How Long Will a Root Canal Last?

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When it comes to teeth at risk of being extracted, a root canal in Thornton, CO may be the only way to save the natural tooth. These procedures are exceptionally effective and the end result often means a patient gets to keep the natural tooth they would have otherwise lost. But how long can a root canal last? Find out more about how long you can expect a root canal to last below.

The Longevity of a Root Canal – A Closer Look

A root canal is a commonly recommended procedure because of how effective the procedure can be. Endodontic treatment has a high success rate, but it can also last for many years after treatment. With the right dentist and good oral hygiene, you could even see a root canal last for the rest of your life.

How can you ensure your root canal is successful?

If you undergo a root canal, it will be essential to listen to the dentist’s advice about how to prepare and what to do and avoid after the procedure. A few things that are often recommended include:

  • Avoid smoking before and after the procedure
  • Eat only soft foods until the local anesthesia wears off
  • Avoid using the treated tooth to directly bite or chew your food
  • Take any medication as prescribed

How do you know a root canal has failed?

While uncommon, root canals can fail. If this occurs, the symptoms can be similar to what they were when the tooth initially had issues. For example, you may experience pain, swollen gums, drainage around the tooth, or even tooth discoloration. If you have any of these symptoms, be sure to reach out to your dentist right away.

Talk to a Root Canal Specialist in Thornton, CO

If you have a tooth that you suspect needs a root canal, reach out to a root canal specialist in Thornton, CO. We are happy to discuss your oral health concerns at Colorado Root Canal Specialist.

How to Recognize a Dental Emergency After a Root Canal

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Root canals are one of the most common dental procedures, and, for most patients, the treatment is highly successful. However, just as it is after a tooth extraction, it is important to watch for signs that something is wrong with your root canal. Check out these symptoms that should spur you to visit an emergency dentist in Thornton, CO right away for an evaluation.

Severe Pain

Contrary to what a lot of patients suspect, root canals are not a painful experience. You may have some mild discomfort as the tooth heals, but you should not be in severe pain. If you are dealing with intense pain, it could be a sign of infection or an affected dental nerve.

You Spot Tooth Discoloration

If you did not get a crown after the root canal, watch out for signs the tooth is changing color. If blood flow to the tooth is impeded or the root is fractured, this can cause the tooth to change color. In some cases, the tooth can be saved, but you must visit a dentist as quickly as possible.

You See Pus or Drainage

Pus or drainage from the tooth that underwent a root canal can be a sign of infection. You may see yellow or white puss seeping from the gum line around the tooth, for example. This may even occur with pain, swelling, or fever. In any case, be sure to talk to the dentist right away for treatment.

The Tooth Feels Loose

A root canal should stabilize an ailing tooth. Therefore, you should not feel any shifting or movement after a root canal has been done. If your tooth feels loose, be sure to seek advice promptly.

Speak to a Root Canal Specialist in Thornton, CO

If you are experiencing problems with your recent root canal, it is crucial to see a Thornton root canal specialist as soon as possible. Reach out to us at Colorado Root Canal Specialist to schedule an appointment.

Why is My Dentist Recommending a Root Canal?

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A root canal is one of the more serious dental treatments. It’s also one of the most effective options your root canal specialist in Thornton, CO has for saving your permanent tooth. If you’re wondering why your dentist is recommending a root canal, it likely has to do with something that is jeopardizing one of your teeth, such as one of the following:

Cracked or Fractured Tooth

In the event that a tooth has been broken or cracked to the point that the inner pulp has been compromised or made vulnerable to bacterial infection, a root canal operation may be required. The type of crack or fracture, and the degree to which it has occurred will determine whether or not you require a root canal. Your dentist or endodontist will be able to examine your tooth and advise you on the most appropriate course of treatment.

Abscessed Tooth

Abscessed teeth are caused by tooth decay severe enough to allow infection to enter the dental pulp. As the tooth pulp becomes infected, it can cause an abscess surrounding the tooth’s gums. An abscess is a pus-filled swelling spot on the gums. Left untreated, an abscessed tooth can cause the tooth and jawbone to degenerate, causing further discomfort and damage to the smile. Moreover, the abscess can force the tooth upward, making it looser and more susceptible to loss. In the early stages of an abscessed tooth, your dentist can treat it with antibiotics or by draining pus. If the tooth becomes infected, though, your dentist will need to perform root canal therapy to preserve it.

