Root Canal Therapy in Salida, CO

Root canal therapy at Relaxation Dental offers a safe, effective way to remove infection, eliminate pain, and preserve your natural tooth.

Our advanced gentle root canal techniques ensure a comfortable, stress-free experience, allowing you to regain full function while avoiding unnecessary tooth loss.

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is a tooth-saving procedure that removes infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, eliminating pain and preventing further infection. The inside of the tooth is then cleaned, sealed, and restored, allowing you to keep your natural tooth rather than replacing it.

This treatment is necessary when the tooth’s pulp (nerve tissue) becomes inflamed or infected due to:

• Deep decay or cavities that reach the pulp.
• Cracks or fractures in the tooth.
• Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth.
• Trauma or injury that damages the nerve.

If left untreated, an infected tooth can cause severe pain, abscesses, and even tooth loss.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

A root canal may be needed if you experience:

• Severe tooth pain when chewing or applying pressure.
• Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold.
• Swollen, tender gums around the affected tooth.
• A pimple-like bump (abscess) on the gums.
• Tooth discoloration or darkening.
• Deep decay that has reached the tooth’s nerve.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid more serious complications.

The Root Canal Procedure

Root canal therapy is a straightforward and painless process performed in one to two visits at Relaxation Dental.

Step 1: Numbing & Comfort Measures

• Local anesthesia ensures you feel no pain during the procedure.
• Sedation options are available for patients with dental anxiety.

Step 2: Removing Infection & Cleaning the Canals

• A small opening is made in the tooth to access the infected pulp.
• The damaged nerve tissue and bacteria are carefully removed.
• The canals are cleaned, disinfected, and shaped to prevent reinfection.

Step 3: Sealing & Restoring the Tooth

• The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material to prevent bacteria from re-entering.
• A temporary or permanent filling is placed to seal the tooth.
• In most cases, a dental crown is recommended for long-term protection and strength.

Once completed, the tooth functions just like a natural tooth—pain-free and fully restored.

Does a Root Canal Hurt?

One of the biggest myths about root canals is that they are painful. However, with modern techniques and advanced anesthesia, a root canal is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling.

Most patients experience immediate pain relief once the infected nerve is removed and report minimal discomfort during recovery.

Recovery & Aftercare for Root Canal Therapy

After a root canal, some mild soreness or sensitivity is normal and should subside within a few days. To aid in healing:

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.
• Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until fully restored.
• Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent future decay.
• Schedule a follow-up visit to place a permanent crown if needed.

With proper care, a root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime.

Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction

If a tooth is infected, some patients consider extraction instead of a root canal. However, keeping your natural tooth is almost always the best option.

Root Canal Therapy:

• Preserves your natural tooth and maintains normal function.
• Prevents bone loss that occurs with missing teeth.
• More cost-effective than extracting and replacing the tooth.

Tooth Extraction:

• Leaves a gap that can cause teeth shifting and bite problems.
• Requires replacement with a dental implant or fixed bridge.
• Can lead to jawbone deterioration over time.

Whenever possible, saving your natural tooth is the best choice for long-term oral health.