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Longmont Dentist Gives an Overview of Root Canal Therapy

As a dentist, I know that dental treatment can be nerve-wracking and downright scary sometimes. Many patients experience intense anxiety when faced with the prospect of having a root canal. Root canal therapy is almost universally feared, but the truth is much of this fear is unfounded and unnecessary. With modern technology and a skillful practitioner, a root canal doesn’t need to be painful or traumatic. Today I’m going to be giving an overview of root canal therapy to demystify this treatment, and elucidate your options for a comfortable root canal.

What is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy—often simply referred to as a root canal—is a term used to describe a procedure during which a dentist removes infected pulp from the inside of a tooth. When most people think of teeth they think of the hard, white enamel that we see every day. However, inside each tooth is a hollow space filled with nerves, blood vessels, and tissue. The pulp chamber of the tooth is connected to blood vessels and nerves through the roots of the tooth. Dental pulp is responsible for nourishing the tooth and enabling sensory information—such as food or liquid temperature—in the tooth.

When the pulp of the tooth becomes infected or inflamed a patient my need to undergo root canal therapy. During a root canal the dentist removes the damaged dental pulp, disinfects the tooth, and then seals the hollowed out space with a filling to prevent future infections.

Early Signs that May Suggest Root Canal Therapy

Many times damaged teeth do not present any clear symptoms that indicate to a patient that they  need a root canal. Therefore, it’s important to maintain regular dental checkups so that a dental professional can evaluate your dental health. Additionally, here are some signs of pulp infection or inflammation:

·         Significant tooth pain, especially when eating or applying pressure

·         Tooth pain from hot or cold temperatures

·         A dark/dull tooth

·         Tender, swollen gums

·         A  large bump on the gums

Advanced infections may present with more serious symptoms, such as:

·         Painful swelling of the face/neck

·         Deteriorating enamel, resulting in holes exposing dental nerves

·         Weakened, brittle jawbone

These symptoms are serious, and necessitate professional care immediately.

Modern sedation technology allows patients to undergo root canal therapy without fear, anxiety, and pain. It is ultimately much more painful to avoid root canal therapy than it is to undergo this common procedure. Patients regularly tell our Longmont root canal dentists that their root canal was much less painful than they anticipated—they often say it was comparable to getting a simple filling. If you or a loved one is suffering in pain, feel free to give our Longmont root canal dentists a call to discuss your options—(303) 776-4229.