Deep Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a bacterial infection of the tooth where acid erodes the enamel and dentin. 2 If this decay is not addressed in its early stages, it will gradually progress until it reaches the pulp of the tooth, causing inflammation and infection of the pulp, discomfort, and finally the tooth’s demise. Your dentist may prescribe a root canal if serious tooth decay has reached the pulp of the tooth. During a root canal operation, the damaged portions of the tooth and the entire infected pulp are removed, medicine may be given to eliminate any current infection, and the root is filled and sealed with a dental filler. The function of the tooth must then be restored with a filling or a crown.

Gum Disease

One of the ways gum disease can lead to the need for a root canal is by affecting the pulp tissue of the tooth. The pulp tissue consists of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue and is fragile and delicate. When periodontal disease advances, it can cause the gums to separate from the teeth, exposing the root surface to germs. The bacteria can then infect the pulp tissue by entering the tooth through tiny root holes. Infected pulp tissue can become inflamed and swollen, resulting in discomfort, sensitivity, and potentially an abscess. If the infection is not quickly treated, it can spread to the neighboring tissues, resulting in further harm to the tooth and its supporting structures.

Remember, your dentist’s ultimate goal is to keep your permanent teeth healthy. A root canal is an effective way to save a tooth when its health is jeopardized. When you need a root canal in Thornton, CO, contact us to book your appointment.

How Do You Know When You Need a Root Canal?

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Persistent pain in one tooth indicates that you could need a root canal. Oral pain also has many other causes, such as tooth decay, gum disease, an impacted tooth, or damage to a filling. In this blog, we present several symptoms to watch for that could mean you need a root canal in Thornton, CO.

Common Root Canal Symptoms

If you experience persistent tooth pain or any of the symptoms listed below, please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Colorado Root Canal Specialist.

  • Sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks can mean that you have damaged blood vessels in the nerves of your teeth.
  • Swollen gums near the tooth frequently cause throbbing pain. You might also notice a small pus-filled pimple on your gums.
  • A tooth that appears black or gray has most likely experienced trauma to its roots or internal tissues. You will need a root canal once the tooth pulp dies due to insufficient blood flow.
  • Your tooth feels looser than normal.
  • You have cracked or chipped the tooth.
  • Chewing or tearing food with the tooth is painful, and the tooth is also painful to the touch.

Although these symptoms don’t necessarily mean you need a root canal, it’s important to determine the cause so we can establish a treatment plan right away.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

After providing you with anesthesia and ensuring your comfort, Dr. McBride or Dr. Surjan will use special dental instruments to remove decay and bacteria from the nerve, pulp, and root of your tooth. Next, your dentist uses antibiotics to disinfect the area, fill your tooth’s empty roots, and place a dental cap over the tooth to prevent further infection. Your care team will then go over aftercare instructions with you.

If you need a root canal in Thornton, CO, please ask your dentist to refer you or contact us directly.

3 Things to Know About Calcium Deposits and Root Canals

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If your dentist is performing a standard root canal in Thornton, CO, the goal is to clean out the pulp of a damaged tooth. However, if the tooth in question has calcium deposits, the procedure becomes more complex. We’ll look at why this is, and what you should know.

1. Deposits Form Over Time

There is no single cause for calcium deposits, but they typically start for the following reasons:

  • Circulation: The less blood circulation to the pulp, the more likely calcium deposits will occur in the canal.
  • Wear-and-tear: Over the years, your teeth can decay just from standard use. Unfortunately, these deposits can be tricky, because you can get them without any symptoms.
  • Trauma: If you have any kind of bleeding in your tooth, say from an accident or injury, the blood can draw calcium to the tooth’s center.

Symptoms of decay can prompt people to get treatment. In cases where there are no symptoms, though, calcium deposits can cause more severe problems.

2. Specialty Care May Be Needed

Dentists will first take an X-ray to determine whether calcium has formed. What they do next will depend on exactly how the calcium has formed. In some cases, calcium will cause common dental problems, like cavities and toothaches. The tooth may become yellow due to the formation.

3. Colorado Root Canal Specialist Can Help

Calcium deposits cause the canal to narrow, which can make a dentist’s job far more complicated. If you want to work with a professional who specializes in root canals, contact an expert endodontic dentist in Thornton, CO. At Colorado Root Canal Specialist, our staff has the training and expertise to handle even the most complex cases, so you can put your dental issues in the rearview.

