Root Canal Treatment FAQ

dentist in Colorado Springs

Root Canal Treatment FAQ

When patients experience tooth infections or severely damaged decay, Colorado Springs dentists will often recommend root canal therapy to save the tooth. A root canal removes the contaminated or infected pulp from the tooth. Doing so allows patients to preserve their teeth, alleviate pain, and avoid reinfection. In the article below, Dr. Cody Boals and Dr. Alexa Johnson answer root canal treatment FAQ in honor of Root Canal Awareness Week! We hope this helps you better understand root canal therapy.

 

What Are The Signs of a Root Canal?

  • Swelling or tenderness in the gums/around the tooth
  • Tooth or gum discoloration
  • Sensitivity to hot/cold drinks
  • Severe tooth pain, especially when applying pressure or chewing

What Is The Root Canal Treatment Process?

Root canal therapy is similar to a regular filling and can often be performed in one or two appointments. Of course, it depends on the severity of the tooth infection and decay. Root canal therapy starts by numbing the surrounding gums as well as administering local anesthesia. Dr. Boals or Dr. Johnson will numb the tooth before drilling a small hole in the top of the tooth to expose the dental pulp. To ensure that the infection is cleared and avoid reinfection, the pulp will be washed out, and the interior of the tooth will be covered with an antibiotic. To fill and seal the tooth, a sealer paste or other synthetic material will be used. A temporary filling and sealant will follow this.

Do Root Canals Hurt?

Patients who haven’t undergone root canal therapy may feel uneasy about starting treatment. Luckily, root canals are completely painless. At Kissing Camels Family Dentistry, we offer local anesthesia and sedation dentistry for residents in Colorado Springs. After getting root canal treatment, you may feel numb for a few hours. Our friends at College Hill Dental Group, a dental office in Easton, PA, say that most patients can return to daily activities without any problems. So, if the dentist or endodontist suggests a permanent filling or crown for the tooth, a second appointment may be needed.

What Are the Advantages of Using a Root Canal?

Root canal therapy is important for saving natural teeth. If damaged teeth are left untreated, the infection can spread throughout the body. Patients who undergo root canal therapy will preserve their natural appearance and restore their tooth’s original functionality. Additionally, it also protects other teeth from more wear or tear, lowering the likelihood that you will need further restorative dental work in the future.

What Exactly Is A Root Canal In An Emergency?

An emergency root canal is similar to a scheduled or expected root canal in that they all result from the same cause—inflamed or infected tooth. However, many patients visit our dental office because they require emergency dental care in Colorado Springs. The procedure has most likely become the infection has gone on for too long. If you have any of the signs of a tooth infection, please contact Kissing Camels Family Dentistry immediately. Our team will do everything we can to get you smiling again. 

Modern Family Dentist

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Modern Family Dentist

Selecting a Colorado Springs dentist is an important decision. Your dentist can either positively or negatively affect your oral health. There’s a lot that should be considered when choosing a new dentist. Below, Dr. Boals and Dr. Johnson have compiled a list of things to look for in a modern family dentist.

Hours & Location

One of the first things you should consider is hours and location. Let’s be honest. If your dental office is all the way across town, you’ll never make an appointment. Find a dental office that is on your way home from work or school. A conveniently located dental office makes the trip less of a pain.

Dental Services Provided

Many dentists just offer general dentistry. When searching for the best dentist near me, find one that offers a wide variety of dental services. For example, at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry, we offer all kinds of dental services. 

These include: 

Finding a dentist who offers all the services you and your family could ever need ensures that you won’t have to be referred to any other dentist.

Dental Insurance/Payment 

It doesn’t matter if you find the best dentist in all of Colorado. If they don’t accept your dental insurance or payment, you’ll likely have to go elsewhere. Dental insurance can be confusing, so call around and see if they accept your dental plan. Keep in mind that some dental offices offer discount plans. Dental treatments can be expensive without dental insurance, so definitely look into this before committing to treatment.

Ask Around

It’s recommended that you ask neighbors, coworkers, and family who they use for dental care. Word travels fast, whether it’s positive or negative. You can also look online or visit NextDoor for local recommendations. You’ll be able to tell if the office has a good reputation when you look online.

Emergency Dental Care

If there ever comes a time when you need emergency dental care, you’ll want to know that you’re in the right hands. Visiting a dentist who makes room in their schedule for emergency appointments is recommended. Our friend, Dr. Jordan Smith, an emergency dentist in Georgetown, KY, recommends searching for the best emergency dentists because it’ll determine if they can or cannot save your tooth in the event of an emergency situation. 

Weigh The Pros and Cons

After you’ve completed all of your research on finding the best modern family dentist, you’ll be able to make a decision. If you’re on the fence between choosing between dental offices, Dr. Boals and Dr. Johnson recommend visiting the office before your appointment. That way, you can see for yourself if the team and doctor were what you expected. In need of a new modern family dentist? Contact Kissing Camels Family Dentistry today. Our office is welcoming new patients!

Meet Your Colorado Springs Dentists

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Meet Your Colorado Springs Dentists

At Kissing Camels Family Dentistry, our team strives to be kind and caring. Anyone who walks through the door is considered part of the family. Our dental office in Colorado Springs, CO, has an environment unlike any other. If you want to feel welcomed and relaxed, visit Kissing Camels Family Dentistry! Below, introduce you to your Colorado Springs dentists. 

Meet Dr. Cody Boals

Dr. Boals has a true passion for dentistry. He loves that every smile is unique, which brings a new challenge each day. Outside of the dental practice, Dr. Boals enjoys hiking, fly fishing, and spending time with his family and four rescue animals. 

Meet Dr. Alexa Johnson

Dr. Johnson, also known as “Dr. J,” comes from central Illinois, but she’s happy to call Colorado her home. She’s been helping Kissing Camels Family Dentistry since day one, and now we’re excited to have her full-time. Dr. J is happy to help with both your dental and esthetic needs. Not only does Dr. J excel in dentistry, but also in dermal fillers and botox. 

Dental Services

No matter what your dental needs are, you can always count on Dr. Boals or Dr. J to help you reach your smile goals. Our team offers a wide variety of dental services. Some of our services include: 

If you’re looking for a new dentist in Colorado Springs, give us a call! We are currently accepting new patients. To stay up to date on the latest office news, follow us on Facebook or subscribe to our YouTube channel!