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When Is Root Canal Surgery Necessary?

Sometimes root canal therapy is the necessary course of action to protect your oral health. The good news is this treatment is definitely not something you need to fear, despite the bad reputation it may have gained over the years. In reality, it’s an effective and virtually painless way to preserve a natural tooth and save it from possible extraction.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Whether or not your tooth needs a root canal isn’t something you want to diagnose on your own. We recommend maintaining routine dental checkups so we can regularly evaluate the health of your teeth. However, there are some signs you can look out for that may mean the procedure is necessary. For example, if you experience severe tooth pain (especially when chewing), you have more tooth sensitivity in a specific area, or you’ve noticed darkening or pimples on the gums around a certain tooth, then it could signal that you need root canal treatment.

Purposes of Root Canal Therapy

Damage to your tooth in the form of a small cavity can often be fixed with a simple dental filling. Other times, infection has spread deep into the tooth or a tooth has received extensive physical trauma, compromising the health of the sensitive pulp and root canals. Root canal treatment repairs a tooth pulp that is infected or otherwise damaged.

During root canal treatment, the inflamed pulp is removed and the area is cleaned and sealed up to prevent further infection. This restorative treatment allows you to keep the outer structure of your natural tooth. If you delay getting a root canal when you need one, you can risk losing the tooth entirely.

Gentle Root Canal Therapy in Arvada, CO

Root canal therapy is one of our specialties! Our experienced team is ready to restore your smile to its best condition. So if you think you need a root canal to save your tooth, please contact Art of Endodontics today. We’d be happy to welcome you into our Arvada office for treatment.

Please contact us today!

Brown woman against a blue wall in a yellow tank top smiles and points to her teeth after root canal therapy in Arvada, CO

What Are the Benefits of Root Canals?

While root canals have a bad reputation for being scary and painful, they can be a great alternative to dental extractions for restoring a tooth that has developed an infection. If a tooth has undergone too much damage for a filling but not enough for the tooth to be removed completely, root canal treatments are commonly recommended to preserve a patient’s tooth structure.

What Is a Root Canal?

Root canals involve creating a small hole in the top of the tooth. Then, the infected tissue inside the tooth is carefully removed. After the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed, a durable dental restoration, like a custom dental crown, is placed over the tooth to restore its appearance and protect it from further damage.

The Benefits of Root Canals

One of the greatest benefits of root canal therapy is that it allows patients to keep their natural teeth, even when they have been affected by tooth decay and dental trauma. Root canal therapy has additional benefits too! For example, root canal therapy:

  • Helps fortifies a tooth against future cavities, infections, and damage
  • Completely restores the structure of a tooth
  • Relieves pain and swelling in and around a tooth
  • Is more cost-effective than replacing an extracted tooth
  • Does not require food restrictions or special dental care

Gentle Root Canal Therapy in Arvada, CO

Think you may need a root canal or another restorative treatment? Persistent tooth pain, sudden tooth sensitivity, swelling, loose teeth, and changes in tooth or gum color are all signs that can indicate a root canal treatment may be necessary.

Time is of the essence when it comes to restoring a tooth through root canal therapy! Schedule a visit with our Arvada team at Art of Endodontics as soon as you can. We would be happy to assess the situation and provide you with prompt and effective restorative dental care.

Please contact us today!

Medieval dentistry of dentist using a strange instrument to treat a patient

How Has Endodontics Changed Over Time?

Endodontics, the branch of dentistry that specializes in diagnosing tooth pain and other interior issues of the tooth, has a long history and has greatly evolved over the past years. Here, we give a brief overview of some important findings that have influenced the development of modern endodontic practice.

The History of Endodontics

It might be hard to believe that endodontics could go back to 200 B.C. Yet the evidence from human skulls and other archaeological findings indicate extractions, transplants, and other types of procedures were used to remove damaged teeth and insidious tooth worms that early humans believed to be the cause of tooth pain.

Pierre Fauchard, who is credited as the father of modern dentistry, authored the book The Surgeon Dentist in 1729. This book was one of the first comprehensive volumes discussing early root canal therapy and opening teeth with the goal of relieving tooth pain.

In 1756, Dr. Phillip Pfaff capped dental pulps using gold foil or lead to protect the exposed nerve from direct contact with the restoration.

