Root Canals in Greeley, CO

Root canals are perhaps the most misunderstood of dental treatments. For decades, people of all ages have shuddered at the thought of a root canal, but modern dentistry makes it just as easy as a dental filling. Often, people conflate the pain from an infected tooth with the root canal treatment itself. But really, root canal treatment relieves pain! 

Gentle, Pain-Free Root Canal Treatment 

At Norco Family Dental in Greeley, CO, we provide gentle, pain-free root canals. Before starting the procedure, we ensure the patient is entirely comfortable and at ease. We can administer nitrous oxide ("laughing gas") to create a more tranquil and relaxing experience if needed. 

Our modern, adjustable dental chairs allow patients to recline and rest during their treatment. Your dentist then administers a local anesthetic to numb the area we'll be working in the patient's mouth. The numbing agent dulls any sensations in and around the tooth. 

Your dentist then carefully creates an access point to remove the infected tooth material. Once cleared, he cleans the tooth and applies a healing agent and temporary filling to protect it from further infection. Later, he seals the tooth with a custom-made restoration––either a tooth-colored filling or dental crown. 

Schedule an Appointment at Our Greeley Dentist Office

Please contact Norco Family Dental today to schedule your root canal appointment in Greeley and learn more about your treatment options. 

Your teeth are most durable because they are protected by a layer of tooth enamel, the hardest substance in your body. Under normal conditions, your teeth can last a lifetime. But problems arise when your tooth enamel is compromised for one reason or another. This damage may lead to an infection which makes a root canal necessary.

In contrast to your tooth's outside, your inner tooth is filled with soft and vulnerable tissue. This part nourishes your tooth, so it remains alive, transporting blood and nerve signals via narrow passages in your tooth roots. These passages are known as root canals, which is the term's origin.

The procedure which treats an inner tooth infection works when your dentist creates a small opening in the top of your tooth. Then, with special tools, we remove infected tooth pulp and scour the remaining spaces until they are immaculate. We then seal your inner tooth against future infection and protect your remaining tooth with a dental crown.

What Happens If You Don't Get a Needed Root Canal

If you elect to avoid root canal treatment, your inner tooth infection will continue to advance. In the short term, it will be quite painful. But since pain thresholds are subjective, you may continue to ignore the problem.

The main threat is that your tooth infection will get beyond your tooth and into your jawbone. In this case, you may need us to extract your tooth and fight the infection before it threatens your overall health. But, again, root canal therapy solves this issue before it becomes much more severe.

If you are suffering from tooth pain and your dentist recommends a root canal, it may make you anxious about what will happen during the procedure and afterward. Although you may feel unsure about the process, a root canal procedure will alleviate your pain quickly and get you back to your busy life.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure where an infection is removed from the pulp of your tooth. Root canal therapy aims to eliminate your pain and save your natural tooth from extraction.

When your dentist performs a root canal, they will:

• Numb your tooth and make you comfortable.
• Make a tiny hole in your tooth.
• Clean out the infection.
• Fill the hole with a special dental rubber.
• Place a temporary crown on the tooth until your permanent crown can be made.

What Happens after a Root Canal Procedure?

You may wonder if your dentist will allow you to eat after your root canal. Here are the steps to follow after your root canal:

• Eat soft foods and try to avoid biting directly on the affected tooth.
• Brush and floss gently.
• Rinse your mouth to keep it clean.

Do You Have Questions about Root Canals in Greeley, CO?

If you need to talk to a dental team member about root canal therapy, please call our dental office at (970) 356-5277.

Yes, there are alternatives to a root canal procedure. Which of these alternatives is most appropriate depends on the specific condition of the affected tooth and your personal preferences:

• Medication. In cases of mild infection or inflammation, antibiotics or prescription-strength pain relievers can provide temporary relief without invasive treatment. However, this is not a permanent solution. The infection will likely return.
• Pulpotomy involves removing only the infected portion of the dental pulp rather than the entire pulp chamber. It is often used when infection is limited to the tooth's crown.
• Apicoectomy, also known as "root-end surgery," is performed when a root canal has failed or is not possible. It involves removing infected tissue from the tip of the root and sealing the root canal.
• Tooth extraction. When a tooth cannot be saved due to severe infection or extensive damage, extraction may be necessary. Following extraction, tooth replacement solutions like dental implants or bridges can help restore bite function and smile aesthetics.

As always, it's essential to consult with a qualified dental professional to determine the most suitable treatment for your specific case.

Stress-Free Root Canals and Root Canal Alternatives in Greeley, CO

If you're in the Greeley area and looking for a dental care team with experience and expertise in guiding patients through the root canal process – even if that means no root canal at all! – contact Dr. Shawn Buffington Young, DDS, and the friendly and knowledgeable Norco Family Dental team to schedule a consultation!