Welcome to Apple Grove Dental! Our experienced team of dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, and patient coordinators provides top-notch dental services including Root Canal Therapy in Colorado Springs, CO Our practice offers a variety of services to help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of care in a comfortable and friendly environment. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call us or fill out our contact form today to schedule an appointment (719) 259-1592
Root Canal Therapy: Saving Your Tooth, Saving Your Smile
Root canal therapy is a dental procedure designed to save a tooth that is severely infected or damaged. Your natural tooth is maintained rather than removing the tooth. Despite its reputation, root canal therapy is a relatively painless and effective way to relieve tooth pain and save your natural tooth.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, is a procedure used to treat the inside of a tooth when the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) becomes infected or inflamed. Local anesthetic is provided for comfort before treatment. During the procedure, decay is removed and a small opening is created through the top of the tooth. The infected pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, and then the tooth is sealed to prevent further infection.
Key Takeaways
- Pain Relief: Root canal therapy is often performed to relieve severe tooth pain caused by infection or inflammation of the pulp.
- Preservation of Tooth: Rather than extracting the tooth, root canal therapy allows the tooth to be saved, maintaining the natural structure of your mouth and preventing the need for a dental implant or bridge.
- Success Rate: Root canal therapy has a high success rate, with most treated teeth lasting a lifetime with proper care.
- Procedure: The procedure is typically performed over one or two appointments and is done under local anesthesia, so you should not feel any pain during the procedure.
- Aftercare: After root canal therapy, you may experience some discomfort or sensitivity, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. It is important to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing.
- Followup: A crown is most often recommended after a root canal due to the tooth becoming more brittle over time as the tooth is no longer receiving nutrients from the once vital pulp. Routine care and checkups are necessary to help ensure good long-lasting results.
FAQ
Is root canal therapy painful?
While the idea of root canal therapy may sound intimidating, the procedure itself is not usually painful. Your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area, so you should not feel any pain during the procedure.
How long does root canal therapy take?
Root canal therapy can usually be completed in one or two appointments, depending on the severity of the infection and the complexity of the tooth’s anatomy.
Can I drive myself home after root canal therapy?
In most cases, you should be able to drive yourself home after root canal therapy. However, if you are feeling groggy from any medication, it’s best to have someone else drive you.
What happens if I don’t get root canal therapy?
If left untreated, an infected tooth can lead to a dental abscess, which can be painful and may require more extensive treatment, such as extraction or surgery.
Root canal therapy is a safe and effective way to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted. By understanding the benefits and process of root canal therapy, you can make an informed decision about your dental health.
At Apple Grove Dental and Orthodontics, we understand the importance of preserving the natural tooth and providing our patients with relief from pain. Our team of experienced dentists and staff are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality of care and the best possible outcomes. Call us or fill out our contact form today to schedule an appointment (719) 259-1592
