Root Canals Specialist

General Dentistry & Cosmetic Dentistry located in Englewood, CO

Root Canals services offered in Englewood, CO

If you have an infected tooth, a root canal can provide significant relief. Christopher Henes, DDS, and the team at Meridian Dental Care in Englewood, Colorado, offer painless root canals to restore your tooth and quality of life. To learn more about root canals or schedule a consultation, call the office or request an appointment online today.

What are root canals?

A root canal is the primary treatment for an infected tooth. While most people don’t think of teeth as living structures, the inner chamber of each tooth is filled with dental pulp, a substance that contains a mix of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues.

Your pulp is subject to infection, just like the rest of your tissues. Because there is limited room in the inner chamber of your tooth, inflammation can cause significant pain. A root canal treats an infected tooth by removing all traces of pulp and replacing it with a special dental material.

When are root canals needed?

Knowing what to look for can help you know when to schedule a diagnostic dental exam. Some of the signs you might need a root canal include:

Severe pain, especially when biting or chewing
Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, even after the source is removed
Pimple-like sores on your gum tissue
Darkened or reddened gums
Chipped or cracked tooth

If you notice any of these changes, book a visit at Meridian Dental Care to determine if a root canal is necessary.

What steps are involved in having a root canal?

If you and your dentist decide a root canal is the best available treatment option, the process begins with an injection of a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. Once you’re numb, your dentist isolates your tongue and other soft tissues to protect them.

Your dentist then creates a small opening in your tooth. Incredibly tiny dental tools enter the opening and remove all traces of infected pulp from the inner chamber, including the canals that run into the tooth roots.

A thorough rinsing ensures all bacteria and pulp is gone before a special material called gutta percha fills the cavity. The access opening is sealed with a small filling.

Next, impressions are made to guide the fabrication of your custom dental crown. A temporary crown protects the tooth until the permanent version arrives. Then, it’s cemented into place, which completes the root canal process.

If you suspect you have an infected tooth, call Meridian Dental Care or request an appointment online today.

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