Early & Late Hours
Fighting Infection While Preserving Your Natural Smile
We can rescue teeth after significant decay or infection with root canal, endodontic, treatment. Root canal therapy is necessary when decay reaches the interior of the tooth, the area that is commonly referred to as the pulp where the nerve is housed. A tooth requiring root canal therapy will usually cause serious discomfort — do not delay treatment. During a root canal, your dentist removes all infected tissue, refills the tooth, and restores its strength with a sturdy crown. Anesthesia and sedation are available for your comfort every step of the way.
Why Do You Need a Root Canal?
Many patients hear rumors about root canal therapy that makes them hesitant to visit our office for emergency care. When tooth infections aren’t addressed in a timely manner, they’ll likely get worse, requiring more costly and invasive treatment down the road, like an extraction. Instead, you can preserve your natural dental structure and protect your tooth by getting it taken care of before it’s too late. Toothaches caused by this problem are also incredibly painful, and the sooner you have the procedure, the sooner you can be comfortable again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a root canal hurt?
No. Despite their reputation, modern root canals are no more uncomfortable than getting a routine filling. We use local anesthetic to completely numb the area, so you shouldn't feel pain during the procedure. In fact, root canals actually relieve the severe pain caused by tooth infection, so most patients feel significantly better after treatment. For patients with dental anxiety, we offer sedation options to ensure a calm, comfortable experience.
What happens if I don't get a root canal when I need one?
Delaying treatment allows the infection to worsen and spread, potentially leading to a painful dental abscess, bone loss around the tooth, spread of infection to other parts of the body, and eventually the need for tooth extraction. Untreated dental infections can become serious medical emergencies. Treating the problem early with a root canal preserves your natural tooth and prevents more costly, invasive treatment down the road.
How long does a root canal procedure take?
Most root canals can be completed in one to two appointments lasting 60 to 90 minutes each. The number of visits depends on the complexity of the case and which tooth is being treated. Front teeth typically require less time than molars because they have fewer canals. At our Evergreen, CO office, we also offer same-day dental crowns, allowing us to complete your treatment and final restoration more efficiently than traditional practices.
Will I need a crown after my root canal?
In most cases, yes. After a root canal, the treated tooth becomes more brittle and is at higher risk of fracturing during normal chewing. A dental crown is typically placed over the tooth to restore its strength, function, and appearance. Thanks to our same-day crown technology, we can often complete both the root canal and the final crown in a single visit, saving you time and additional appointments.
How long does it take to recover from a root canal?
Most patients experience mild soreness or sensitivity for two to three days after a root canal, which is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. You can typically return to work, school, and normal activities the next day, though we recommend avoiding chewing on the treated side until your final crown is placed. If your discomfort worsens or persists beyond a few days, contact our Evergreen office right away.
How do I know if I need a root canal versus a filling?
A filling treats decay that hasn't reached the inner pulp of the tooth, while a root canal is needed once the infection has spread to the nerve. Signs you may need a root canal rather than a filling include severe or throbbing pain, prolonged sensitivity to temperature, pain when biting down, gum swelling near the tooth, and a darkening of the tooth color. Only a thorough exam and digital imaging at our Evergreen, CO office can determine the right treatment for your situation.
Are root canals safe?
Yes. Root canals are one of the safest, most common dental procedures performed, with millions completed successfully each year. Despite outdated myths suggesting otherwise, modern research confirms that root canals are a safe, effective way to save natural teeth and eliminate infection. The procedure is performed under sterile conditions with proven techniques refined over decades.
New Patients and Emergency Appointments are Welcome!
