Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment in Grand Junction, CO prevents worsening pain and inflammation caused by bacteria and causes no more discomfort than any other dental procedure. The dentists at Western Slope Dental Center always ensure that patients are comfortable and cannot feel pain before starting a root canal.
Common Reasons Patients Need a Root Canal
A root canal becomes necessary when an infection in the mouth causes deep inflammation in the pulp of a tooth contained within its chamber. Deep dental cavities are a typical cause of this inflammation because they allow bacteria to infect a tooth’s pulp rather than just its enamel.
A cracked or chipped tooth can also cause patients to need a root canal due to removal of some of the enamel coating, allowing bacteria to invade. Other situations that may require root canal treatment include:
- Trauma to the mouth that causes pulp and tissue damage, such as injuries sustained from a car accident or while playing sports. Patients who experience oral trauma should contact Western Slope Dental Center right away to arrange treatment. The sooner patients come in, the more likely it is that our dentists can save the tooth by performing a root canal.
- Extensive dental work on the same tooth, such as fillings or restorations like a crown or bridge. Working on the tooth so frequently increases the risk of damaging its pulp.
Typical Steps Involved in Root Canal Treatment
Our dentist starts the procedure by administering anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort. The next step is to drill a small opening in the tooth surface to provide access to the root canals and chamber of the tooth. Our dentist then uses a tiny instrument to remove the infected pulp and clean the entire inside of the tooth. The last step of root canal treatment is for the dentist to place a crown over the top of the tooth to prevent future infections.
Persistent pain and sensitivity when eating or drinking something hot or cold are typical indications of an infected tooth. We urge patients to contact us to determine if they need root canal treatment in Grand Junction, CO if anything about their oral health seems out of the ordinary.
