At Durango Laser Dentistry, our dentistry approach involves your overall well-being. We are a family dentistry provider and work hard to forge strong partnerships between our team and our patients for a lifetime of exceptional dental health. We get to know our patients and understand their lifestyles and medical histories. Knowing our patients allows us to provide the best possible care for each individual. Our services include everything from teeth cleaning to root canal therapy at our state-of-the-art facility in Durango, Colorado.
What is a Root Canal?
You may be surprised to learn Dr. Miner and the team at Durango Laser Dentistry use the laser for as many of the procedures they do as possible, as laser treatment provides optimal results compared to the traditional dental drill! We offer various other services, including root canals utilizing the laser. But what exactly is a root canal, and what can you expect when you come in for the procedure?
A root canal is a treatment used to save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. We remove the nerve and pulp from the affected tooth during a root canal procedure. The inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth could become infected, and abscesses may form.
One common question we get is, “how do I know if I need a root canal?” While the only way to be sure is to come in for an examination, some tell-tale signs indicate you may need this procedure. For instance, if you have a tooth that is suddenly very sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, it may be because the nerve tissue inside the tooth has become damaged. You may also experience pain when biting down or chewing.
We practice a conservative approach and have many dental treatments we may recommend before root canal therapy. That’s why we recommend that you come in for a root canal evaluation so that we can get to the root of the problem and provide you with the best possible treatment plan.
What Does a Root Canal Involve?
First, we will numb the area around the tooth to ensure your comfort during the procedure ( in some instances, using the laser, the person does not need to be numb for it). Next, we will create an opening in the tooth to remove the damaged pulp. Once we remove the pulp, we will clean and disinfect the inside of your tooth before sealing it with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Using the laser provides the highest level of cleaning and disinfection of the root canal system that is available today. The laser produces a photoacoustic effect inside the tooth. The laser penetrates into the side of the tooth up to a millimeter, whereas traditional methods only penetrate 0.1mm.
Finally, we will place a filling or crown over your tooth to restore its function and appearance. Although having a root canal performed may sound daunting, with the right approach, it can be no more painful than having a cavity filled! Plus, once the procedure is complete, your tooth will be saved!
After the procedure, it is normal to experience some sensitivity and inflammation. It is important to avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it has healed to help with recovery. Practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing regularly, is also essential.
Most teeth that have been treated can last for many years. However, it is also essential to maintain good oral hygiene habits and see your dentist regularly for checkups to ensure that the tooth does not become reinfected.
Root Canal Therapy in Durango
If you think you may need a root canal, don’t wait to seek treatment! The sooner you come in to see us, the better. We will work quickly and efficiently to relieve any pain you may be experiencing and restore your tooth to its original state.
We use the latest technology and techniques to ensure that our patients receive the highest quality of care possible – laser dentistry provides this. We are dedicated to providing outstanding customer service, ensuring our patients are always comfortable and relaxed during their visits.
To schedule an appointment at our Durango dental office, give us a call today!
