Root Canal Therapy
Root Canal
When your tooth becomes injured or infected, your Grand Junction, CO dentist may recommend a root canal. During a root canal procedure, we will remove the bad dental pulp from the canal to relieve your pain.
We know how painful an infected tooth which is why we do our best to leave room in our schedule to care for patients with a dental emergency.
ROOT CANAL FAQ's
If you are suffering from any of the following symptoms, you may be a candidate for a root canal.
- Severe tooth decay
- A broken or chipped tooth
- A dead tooth
- An abscessed tooth
- A toothache
Not every toothache means you need a root canal, but certain symptoms can indicate that the pulp inside a tooth has become inflamed or infected. Signs may include persistent or severe tooth pain, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, pain when biting or chewing, swelling or tenderness around the gums, or a pimple-like bump on the gum near the affected tooth. Sometimes a tooth that needs root canal therapy causes very few symptoms, which is why a dental examination and X-rays are important for an accurate diagnosis.
Root canals have a reputation for being painful, but modern root canal therapy is designed to relieve pain—not cause it. Before treatment begins, the tooth and surrounding area are thoroughly numbed with local anesthesia to help keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Many patients say the experience feels similar to having a routine filling. If your tooth has been causing significant pain or sensitivity because of an infection, you may actually feel considerably better once the infected tissue has been removed.
During root canal therapy, your dentist creates a small opening in the tooth to access the infected or damaged pulp inside. The affected tissue is carefully removed, and the canals inside the tooth are cleaned and disinfected. The space is then filled and sealed to help prevent bacteria from entering again. Depending on the condition and location of the tooth, a dental crown may be recommended afterward to restore its strength, appearance, and function.
Most patients can return to their normal routine relatively quickly after root canal therapy. It’s common for the treated tooth and surrounding area to feel tender or sensitive for a few days, particularly when chewing. Your dentist will provide instructions for caring for the area while it heals. You may also need to return for a permanent restoration, such as a dental crown, to protect the tooth for the long term.