Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is one of the most common dental procedures performed every year. Dr. Andrew Stubbs, Lone Tree Endodontist, is uniquely qualified to restore your health after a dental infection. Dr. Stubbs was featured in 5280 Magazine’s Top Dentist edition as a Lone Tree endodontics specialist.

Sometimes, the pulp within the tooth becomes infected. Deep decay, repeated dental procedures, or physical trauma can all allow bacteria to access the interior of the tooth. When the pulp becomes damaged, prompt treatment is necessary.

6 Signs That You May Need a Root Canal

Not all teeth that require root canal therapy are painful, however, signs you may need a root canal include:

Severe Toothache without Provocation

Constant pain that is not stimulated by temperature changes or chewing can indicate tooth nerve infection.

Swelling or Tenderness in the Nearby Gums

If your gums are painful and swollen, this may be an indication that infection is leaking from inside your tooth.  The leaking infection can cause infection and inflammation in the nearby gum tissue.

Biting or Chewing Pain

A cracked tooth that allows bacteria into your tooth may cause pain when biting down or chewing.  Additionally, an abscess can cause tenderness in the surrounding bone.

Dark Discoloration

Tooth discoloration, gray or black appearance of the tooth,  could indicate an infection inside your tooth. If this is the case, root canal treatment is required to treat the underlying infection and internal tooth bleaching may be required to restore your original tooth color.

Increased Painful Response to Hot and Cold Temperatures

Hot and cold foods can cause an abnormal strong pain in an infected tooth.  Tooth nerves become hypersensitive to stimulation.

Lingering Cold Sensitivity

Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold food may be a sign of needing a root canal.  Infected nerve tissue no longer functions normally.

Causes of Tooth Pain

The 6 signs that you need a root canal can also help indicate the source of your pain.  Tooth pain can be divided into two groups: the nerves on the interior of the tooth and the nerves exterior to the tooth in the surrounding bone and ligament.  A severe aching tooth ache without provocation, Dark coloration of the tooth, pain in response to temperature and prolonged sensitivity are all indications of a dying nerve on the interior of the tooth.

Initially, your tooth may be sensitive to cold but as the nerve damage progresses deeper into the nerve, your tooth may become more sensitive to heat.  Eventually, your own body temperature may be enough to cause tooth discomfort, which would explain why you may have a severely aching tooth without provocation.  A dark discoloration of the tooth may indicate severe caries or a discoloration due to internal tissue breakdown.  Removing the nerve tissue is the most effective way of relieving nerve pain.

Pain while chewing or swelling and tenderness in nearby gums indicate that the inflammation and swelling is no longer isolated to the nerve tissue.  Antibiotics are the most effective way of resolving the inflammation and swelling of tissues surrounding the tooth.

Tooth Pain that Mimics the Need for a Root Canal

Dental Sensitivity.  Not all dental sensitivity warrants being treated by a root canal.  Dental sensitivity can be caused by worn enamel from brushing with a hard tooth brush, worn dental fillings or tooth erosion due to acidic foods.  There are many over the counter remedies that may alleviate your symptoms and help avoid the need for a root canal.

Tooth Decay and Broken Teeth. Tooth decay and broken teeth can expose the dentin underneath the enamel.  This can cause sensitivity to cold liquids.  Removal of the decay and restoration with a protective filling can alleviate your painful symptoms and avoid the need for a root canal.

Tooth Grinding.  Grinding your tooth at night can traumatize your teeth and cause your facial muscles to ache.  Muscle ache can mimics the need for a root canal and patient’s often have difficulty pinpointing the location of the pain.  Muscle relaxers and night guards can alleviate your pain.

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact Creekside Endodontics in Lone Tree, Colorado at (303) 524-9343.  Dr. Stubbs and his caring staff can help relieve your pain and return to your regular, healthy lifestyle.

What happens during a root canal?

Dr. Stubbs numbs the tooth and makes a small access opening in the crown. He removes the pulp, nerve tissue, decay, and bacteria. After thoroughly cleaning the tooth, he will seal it with special dental materials. A filling or crown will be placed to cover the weakened tooth.

Will I be in pain during or after the procedure?

Our patients are pleasantly surprised by the overall root canal experience. With modern techniques and technology, a root canal should not be any more uncomfortable than any other dental procedure.

We offer sedation dentistry, local anesthesia, and patient amenities to ensure your comfort during the procedure. After treatment, the tooth may feel sensitive, but we will help you keep the discomfort to a minimum by supplying the necessary instructions and medications.

What will happen to the tooth after the nerve is gone?

While you won’t be able to feel temperature in the tooth anymore after your root canal treatment, you will regain your bite strength and chewing function quickly.

Lone Tree Root Canal Specialists

Creekside Endodontics, your Lone Tree root canal specialists, is the highest rated Lone Tree endodontics office, conveniently located near the Lincoln exit on the I-25. If you are experiencing dental pain and need root canal treatment, contact our office right away.

Related Topics:

Root Canal Cost: What You Need to Know?

How Long Does a Root Canal Take?

Find an Endodontist in Lone Tree

Want to see what other Patients say about Creekside Endodontics? Visit our Yelp! and Facebook pages to read more reviews.