Do any of these sound familiar?
- Significant pain while eating
- Increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- Tooth discoloration
- Swollen and tender gums
If you have some or all of these symptoms, it may be time to see if you are a candidate for a root canal. Wait, don’t run away! The root canal may have a fearsome reputation, but that’s largely based on misinformation and the more invasive procedures of yesteryear.
At Silver Leaf Dentistry in Longmont, CO, Dr. Kory Wallin utilizes the most up-to-date endodontic techniques and instruments to ensure you have a smooth experience with very little discomfort. In fact, a root canal will not only save your tooth, it can prevent the potentially debilitating pain of a severely infected tooth. Most patients say the pain of the procedure itself is no worse than getting a filling.
What Is a Root Canal, Anyway?
Inside of each tooth is a natural hollow called the root canal, which contains soft pulp as well as the nerves of the tooth. If the tooth pulp becomes infected due to injury, a bad cavity, cracks, chips, or another reason, the pulp and nerves may have to be removed altogether. This saves the tooth and prevents the spread of infection and the formation of abscesses. And it’s okay to live without those pulp and nerves. You may lose sensitivity to temperature at the immediate area, but the tooth will be healthy and function normally. A root canal, and retaining your real tooth, is far better than its alternative — an extraction.
- You will be able to chew like before and eat all your favorite foods
- Your bite will be as strong as ever
- A more natural look (of course!)
Rotary Endodontics and Why They Are a Good Thing
In the bad old days of dentistry, root canals were performed using slow and inefficient manual instruments. And, when it comes to having people root around in your mouth, who wants that? At Silver Leaf Dentistry, we utilize the modern method of rotary endodontics, which has many advantages over manual root canals.
- Electric rotary tools perform the procedure much more quickly than the old way.
- The tools are much quieter than the manual files–no more anxiety-provoking grinding sounds.
- The rotary tools utilize a nickel titanium tip. This is more flexible than stainless steel and cleans the root canal more efficiently and evenly.
- Rotary root canals carry a decreased risk of complications.
Faster. Smoother. Simply put, better. A rotary root canal performed at Silver Leaf Dentistry is nothing to fear. We promise.
The Root Canal Process Explained
So, you live in the vicinity of Longmont, CO and been experiencing tooth sensitivity and pain. What to do? First of all, pick up the phone and call Silver Leaf Dentistry at 720-504-2539 to schedule an appointment. Here’s what to expect:
- Dr. Wallin will X-ray and examine the tooth in question to determine whether a root canal is the correct course of treatment.
- If the procedure is warranted, the affected area will be numbed with a local anesthetic.
- After a protective dental dam is placed, your tooth’s pulp will be removed (via a small hole in the tooth) and the root canal meticulously cleaned.
- The canal will be filled and the opening in the tooth closed up with a temporary filling.
- Finally (at a later date), your tooth will be topped with a restorative element such as a crown.
The Silver Leaf Team Will Give You the Best Possible Root Canal Experience
We are committed to making sure you are well informed and comfortable from the moment you walk in the door.
- A refreshment station is filled with free beverages and snacks in our beautiful, soothingly decorated waiting room.
- Ceiling-mounted TVs enable you to watch Netflix movies during exams and other procedures. Noise-cancelling headphones drown out everything else going on around you.
- Cutting-edge technology in all aspects of treatment
- Digital X-rays
- High-definition 42-inch screens on which to fully visualize the X-rays
- An iPad app that walks you through your treatment plan using lively animation and no confusing jargon
- And, of course, easier and faster rotary endodontics
- Pillows and blankets keep you snug as a bug in the examination room.
- Plus, a warm and highly professional staff — from the doctor to the hygienists to the front-desk employees — will put you at ease. We will hold your hand (metaphorically, if not literally) through the entire process, explain all steps in terms that you can understand, and do everything we can to keep you reassured and relaxed.
Don’t ignore tooth pain. Call Silver Leaf Dentistry of Longmont, CO at 720-504-2539 to schedule an exam with Dr. Wallin. Or fill out our online form and we will get back to you.