 

What to Look For in a Root Canal Specialist

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Are you in need of a root canal? Finding the right specialist can help make the experience a positive one. Knowing what to look for and how to conduct a search can help. Here’s what we recommend when you’re looking for a root canal specialist in Thornton, CO.

Good Patient Care

Good patient care is important for ensuring that you’re comfortable throughout the root canal – from the moment you walk in the door. How can you tell if a facility offers good patient care?

Start by calling their office. Notice how long it takes for them to answer the phone, if they put you on hold and, if so, for how long. Are they polite when they answer your questions? Do they know the answers to your questions? All of these factors are part of the patient care experience.

If you’re happy with this initial experience, ask to speak with one of the dentists on staff. Ask them about their experience and what kind of accommodations they offer to patients to keep them comfortable. Answers to these questions will also tell you something about how that dentist handles patient care.

Accept Your Insurance

Not every dentist office accepts every type of insurance. When you call the root canal specialist you’re considering, ask them if they accept your insurance.

Excellent Reviews

Do some research online. Some websites allow patients to review their medical professionals to provide information about the patient experience and other factors that make a difference. Read the reviews for each dental professional that you’re considering. Note that some dentists post reviews on their website, so you can easily find this information.

Need A Root Canal? Call Today

If you need a root canal in Thornton, CO, call Colorado Root Canal Specialist today. We offer excellent patient care, accept many insurance types, and we also get excellent reviews from our patients.

how to prepare for a root canal

3 Ways that You Can Prepare for a Root Canal  

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Root canals can be a precarious situation for plenty of people. It’s ultimately a loss of control that patients have to contend with: you’re going to have this major procedure, and there’s not a lot you can do about it. Thankfully, there are ways that can prepare for what’s going to happen, which can make it all a little easier to get through it all. If you need (or think you might need) a root canal in Thornton, CO, here are our tips for getting ready.

Discuss, Discuss, Discuss

Dentists are busy people, but don’t let that stop you from asking questions and having discussions. If you have concerns about something, you shouldn’t hold back. What happens if you have an adverse reaction? What if you start feeling pain halfway through the procedure? How will a dentist handle an unexpected complication halfway through? Listening to the dentist and having them walk you through different scenarios can be surprisingly comforting.

Get Ready

Here are some tips to consider before a root canal:

  • Avoid alcohol or tobacco for the day beforehand
  • Get a full night’s rest
  • Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen before the appointment and have a couple of pain relievers on hand as well.
  • Eat beforehand: It may be difficult to eat for the first few hours after the procedure
  • Stock up on soft foods for the first few days

Find the Right Dentist in Thornton, CO

Having the right dentist isn’t just helpful for the more technical parts of the procedure, it can be helpful for the entire process. There are plenty of dentists who can perform a root canal but may lack any kind of bedside manner. A good dentist will ease your fears. They’ll be able to give you peace of mind about how the procedure will go and what will happen on the off-chance something goes wrong.

There are too many people who avoid dental care in the world, and much of it is due to general phobias about pain and lack of control. While it’s extremely unlikely that you’ll ever feel perfectly at home in a dentist’s chair, though, there are tips that can help you breathe easier. If you’re looking for an orthodontist in Thornton, CO, Colorado Root Canal Specialist in here to help.

 

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What Happens After Your Root Canal?  

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After a root canal, you’ll be able to return to your normal routine the same day. You can even drive yourself home afterward. You may experience some sensitivity, inflammation, or swelling, but this is usually easy to control through over-the-counter medications. If you’re experiencing more than mild discomfort, you should talk with your dentist in Thornton, CO, though you will already have a follow-up appointment on the schedule. Overall, you should expect several things to occur following your root canal, including:

Relief from Toothache

Because your dental professional removes the nerves associated with the affected tooth, you can expect to have no more pain in that tooth going forward. A root canal thoroughly cleans and sanitizes the small channels that lead down into the gums and bones. These canals are then filled with a dental compound to keep infection from returning.

No More Deterioration

A second great benefit of having a root canal is that it saves your natural tooth and prevents more damage from occurring. You’ll have to maintain good oral hygiene, that includes regular brushing and flossing, but if you follow your dentist’s instructions and keep regular appointments going forward, your tooth should not deteriorate any further.

