Introducing Gentle Endodontic Treatment at Trail Ridge Dental
At Trail Ridge Dental, serving the communities of Johnstown, Longmont, Berthoud, Greeley, and the surrounding areas, we understand that hearing the words “root canal” can cause apprehension. Our mission, led by Dr. Visger and his dedicated staff, is to transform the reputation of this essential endodontic treatment. We utilize contemporary techniques and compassionate care to ensure your root canal procedure is comfortable, predictable, and remarkably effective. Our primary goal is always to save your natural tooth, preventing the need for a tooth extraction and preserving the function and alignment of your adjacent teeth.
Root canal therapy is a common dental procedure designed to treat the delicate interior of a tooth. The treatment focuses on eliminating bacteria and diseased soft tissue within the root of the tooth and restoring its structure. This vital procedure allows you to keep your diseased tooth, thereby maintaining your natural smile and proper bite. Whether you visit our Johnstown office or our Longmont location, you can expect the same high standard of clinical care and personal attention.
If you are experiencing severe tooth pain or sensitivity that may indicate the need for root canal treatment, don’t delay care. Dr. Visger and our staff prioritize comfort and safety for every patient. Schedule your priority consultation at one of our convenient locations today.
Call our Johnstown dental office at 970-593-1010 or our Longmont office at 303-772-6960.
Why a Root Canal is Necessary: The Cause of Infection
A patient will typically need a root canal when the dental pulp—the innermost layer containing blood vessels, nerve tissue, and connective tissue—becomes inflamed or infected. The infection begins when bacteria penetrate through a deep cavity or crack, reaching the tooth’s pulp at the center of the tooth structure. When pulp damage occurs, the inflammation can result in significant tooth pain and swelling in the tissues surrounding the tooth root.
This tooth infection is most often caused by:
- Deep Decay: Extensive deep decay that has extended through the enamel and dentin layers.
- Trauma: A traumatic injury or crack that exposes the vulnerable pulp chamber.
- Fractures: Leakage through a broken tooth structure.
If left untreated, this infected pulp can lead to abscess formation and bone loss around the root. The resulting discomfort is often described as persistent, throbbing pain, especially when chewing. A root canal treatment is the only way to alleviate this pain while keeping the original tooth securely in place.
The Root Canal Procedure Explained
Before beginning the dental procedure, Dr. Visger or your dentist at Trail Ridge Dental will take dental x rays to visualize the internal structure and assess the extent of the root canal infection. The tooth is then isolated using a dental dam, a small sheet of material that keeps the area clean and dry. A local anesthetic or numbing medicine is administered to ensure you do not feel pain during the entire process.
The essential steps of the endodontic treatment involve:
- Access: Making a small opening in the dental crown to access the pulp chamber.
- Cleaning: The endodontist removes (or general dentist performs) all the infected pulp and nerve tissue, meticulously cleaning and shaping the canals inside the tooth root to eliminate bacteria.
- Sealing: Once the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, the canals are permanently filled with a biocompatible, rubber like material called gutta percha.
This sealing process prevents future infection, concluding the active root canal therapy in what is typically one or two visits.
Restoration and Long-Term Success
After the cleaning and sealing of the canals are complete, a temporary filling is placed over the access opening. While this protects the treated tooth, the tooth structure itself can become brittle because the original source of moisture (the blood vessels) has been removed. Therefore, endodontically treated teeth require a final restoration to protect them from the forces of chewing and further damage.
In nearly most root canals, the restored tooth requires a crown to fully encapsulate and strengthen the entire tooth. Placing a crown (often porcelain fused to metal or all-ceramic) is critical for achieving successful endodontic treatment outcomes because it seals the tooth against reinfection and ensures the tooth remains functional for decades. The alternative to this dental procedure is the complete loss of the tooth.
Post-Treatment Care and Follow-Up
Following your root canal procedure, it is normal to experience mild tenderness for a few days, which can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. You may also be advised to prescribe antibiotics in certain cases. It is essential to avoid biting or chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent crown has been placed.
We emphasize that successful endodontic treatment requires long-term commitment. Proper care, including diligent brushing and flossing, is vital. You will be scheduled for a follow up visit and asked to maintain regular dental checkups and dental x rays to monitor the surrounding bone and confirm the long-term health of your endodontically treated teeth. Dr. Visger and staff are always available to answer questions regarding your recovery and future care.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Modern root canal therapy is performed using a precise dose of local anesthetic or numbing medicine, ensuring the area around the diseased tooth is completely numb before the dentist or endodontist begins. The intense tooth pain you feel is caused by the infection, and the procedure itself eliminates that source of pain.
Most root canals can be completed in one or two visits, depending on the complexity of the root structure and the severity of the root canal infection. Dr. Visger will evaluate your dental x rays to provide a clear timeline during your consultation.
If an infected tooth is left untreated, the bacteria will continue to spread from the pulp to the surrounding bone, leading to abscess formation, swelling, and increased pain. This eventually requires the tooth extracted, which can be more costly and complex than the initial endodontic treatment.
Schedule Your Consultation with Trail Ridge Dental
If you are experiencing tooth pain or believe you need a root canal, please do not delay treatment. The sooner an infected tooth is addressed, the better the prognosis for saving the natural tooth. Dr. Visger and our staff offer compassionate and gentle root canal therapy as a solution to eliminate infection and relieve pain.
We are ready to provide the highest standard of care in a comfortable environment. For questions regarding treatment options or to schedule a consultation with your dentist or endodontist at Trail Ridge Dental: Call our Johnstown office at 970-593-1010 or call our Longmont dentist’s office at 303-772-6960.