The first instrument specifically designed for root canal treatment was introduced in 1838 by Edwin Maynard after he modified a watch spring.

Edwin Truman introduced gutta-percha in 1847. This material has stood the test of time as a durable and safe root-filling material in root canal therapy.

Modern Endodontics in Arvada, CO

Today, endodontic treatment is safe, effective, and virtually painless. We owe much to those who came before us, researching and studying to influence what is now evidence-based and comfortable for modern patients.

Do you need to see an endodontist? At Art of Endodontics, we love preserving patients’ natural teeth while emphasizing patient comfort. Dr. Paguio and Dr. Martella would be happy to see you for an appointment. We offer modern endodontic treatments that can help restore your smile and eliminate your pain.

Please contact us today!

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Curly blonde woman cringes in pain and touches her cheek due to tooth pain from an infection

Can Antibiotics Help with a Tooth Infection?

Are you experiencing chronic tooth pain? Do you have extremely sensitive teeth? You may have a tooth infection. The sooner you seek treatment, the better. Here’s what you should do if you think you may have a tooth infection!

How to Know If You Have a Tooth Infection

The first step in tackling a tooth infection is knowing what symptoms to look out for that may indicate you have one. The most common warning signs associated with tooth infections are:

  • Bad breath
  • Loosening teeth
  • Unusual sore on gums (abscess)
  • Pain when biting down
  • Persistent, throbbing toothache
  • Sour taste in the mouth that doesn’t go away after brushing
  • Swollen gums

If you are currently dealing with any of the above symptoms, the first step is to call your dentist right away. They can get you into the office for an in-person exam and consultation to determine the cause of your dental issues.

How to Treat a Tooth Infection

There are many ways to treat a tooth infection. The best course of action depends on a variety of factors but will be a personalized treatment plan for repairing your teeth and combatting your tooth pain. Some possible treatments include:

  • Antiseptic oral rinses
  • Drainage and removal of debris and compromised tissue
  • Prescribed antibiotics
  • Root canal therapy
  • Possible extraction

Art of Endodontics Will Try to Save Your Tooth!

At Art of Endodontics, we have extensive experience treating a wide range of dental issues, including tooth infections. We will do everything we can to save your natural tooth! From prescribing antibiotics to performing root canal therapy, we’ll craft a treatment plan that best suits your smile. Our goal is to help you get your oral health back on track as quickly as possible. Please let us know if you have any questions.

Please contact us today!

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Can Root Canals Take Multiple Appointments?

If you’re experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold beverages, or other signs of a tooth infection, it’s understandable that you would like the situation solved sooner than later. You may need root canal therapy and should schedule a consultation with your dentist as soon as possible.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Tooth pain or sensitivity to hot or cold beverages are only two signs of whether or not you need a root canal. Other common signs that indicate you may need root canal treatment include a cracked or broken tooth, a dark or discolored tooth, a bump on your gumline, and/or a persistent bad taste in your mouth.

The Root Canal Process

Many patients try to avoid undergoing root canal therapy because of its reputation. But root canals need to be performed to remove an infection that could damage the nerves and risk spreading to the surrounding teeth. Fortunately, thanks to advancements in dental technology, root canal therapy is not painful as it used to be in the past.

Before the procedure, our team will make sure you are comfortable by applying anesthesia to the affected area. Some patients may benefit from additional dental sedation. We will then remove all signs of decay and infection, clean out the inside of the compromised tooth, and seal it. We will also place a custom crown on top of the treated tooth. This restoration will reinforce your remaining tooth structure and improve its functionality.

How Many Appointments Does a Root Canal Take?

Your root canal treatment may require several appointments if the infection or damage is severe. Additionally, we may recommend a follow-up visit to check that there are no complications or issues with the affected area and restoration.

Reach Out to Our Endodontic Team in Arvada, CO!

Are you experiencing any abnormal changes with your teeth and gums? Catching a tooth infection before it worsens can help you have a better root canal experience and recovery, and allow us to save more of the natural structure of your tooth.

Please contact us today!

Dental insurance agent helps a patient on the phone understand their coverage and dental benefits

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Endodontist Visits?

