Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is a restorative treatment designed to save teeth affected by deep decay, infection, or injury. By treating the nerve of the tooth, you are able to keep your natural tooth in a healthy, pain free and infection free environment. 

Root canals are often recommended when a tooth is so severely damaged or infected that other treatments are not sufficient to restore function and comfort. The alternative to a root canal is usually removal of the affected tooth. 

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat infected or injured pulp, the soft tissue inside your tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. 

When this pulp becomes inflamed due to deep decay, trauma, or repeated dental procedures, it can lead to serious pain and infection.

Root canal therapy involves carefully removing the infected pulp, cleaning the inner canals with specialized instruments, and sealing the space to prevent further infection. The goal is to save your natural tooth and protect adjacent teeth from additional complications.

How Do You Know If You Need a Root Canal?

Not every toothache requires a root canal. However, some symptoms can indicate that the inside of the tooth may be affected and should be evaluated by a dentist:

• Sensitivity to temperature (especially lingering sensitivity to cold)
• Persistent or severe tooth pain
• Swollen or tender gums
• Tooth discoloration
• Pain when chewing or touching the tooth
• A small pimple-like bump on the gums

These issues do not always mean you need a root canal, but they can be signs of infection or other concerns that may require treatment. If you notice any of the above, an exam and digital imaging can help determine the most appropriate care to relieve discomfort and protect your tooth.

Root Canal vs Tooth Extraction

When a tooth is severely damaged or infected, there are often two main treatment options: root canal therapy or extraction. 

Root canal therapy is frequently the preferred option because it allows you to retain your natural tooth and avoid additional procedures like dental implants or bridges. Saving the tooth helps maintain bite alignment, prevent shifting of adjacent teeth, and support long-term oral health.

For many patients, cost is an important factor in treatment decisions. While extraction may have a lower upfront cost, removing a tooth without replacing it can lead to problems over time, such as drifting of nearby teeth, bite changes, and bone loss in the jaw.

In some cases, tooth removal may still be necessary, but many teeth can be effectively treated and retained with modern root canal therapy. 

What to Expect During the Root Canal Procedure

Root canal therapy may sound intimidating, but thanks to advanced techniques and modern technology, the procedure is typically straightforward and highly effective.

Here is what you can expect from start to finish:

1. Local anesthesia and sedation: We begin by thoroughly numbing the area with local anesthesia to ensure you do not feel any pain during the procedure. For patients with dental anxiety or more complex cases, we also offer a range of sedation options, including nitrous oxide and IV sedation with a licensed dental anesthesiologist.
2. Tooth isolation with a rubber dam: Once you are comfortable, we isolate the tooth using a rubber dam. This thin, sterile sheet keeps the treatment area dry and free from saliva or bacteria, and it also protects surrounding soft tissue.
3. Accessing the infected pulp: A small opening is made in the top of the tooth to access the tooth pulp, which contains nerve tissue, connective tissue, and blood vessels. We gently remove the infected or injured pulp to stop the infection and alleviate pressure.
4. Cleaning and shaping the root canals: We clean and shape the root canals to remove any remaining bacteria, debris, and damaged tissue. This step is critical to preventing future infection. We then disinfect the canals to ensure the inside of the tooth is thoroughly clean.
5. Filling the root canals with gutta-percha: After cleaning, we fill the empty canals with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This rubber-like compound seals the canals and helps maintain the internal structure of the tooth. An adhesive cement is used to further seal the gutta-percha in place, blocking bacteria from re-entering.
6. Sealing the tooth: A filling is placed over the access hole to protect the tooth. This seal keeps out food and bacteria and helps the tooth heal properly.
7. Restoring the tooth with a dental crown: In most cases, a root canal-treated tooth is restored with a dental crown. This adds strength and protects the remaining tooth structure from fracture or further wear. We use natural-looking, metal-free crowns made from zirconia or glass ceramics for the best fit, durability, and aesthetics.

We use digital imaging, modern materials, and advanced endodontic techniques to ensure the highest success rate, giving your natural tooth the best chance at long-term function and health.

Root Canal Aftercare: What to Expect in the Days Following Treatment

Healing after a root canal is usually quick and manageable with a few simple care steps. While every patient is different, here is what you can typically expect in the days after your root canal procedure.

First 24–48 Hours

• Mild soreness or pressure is common and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Avoid chewing on the treated side of your mouth, especially if a temporary filling or crown is in place.

Days 3 and Onward

• Discomfort should steadily decrease. 
• Keep up your usual oral hygiene routine including brushing, flossing, and using any prescribed rinses, but be gentle around the treated area.
• If pain worsens or you experience swelling, please contact our office.

After Your Permanent Crown or Filling

• Once your permanent filling or dental crown is placed, your tooth will be fully sealed and protected. At this point, you can resume normal chewing on that side, though you should continue to avoid hard foods like ice or nuts for a few days.
• Continue seeing us for regular cleanings and exams to keep your treated tooth in great shape.

If you experience ongoing tooth pain, pressure, or swelling after a root canal, it is important to follow up with your dentist. These symptoms can indicate a complication, and prompt care can help protect your tooth and support proper healing.

Preserve Your Smile With Modern Care

We take a patient-centered approach to endodontic treatment, using modern root canal therapy to save natural teeth whenever possible. Every step is performed with your comfort, safety, and long-term oral health in mind, so you can feel confident about your care and keep your smile healthy for years to come.

Insurance and Membership Options

We are in-network with Delta Dental Premier, Cigna DPPO Plus, Anthem, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, and we also accept patients with out-of-network benefits. For those without dental insurance, our in-house membership plan offers an affordable option for routine care.

Our office proudly serves Boulder and the surrounding communities of Superior, Louisville, Lafayette, Longmont, and Erie.

To book an appointment at our dental office in Boulder, CO, call (303) 442-6141 or visit us at 777 29th St, Unit 300 Boulder, CO 80303.

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