Your Smile Matters – Advancing Root Canal Care
Dental pain and procedures can be intimidating experiences. If your Englewood, CO, dentist has recommended a root canal treatment, you may feel nervous about what to expect. At Swiss Smiles & Implants, we understand these concerns. Our top priority is always your comfort and confidence. With advanced techniques, painless modern technologies, and a caring team by your side, we can ease your anxieties and provide gentle, effective treatment to save your natural smile.
You are not just another patient to us – we take the time to listen, answer all your questions, and ensure you feel at ease before, during, and after your procedure. Let us help you breathe easier, knowing you’ll be cared for every step of the way. Give us a call at 303-795-3517. We’re here to give you the thoughtful, pain-free root canal experience you deserve.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected, injured, or dead pulp from inside a tooth and replaces it with a filling material to save the tooth. The pulp consists of nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels that supply nutrients to the tooth. If this area becomes infected due to deep decay, cracks, or trauma, you may need a root canal to remove the damaged pulp and prevent further infection.
At Swiss Smiles & Implants, our skilled dentists perform root canals using advanced technology and techniques to maximize patient comfort and tooth preservation. We understand this procedure can sound intimidating, but modern root canals are far less painful than in the past. With proper numbing medication and gentle care, we can help you maintain your natural smile.
Why Might You Need a Root Canal?
There are several reasons why your Englewood, CO dentist may recommend a root canal, including:
- Severe tooth decay – Untreated cavities can reach deep inside the tooth and infect the pulp. Root canals allow dentists to remove decay and save teeth that would otherwise require extraction.
- Cracked or fractured teeth – Cracks and fractures can also let bacteria seep in and infect the pulp. Root canals remove the damaged pulp so the rest of the tooth can be repaired with a crown.
- Repeated dental procedures – Multiple fillings on the same tooth can traumatize the pulp over time. A root canal is sometimes needed to allow the tooth to fully heal.
- Trauma or injury – A blow or accident that injures a tooth may require a root canal to fix internal damage. This helps prevent abscesses or infections.
- Faulty crowns or fillings – If older dental restorations fail, bacteria have a pathway to enter the tooth. Root canals are often needed to fix the problem before new restorations can be placed.
The Root Canal Process
At Swiss Smiles & Implants, we utilize advanced technologies and techniques to maximize your comfort and achieve successful results. Here is what you can expect during your root canal:
- Numbing – You’ll receive a local anesthetic to numb the area so you don’t feel any pain during the procedure.
- Isolation – We’ll place a rubber dam to isolate the tooth, keeping your mouth clear of saliva, and preventing infection.
- Access – A small opening is made in the tooth to reach the pulp chamber and root canal system. We’ll seal this access hole with a temporary filling after treatment.
- Pulp Removal – Our Englewood dentists use tiny instruments to carefully remove all infected, injured, or dead pulp from inside the tooth. From there, we use irrigation solutions to help flush out debris.
- Disinfection – We’ll use irrigation solutions to thoroughly disinfect and clean the interior of the tooth after pulp removal., eliminating any lingering bacteria.
- Filling – The entire root canal system is precisely filled and sealed with an inert rubber-like material called gutta-percha. This prevents reinfection in the future.
- Restoration – We’ll place a temporary crown over the access hole. You’ll receive a permanent porcelain crown after the tooth has fully healed, usually in one to two weeks. This protects and strengthens the root-canaled tooth.
Root Canal Aftercare
Proper care after your root canal is crucial for healing and prevention of complications. Be sure to follow these root canal aftercare tips from your Englewood, CO, dentist:
- Use prescribed medication – Take any antibiotics or pain relievers as directed to manage discomfort and prevent infection.
- Eat soft foods – Stick to soft, mild foods for a few days. Avoid very hot or very cold foods.
- Practice good oral hygiene – Brush gently around the treated tooth. Avoid hard scrubbing. Use floss carefully to disrupt the tooth as little as possible.
- Avoid chewing – Try not to chew on the treated tooth until you receive the permanent crown. Use the opposite side of your mouth.
- See your dentist – Be sure to get the permanent restoration placed once the tooth has healed, usually within one to two weeks after treatment.
- Watch for complications – If you experience any increased swelling, pain, or other concerns, contact your Englewood dentist immediately to prevent further complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Root canal therapy can be done on most teeth, but there may be some exceptions. Teeth with severe decay, extensive damage, or fractures may not be suitable for root canal treatment. In some cases, a tooth may need extraction instead.
Yes, you may still need a root canal even if you have no pain. The nerves inside the tooth can become infected or damaged even if you don’t feel any discomfort. If decay, injury, or cracks allow bacteria to reach the pulp, a root canal will be required to clear out the infection and save the tooth, regardless of whether it is currently painful. Don’t wait until you have symptoms to address dental issues.
You should take it easy and stick to soft, mild foods for one to three days after your root canal treatment. This allows the tooth time to begin healing without disruption. Full healing of the tooth and surrounding tissues takes approximately one to two weeks until you can receive a permanent crown restoration.
During this initial healing period, be sure to avoid chewing or biting on the treated tooth as much as possible, using the opposite side of your mouth instead. This prevents damage to the temporary filling or tooth structure.
In most cases, root canal treatment has a very high long-term success rate if properly performed and cared for. However, in some cases, root canals can fail months or years later if bacteria re-infect the tooth through cracks, breakdowns in restorations placed over the access hole, or other issues. With good oral hygiene habits, regular dental visits, and prompt treatment of any new decay or damage, the tooth can be protected and a root canal retreatment avoided.
Yes, you should receive a permanent crown restoration after the treated tooth has fully healed, usually one to two weeks after the root canal procedure. The crown covers and protects the access hole that was drilled during treatment. It also reinforces the weakened tooth structure, restoring full function for biting and chewing. A crowned tooth after a root canal has an excellent long-term prognosis. An unrestored root canal tooth is at a much higher risk of fracturing or developing new decay issues.
Root Canals Don’t Have to Be Scary – Call Swiss Smiles & Implants
If you’re suffering from tooth pain or have been told you need a root canal, don’t put off treatment and risk further complications. We know you’re apprehensive, but our compassionate team at Swiss Smiles & Implants in Englewood, CO, will ensure your comfort every step of the way. With advanced training in anxiety-free dentistry and a dedication to personalized care, we can restore your smile with gentle, effective treatment.
Patients travel from Denver, Littleton, and Aurora to our state-of-the-art facility because they trust us to provide a positive, pain-free experience. Don’t wait another day in discomfort – call 303-795-3517 now to schedule your appointment. We’re here to provide the thoughtful care you deserve and help you smile confidently again.