Root Canal Treatment in Colorado Springs, CO

Root canal treatment is a crucial and common dental procedure that restores an infected tooth. At our practice, we understand that the words “root canal” can bring a mix of feelings from concern and uncertainty to anxiety and fear. In reality, modern dentistry and anesthesia make root canals relatively painless.

With more than two decades of experience, you can trust that Dr. Bashi will effectively restore your tooth while prioritizing your comfort throughout treatment.

What Is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal therapy, or endodontic treatment, involves removing infected or damaged pulp—the central layer of the tooth that houses nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. This treatment is needed when the pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay or trauma. Root canal therapy helps alleviate pain, restore tooth function, and prevent the spread of infection. Contrary to common misconceptions, root canal treatment is typically no more uncomfortable than getting a dental filling.

When Is Root Canal Treatment Necessary?

• Severe toothache: Persistent pain is the most common indication that a root canal is needed. Discomfort while chewing or applying pressure to the area might signal that the nerve inside the tooth or the surrounding tissues is infected.
• Prolonged sensitivity: If your tooth is sensitive to hot or cold sensations for an extended period, it might signal nerve damage. This lingering sensitivity can feel like a sharp pain or deep ache.
• Discoloration: Tooth discoloration, often appearing gray or black, signals potential damage or death to the tissues inside the tooth.
• Swelling and tenderness in the gums: Swelling around a tooth is a telltale sign of an infection. The swelling can range from being very mild to quite pronounced. You might also notice tenderness or a feeling of warmth in the gums near the affected tooth.

These oral infections can sometimes lead to unbearable symptoms, disrupting daily life. These may include intense pain, difficulty eating, tooth sensitivity, or a red bump signaling an abscess. Dealing with a combination of these symptoms may require emergency root canal treatment. If this is the case, calling our office as soon as possible is crucial.

The Root Canal Process

Diagnosis and Treatment

The process begins with a thorough examination of your affected tooth. Dr. Bashi will take detailed X-rays to assess the extent of the damage and plan your treatment.

To ensure your comfort, local anesthesia is administered to numb the tooth and surrounding area. Throughout the treatment, you should not feel any pain. After preparing the treatment area, Dr. Bashi makes a small hole in the tooth to remove the infected or damaged pulp. He will then clean the tooth’s canals with special tools. This step is important to prevent further infection or damage to your tooth.

Filling the Root Canal

After cleaning and drying the canal, Dr. Bashi seals it with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, using adhesive cement for complete sealing. This step is like filling a cavity and is essential for maintaining the tooth’s structural integrity.

After filling the root canals, Dr. Bashi will restore the tooth to its full function and appearance. In most cases, this involves placing a dental crown over the tooth to provide an extra layer of protection.

Recovery and Aftercare

After root canal therapy, you can eat once the numbing sensation has worn off. Start with a soft food diet and gradually introduce more solid foods as tolerated. Following the procedure, you might experience mild to moderate pain, but tenderness and sensitivity typically decrease over the next few days. Although individual healing times vary, most patients fully recover in less than a week.

If the tooth is severely damaged, decayed beyond repair, or fractured in a way that cannot be effectively treated with a root canal, extraction may be the best option. If so, we offer restoration options with mini dental implants to preserve your oral function and maintain your jawbone’s health.

Restore Your Oral Health With Dr. Bashi

Take charge of your oral health today at the Mini Dental Implant Center of America in Colorado Springs. If you need root canal treatment, our expert team, led by Dr. Bashi, is here to guide you through a pain-free experience. Contact us to schedule your visit and discover the relief of dental restoration.

Frequently Asked Questions