If you’re struggling with severe tooth pain, an endodontist like Dr. Paguio or Dr. Martella can help you find relief. Endodontists focus exclusively on the diagnosis and treatment of tooth pain due to problems with the pulp, the interior layer of the tooth. Since endodontists are specialists, you may wonder whether your dental insurance will cover an endodontist visit.

Dental Insurance Coverage for Endodontics

Depending on the tooth location and degree of infection and damage, the cost of a root canal ranges for each individual case. But whether dental insurance will cover an endodontist visit will depend on your specific insurance plan.

For example, some dental insurance policies only cover regular preventive checkups and cleanings. Others may require a co-pay or for you to meet your deductible before covering all or part of the cost of additional services. You likely have an online portal through your insurance provider that has documents detailing your benefits. We also recommend contacting them directly to review your benefits so you know how much of which types of dental treatments are covered.

Affordable Root Canal Treatment

We understand that dealing with tooth pain and discomfort is a big inconvenience. Art of Endodontics works with most insurance companies to help you get the treatment you need. Some insurance companies we work with include:

  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Delta
  • Humana
  • United Healthcare

Please call Art of Endodontics for the most up-to-date information about our in-network insurance providers!

Our office will also file and track your claims and help you maximize your benefits. If your insurance company doesn’t cover endodontic visits, we’re happy to go over our other financial options to help you find the right fit!

Endodontist in Arvada, CO

Our goal is to help each one of our patients have a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. Whether you need a diagnosis, root canal, or retreatment of a tooth, our expert team invites you to schedule a visit to Art of Endodontics.

Please contact us with any questions!

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Middle-aged man cringes in pain and touches his cheek due to a traumatic dental injury

Common Issues Caused by Traumatic Dental Injuries

You can experience a dental injury if you play sports without an athletic mouthguard, bite down on a hard object or fruit pit, fall without a helmet, get hit in the head, or suffer another kind of accident involving unusual force near the teeth and jaw. These are some possible issues that can accompany a traumatic dental injury:

Cracked Teeth

While a cracked tooth may be obvious right away, you may not realize your tooth is injured if the crack is small enough. Watch for symptoms like new sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, discomfort when you chew, or pain that comes and goes.

A cracked tooth requires professional treatment, no matter its severity. You are at increased risk of infection if you have a crack that only affects your enamel, a crack that goes toward the root, or a crack that goes below your gum line. Delaying treatment can mean more potential damage to your oral tissue and can even contribute to systemic health problems!

Infection

When a tooth is damaged, chewing and biting may cause inflammation in the tooth pulp. Over time, the irritated pulp can become infected. You’ll most likely experience throbbing pain and severe sensitivity. Other symptoms can include a foul taste in your mouth and fever.

Root canal treatment clears a tooth of infection and compromised tissue. This procedure preserves the structure and root of your tooth while removing the bacteria and source of pain.

Knocked-Out Tooth

If an adult tooth falls out, becomes loose, or gets pushed into its socket during business house, it’s best to visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible! For a knocked-out tooth, keep your tooth moist as you travel to your emergency appointment. You can put it back in the tooth socket, hold it between your cheek and gums, or put the tooth in a cup of milk or water. Doing so will improve your chance of successfully reattaching it.

Endodontic Treatment in Arvada, CO

We specialize in root canals, which are often needed following traumatic dental injuries. At Art of Endodontics, we strive to ease our patients’ anxiety and help them feel comfortable throughout their treatment. Thanks to progress in dental sedation and technology, root canal treatment is virtually painless! If your tooth has become infected due to an injury, our endodontic treatments can relieve your pain and restore your oral health.

Please contact us with any questions!

Black man smiles with a blue bib while sitting in the dental chair after a root canal

What Happens After a Root Canal?

Thanks to modern techniques and anesthesia, a root canal procedure can be quickly completed to alleviate tooth pain and infection. Once your root canal procedure is complete, it’s understandable you may feel eager to return to your regular diet and activities. However, what happens after a root canal is a critical part of the treatment process!

After a root canal, you will be sent home with post-op information about managing any pain and instructions detailing how to care for your tooth. It’s important to closely follow these instructions so your mouth can heal without complications.

Crown or Filling

Root canal therapy is meant to save your natural tooth so you can avoid an extraction and tooth replacement. Depending on the extent of the procedure and strength of the tooth, a filling or a crown may be placed to support and protect what remains of the natural tooth.

