Integrated Dental by Espire provides root canal therapy in our Greeley, CO dentist office to restore health to a tooth that has been damaged or diseased. Root canal therapy is a one of our general dentistry services.  Whenever possible, our doctors will support keeping the natural tooth through root canal therapy. Modern dentistry has established the long term oral health benefits associated with keeping a patient’s natural teeth in place, making restorative dentistry and cosmetic dental procedures an important part of oral health maintenance.

About Root Canal Therapy

A “root canal” actually refers to the area inside of the tooth where the tooth pulp and nerves are located. More commonly, however, the term root canal is used to refer to a procedure that removes decay from the tooth chamber, restoring the tooth to optimal health. Root canals are performed under local anesthesia and, in most cases, under some level of patient sedation. If you feel particularly anxious about root canal therapy, talk to one of our compassionate dental professionals about it. Integrated Dental by Espire offers sedation dentistry options to ensure your comfort during treatment.

Root Canal Symptoms

• Tooth pain
• Tooth sensitivity
• Tooth discoloration
• Gum soreness

If you have any of these symptoms, contact our Greeley, CO dentist office for an appointment.

Root Canal Procedure

The root canal procedure is relatively simple. First, your dentist will make a small hole access the tooth pulp. The infected tissue and damaged nerve will be removed and the root canal will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. The tooth will be temporarily sealed to keep out food and saliva until the next appointment. Once the infection is clear and the root canal is free of debris, your dentist will fill the tooth with a biocompatible rubber compound called gutta percha. Finally, your dentist will cover the tooth with either a dental filling or tooth cap to add strength and protect it from future damage.

Root Canal FAQs

Does a root canal hurt?

For the most part, the pain associated with a ‘root canal’ comes from the infection deep inside the tooth. This infection will cause inflammation and swelling which leads to discomfort and tooth pain. A root canal procedure will remove the infection and start the healing process. This will help the patient find relief from the tooth pain.

What if I don’t have the root canal treatment?

A tooth extraction is an alternative to the root canal procedure. When considering a root canal vs. extraction, it is important to remember that once a tooth is lost, the replacement options typically become more difficult and complicated. If an extraction is the ultimate choice, your dentist will determine which is the best replacement choice: dental implants, bridge or denture.

What does a root canal cost?

The cost of root canal procedures depends on your specific circumstances. Most dental insurance carriers will pay for either part or all of the cost of a root canal procedure. Integrated Dental by Espire in Greeley works with most dental insurance companies and will take care of all the necessary paperwork and billing to help you maximize your benefits.