Root Canal Treatment in Aurora, CO

What Does the Root Canal Process Involve?

The primary goal of a root canal is to remove the infected tissue inside the tooth. With the help of a topical anesthetic, a small hole is drilled into a tooth. This allows the dentist to remove the source of the infection. Finally, the tooth is cleaned and the hole is sealed. To protect the tooth from further damage or decay, a restorative procedure such as a dental crown is often placed over the tooth. After root canal treatment, a dental crown is typically placed to protect and strengthen the restored tooth.

Are root canals painful?

Thanks to advances in modern dentistry, root canals have moved past the time where they were a stressful, painful procedure. When you’re in the dental chair, the experience won’t be especially different from having a cavity filled. The local anesthetic we use makes the treatment effectively painless. Post-root canal, it’s common to experience minor soreness or tenderness for a couple of days. Fortunately, over-the-counter pain meds are sufficient to make the recovery process easy.

How Much Do Root Canals Cost?

The cost of a root canal can vary from patient to patient, and often depends on the tooth receiving treatment and the severity of infection. We’ll be able to evaluate the condition of your tooth and provide a personalized treatment plan after a consultation. Endodontic procedures fortunately tend to cost less than extracting and restoring a tooth. Dental insurance will also often help to cover a portion of the cost. We believe that quality dental care should be affordable, so If you still have financial concerns, feel free to reach out to our office.

Signs a Root Canal May Be Needed

Several symptoms may indicate that a tooth requires root canal treatment. These include persistent or throbbing tooth pain, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, darkening or discoloration of a tooth, swelling or tenderness in the surrounding gum tissue, and a recurring pimple-like bump on the gums near the affected tooth. Because these symptoms can also indicate other dental conditions, a thorough examination with diagnostic imaging is necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Recovery and Aftercare

Most patients can return to normal activities within a day or two after root canal treatment. Mild soreness or sensitivity in the treated area is common and typically manageable with over-the-counter pain medication. Patients should avoid chewing on the treated tooth until a permanent restoration, such as a dental crown, has been placed. Following the aftercare instructions provided by the dental team helps ensure a smooth recovery and long-term success of the treatment.

Root Canal vs Tooth Extraction

When a tooth is severely damaged or infected, the two primary options are root canal treatment to save the tooth or extraction to remove it. Preserving the natural tooth through root canal therapy is generally preferred whenever possible because it maintains the natural bite, prevents neighboring teeth from shifting, and avoids the need for a replacement such as a bridge or implant. Extraction may be recommended when the tooth structure is too compromised to support a restoration or when infection cannot be adequately resolved. Contact Us