Caring for Your Healing Mouth

As the numbing wears off, you may feel tender and sore around the treatment area. Typically, this sensation is temporary and can be relieved with over-the-counter medications.

Stay hydrated with plenty of water and eat nutrient-dense, soft foods that won’t irritate the treatment area. We recommend yogurt, smoothies, pureed soups, applesauce, macaroni and cheese, baked sweet potatoes, bananas, etc.

Good oral hygiene habits will help prevent infection and additional dental issues. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss every day. Be sure to brush your tongue! If you experience severe pain or swelling during your recovery, please let us know.

Root Canal Treatment in Arvada, CO

Dr. Paguio, Dr. Martella, and our team at Art of Endodontics strive to provide patients with an exceptionally comfortable experience if you need root canal treatment in Arvada, CO. Contact us today to learn more about root canal therapy and the best recovery steps post-treatment!

I would like to learn more about recovery after a root canal procedure.

Photo of Drs. Martella & Paguio at dental office.

Difference Between a Dentist & Endodontist

All endodontists are dentists, but less than three percent of dentists are endodontists. If you’re wondering what is the difference between a dentist and endodontist, you’ve come to the right place!

Endodontists Are Specialists

Endodontists like Dr. Paguio and Dr. Martella complete at least two years of additional training beyond dental school. This training focuses on diagnosing tooth pain and other problems relating to the delicate interior of the tooth. Root canal therapy is one of the most common treatments performed by endodontists. While a regular dentist may perform two or three root canals in a week, endodontists average around twenty five. Because of our advanced training and extensive experience, you can trust that we are experts in the field of endodontics!

We Save Your Natural Teeth

We focus on treatments related to the dental pulp (the interior of the tooth). Not only is a decayed and infected dental pulp painful, it also risks permanent damage to the natural tooth that could lead to loss or professional extraction. Endodontists perform root canals to remove the infection, ease your pain, and preserve your natural tooth. This saves you the hassle and expense of getting a tooth replacement.

We Relieve Tooth Pain

Pain management is among the many specialized techniques used by endodontists to keep patients comfortable. Endodontists are specially trained to utilize numbing medications and anesthesia. And once our treatment removes the source of your pain and you have a chance to heal, you’ll feel as good as new!

We Rely on Technological Solutions

Because endodontists work in such small spaces, they rely on advanced technology like 3-D imaging and digital radiographs. This allows us to build a full picture of the inside of your tooth so we can efficiently plan the best strategy for your treatment. It also means less invasive procedures are necessary.

To ask our team any questions about what we do or to schedule an appointment, contact us today!

I need treatment by an endodontist at Art of Endodontics!

Man with a toothache cringes in pain and touches his cheek because he needs endodontic retreatment

What Is Endodontic Retreatment?

Unfortunately, it is possible for teeth to heal improperly or for oral pain to reappear after root canal therapy. This can occur for a variety of reasons, such as the canals were not treated during the initial procedure or the inside of the tooth was recontaminated due to an insufficient seal.

Endodontic Retreatment Process

While a root canal procedure initially is meant to provide relief, sometimes a tooth does not heal as anticipated. In these cases, our expert team can take a look to determine if the patient would benefit from endodontic retreatment. This goal of this treatment will be to eliminate pain and infection, save your natural tooth, and prevent the need for a tooth replacement.

Our team can diagnose issues like this and create a personalized treatment plan to address the problem area. If endodontic retreatment is recommended, we’ll schedule your appointment as soon as possible.

At your appointment, we will reopen the compromised tooth, remove the original restorative material, clean the canals, and evaluate and treat the inside of your tooth for infection or other pain-causing issues. Once the root of the issue is resolved, the tooth will be filled and sealed again.

Recovery time will vary per patient depending on the complexity of their retreatment. In general, patients may expect mild tooth sensitivity and discomfort for the first few days. Soft foods and room temperature beverages can make eating easier until the affected area has healed.

Endodontic Retreatment in Arvada, CO

Are you experiencing discomfort or pain in a tooth that was already treated? It may have failed to heal properly. Dr. Paguio and Dr. Martella at Art of Endodontics can carefully examine your tooth to determine whether endodontic retreatment can save your tooth and stop your pain. Contact us today with any questions about our services!

I would like more information about endodontic retreatment at Art of Endodontics.