root canal may be the solution, please call us at (719) 488-2188 or email us.