Normal Tooth Function

Usually, when a tooth becomes damaged from decay or trauma, it becomes difficult to use. This may mean you’ve subconsciously been avoiding placing any pressure on the tooth. But after your root canal, you’ll be able to use your tooth again as normal, without having to worry about triggering a painful toothache.

Preventive Practices

Your dentist may ask you to quit smoking after your root canal because this can cause the root canal to fail, requiring a second procedure. You’ll probably want to up your dental hygiene game, too, after your root canal. This may help you avoid the need for more root canals in the future. Talk to your dental team about the best ways to care for your teeth and gums at home.

If you’re preparing to have your first root canal in Thornton, CO, let the experienced and friendly team at Colorado Root Canal set your mind at ease. This is an extremely common dental procedure that’s performed every day. There’s no need to worry about what happens during or after your root canal when you schedule your procedure with Colorado Root Canal.

 

Retreatment for Your Root Canal

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When your dental professional performs a root canal to save your tooth, they clean out the inner workings and refill the root canals with a material that’s intended to prevent re-infection. Lastly, the tooth is sealed with a restoration. Usually, this fixes the dental issue, and as long as you continue to brush and floss regularly, you’ll experience no further problems with that tooth. However, sometimes a root canal fails to prevent re-infection. When this happens, your root canal specialist in Thornton, CO, may suggest a procedure called a root canal retreatment.

What Can Cause a Root Canal to Fail?

There are several possible scenarios in which a root canal may fail to protect your tooth. For example:

  • If there was a delay between the original root canal and the placing of the restoration
  • If there is a subsequent injury to the treated tooth
  • If the treated tooth develops a second cavity after treatment
  • If the restoration becomes loose or breaks away
  • If your dentist was unable to reach curved or narrow root canals to clean them thoroughly during your initial procedure

Any one of these possibilities could cause you to need root canal retreatment. If you begin experiencing pain in a tooth previously treated, schedule an appointment to see your dental professional right away before your condition worsens.

What Is a Root Canal Retreatment Procedure?

During your root canal retreatment, your dental professional will perform an oral exam and take diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, to better understand why your initial restoration failed. Afterward, they’ll devise a course of treatment. A root canal retreatment involves removing the initial restoration, re-cleaning and sanitizing the root canals, and re-filling the holes. They’ll also place a new restoration on top to seal the tooth. Ideally, this will fix the issue you’re having with that particular tooth.

If you suspect you may need root canal retreatment in Thornton, CO, call Colorado Root Canal Specialist today. A member of our friendly and experienced team is waiting to take your call. And we’re happy to schedule an appointment that conveniently fits your busy schedule. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and comprehensive oral exam.

3 Reasons a Fractured Tooth May Require a Root Canal

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When a tooth experiences some level of trauma, a crack may develop. In a lot of cases, a dentist will recommend a root canal in Thornton, CO as part of the treatment process if the tooth is salvageable. Root canals protect damaged teeth on a number of levels. Take a look at some reasons why a root canal may be recommended if you sustain a fractured tooth.

1. To protect the tooth from nerve exposure

A fractured tooth that has been severely damaged may leave the nerves within the tooth exposed. Nerve exposure can be especially painful, especially when your teeth are exposed to either hot or cold temperatures. You may feel throbbing pain that seems to linger long after exposure. A root canal may be an option to remove the damaged tooth structure and replace it so that the nerve is no longer exposed.

2. To prepare the tooth for a crown

Once a tooth is cracked, a dental crown may be recommended to fully restore the tooth’s structure, protect it, and restore the visual appearance. Before a dental crown is placed on the damaged tooth, the underlying tooth does have to be repaired. The crown itself does not protect the tooth fully after it has been damaged, so a root canal may be recommended.

3. To restore the internal structure of the tooth

When the internal structure of the tooth is damaged, this leaves the tooth vulnerable to decay. Bacteria and other microbes can get trapped inside the tooth, which may lead to decay from the inside. A root canal restores the internal structure of the tooth, which means risks of decay can potentially be lowered.

Talk to a Root Canal Specialist in Thornton, CO

A fractured tooth can be a serious dental health situation. Therefore, seeking treatment from a Thornton, CO dentist right away is important. Look for a dentist that is skilled in the area of endodontics to ensure your tooth gets the best attention. Reach out to us at Colorado Root Canal Specialist to schedule an appointment today.