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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!

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.

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.

Root Canal Facts vs. Myths

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There is a lot of misinformation out there regarding root canal therapy. At Art of Endodontics, we aim to clear up misconceptions and answer specific questions that you may have regarding your upcoming root canal treatment.

Are Root Canals Painful?

Historically speaking, root canals were painful treatments that patients dreaded. Today, however, anesthesia and modern techniques make root canals virtually painless procedures that will relieve your tooth pain. Our team will provide you with any necessary pain relief and sedation, as well as information before and after your procedure to help you have the most comfortable treatment and recovery process possible.

What Do Root Canals Treat?

A tooth infection, cracked tooth, or broken tooth can cause an unbearable toothache due to damage inside the tooth. At Art of Endodontics, we specialize in treating pain and infection in the inner and bottom parts of a tooth, or the pulp and roots. Our advanced treatments can relieve your discomfort and improve your quality of life by removing damaged tissue and infection.

Root canal therapy is an essential method for treating tooth infections. Left untreated, the infection will only become worse and possibly spread to other parts of the mouth and body. Root canals remove the dental pulp from the inside of the tooth to treat the issue at its source.

Is Root Canal Therapy Better Than Extraction?

The restorative treatment option that will work best for your smile will depend on a variety of different factors. If a tooth has incurred too much damage, removing it and replacing it may be the best option. However, we want our patients to keep their natural teeth as often as possible, so if a root canal is an option, that is what we typically recommend.

Will I Need a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns restore both the appearance and strength of teeth that have become weak due to decay or dental trauma. Placing a dental crown over a tooth after a successful root canal treatment can help to support the tooth and keep it healthy. If you need one, your custom crown will feel natural and blend in seamlessly with your smile.

Contact Art of Endodontics with additional questions about root canal treatment!