They are the words no patient wants to hear: “root canal.” But many patients find that root canal treatment isn’t as scary as it seems; it’s certainly better than ongoing tooth pain or the loss of one or more teeth.
Meadows Dental Group by Espire has a few ways to make endodontics less daunting for patients who need a root canal to save a tooth. Call our office in Lone Tree at 303-790-2323 today. Our general dentists and in-house root canal specialist serve patients in Highlands Ranch, Centennial and throughout Colorado.
What is a Root Canal?
The root canal is actually inside of the root of each tooth. It is filled with pulp, a soft tissue comprising blood vessels and nerves. Root canal treatment might become necessary in the event of:
- Severe tooth decay leading to infection of the pulp
- Injury to the tooth, mouth or gums, resulting in inflammation of the pulp
- Abscess resulting from poor dental hygiene or gum disease
- Weakening of a tooth due to repeated dental work or failed restorations
How do I Know if Root Canal is Necessary?
Our dentists will perform a thorough exam and X-rays to determine if you need root canal treatment or another procedure.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
Patients who need root canal therapy often present with symptoms such as:
- Severe tooth pain
- Extreme discoloration of one or more teeth
- Tooth sensitivity to temperature
- Difficulty chewing
- Inflammation or pain in nearby gums
- Abscess of the tooth root
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, contact Meadows Dental Group by Espire immediately. Root canal treatment may qualify as emergency dentistry, and our dentists will work to get you in to our office as soon as possible.
What to Expect During Root Canal Procedure
During root canal treatment, our endodontist performs the following steps:
- Cleaning the tooth root by removing infected or inflamed pulp
- Sealing the inside of the tooth with filling material
- Completing repair with a restoration such as a porcelain dental crown
Root canal treatment is the best option for saving a tooth that would otherwise fail. However, many patients resist this option because of the bad reputation the procedure has earned. In reality, the pain that brings patients to the office is usually much worse than the root canal procedure itself.
However, perception is reality when you’re in pain, which is why we offer multiple sedation dentistry options to help patients relax for endodontic therapy and other treatments.
Why Choose Meadows Dental Group by Espire
Meadows Dental Group by Espire has an in-house endodontic specialist. Dr. Scott Whitney has completed advanced education and training in root canal treatment. We have maintained a long-term partnership with Dr. Whitney, and his work at Meadows Dental Group by Espire makes it possible for many patients to save their teeth without being referred to another office.
Dr. Whitney and our team members use 3-D X-rays to achieve reliable success with endodontic treatment. Our panoramic imaging makes it possible to see the inside of the tooth, including the root, from multiple angles. This helps our dentists and endodontist plan the most effective treatment.
For more information about root canal therapy and other dental health services, please call 303-790-2323 today to schedule an appointment. Meadows Dental Group by Espire serves patients throughout Colorado, including Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, Centennial and other nearby areas.
