The pulp of a tooth can become infected and inflamed due to decay, faulty crowns, cracks, chips, and other dental issues and trauma. The best way to treat the infection and save the natural tooth is through endodontics, or a root canal. Arvada endodontist Dr. Paguio has gone through years of schooling above and beyond his original dental degree to become an endodontic specialist, so you can rest assured he will take great care of you and your smile.

During a root canal, the pulp is removed from the infected tooth to completely remove the infection. The inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and then filled, and a crown is placed on top of the tooth to protect against future infections.

On average, root canal procedures last around 90 minutes total. They are typically one-appointment procedures, but their duration differs from person to person, and even tooth to tooth. The prep work (building up the post, and prepping and fabricating the temporary crown) takes approximately 30 minutes. Cleaning out and filling the root of the infected tooth takes about 20 minutes per root. Front teeth only have one root, while molars can have anywhere from two to four roots. The length of your procedure will depend on which tooth requires the root canal.

Root canals help to relieve pain, not cause it. The myth of a painful procedure originates from decades ago when technology and sedation wasn’t as good as it is today. With the advancements in technologies and techniques, root canal treatment today is no more painful or uncomfortable than getting a filling. Most patients state that the pain from the infection and inflammation is much worse than any small discomfort they may feel during the procedure. Arvada dentist Dr. Paguio and the Art of Endodontics team also administer sedation to help keep patients relaxed and comfortable throughout their treatment.

The aim of a root canal is to save a natural tooth that has been infected. Saving the natural tooth offers many advantages over extraction and replacing with a dental implant, including:

• Protecting other teeth against excessive wear or strain
• Maintaining natural appearance
• Restoring efficient chewing and normal bite

We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and general anesthesia for patients undergoing treatments at our Arvada endodontics practice. Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask that is placed over the nose and mouth. It creates a sense of heightened relaxation throughout the procedure, keeping you calm and allowing our team to work efficiently. For patients who experience more severe dental anxiety, or who are undergoing more invasive treatment, we work with an anesthesiologist who administers general anesthesia throughout your treatment. Please let us know in advance if this is the type of sedation you will need, so we can be sure to have our anesthesiologist ready for you.

The cost of a root canal depends on a lot of factors, including which tooth needs the procedure and which sedation method you use. But if you are in need of a root canal, don’t put it off because of budget concerns. Our Arvada dental office accepts a variety of payment options. Plus, we are very insurance friendly and are happy to file and track your claims for you. We want to help you make the most of your dental insurance benefits. Call our office today for a list of current providers, and to discuss all of your financial options.

Saving your natural tooth is always the best option. So whenever possible that is what Dr. Paguio aims to do. No artificial tooth can match the look, feel, and function of your natural tooth. Keeping your natural teeth is the best way to ensure that your smile looks great and that you can continue eating all the foods you love.

If you’ve been avoiding that ice cream cone or cup of coffee because of sensitive teeth, you don’t have to! Sensitivity is a common complaint, and can be the result of a number of factors. Involuntary grinding, jaw clenching, gum recession, and enamel loss can all cause teeth to become extra sensitive, because the usually-protected layer of dentin — the nerve-packed surance beneath the enamel — is exposed to external stimuli. Surface irritants such as braces and teeth whitening can also cause temporary sensitivity.

Because the causes of sensitivity are so diverse, and because sensitive gum tissue can indicate a more serious problem, it’s important to ask your dentist in Arvada Dr. Paguio which treatment is best for you. A softer toothbrush is usually the first step, and special toothpastes can reduce sensitivity over time. There are also over-the-counter fluoride rinses to protect your enamel against further damage.