Root Canal Therapy

A Root Canal Can Relieve Pain and Save Your Tooth

Dr. Todd H. Shainholtz in Eagle, CO, can perform a root canal treatment to remove the infected portion of a tooth, providing relief from painful symptoms and eliminating the need for extraction. Using advanced technology, he can also provide a dental crown the same day. Dr. Shainholtz is dedicated to personalized, hands-on treatment using gentle techniques. Under his care, you can expect comfortable treatment resulting in a healthier smile. If you are experiencing pain, emergency dental care is available.

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is a treatment in which a dentist removes the infected dental pulp, which consists of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues, from the center of a tooth. By excising the infected tissue, the external structure of the tooth can usually be preserved.

Root Canal Infection Symptoms

While some patients do not experience any symptoms, common signs of a dental infection include:

Pain
Swollen gums
Darkening of the tooth
Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
Chronic bad breath

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible. During your consultation, Dr. Shainholtz will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and gums in order to plan treatment accordingly.

Importance of Timely Treatment

It is essential that you seek treatment as soon as you notice symptoms. If the infection becomes too severe, it will begin to affect surrounding tissues and eventually result in tooth loss.

Attending your bi-annual dental cleanings and exams is one of the best ways to ensure that an infection is treated in the earliest stages. During these appointments, your dentist can check for any signs of infection and protect the healthy portion of the tooth.

If you are experiencing pain or sensitivity, or if you have not undergone a professional checkup recently, we encourage you to schedule a consultation.

The Root Canal Procedure

To begin, a local anesthetic will be applied to numb the treatment area. If you suffer from dental anxiety, sedation may also be provided. Dr. Shainhotlz will create a small opening at the top of the tooth to access and remove the infected dental pulp. He will then clean and reshape the root canals (the centers of the tooth roots). Once fully disinfected, the inner portion of the tooth and root canals will be filled with a rubber-like material.

A root canal involves removing the soft inner tissue and preserving the exterior of the tooth.

A dental crown will then be placed over the tooth to provide added strength and protection. In some cases, patients can receive their crown the same day as root canal treatment. Our CEREC® technology makes it possible to create crowns in a single visit using digital impressions and computer-guided tools. However, certain materials and other options may require your crown to be made at an offsite lab. In this case, a temporary filling will be placed and you will return in a few weeks to receive your restoration.

Protect Your Smile

Your oral health is our priority. If you are experiencing pain or sensitivity, or if you have not undergone a professional checkup recently, contact us online or call us at (970) 328-6347 to schedule a consultation.