Root Canal Treatment in Fort Collins, CO

Dr. Ryan Rush uses leading-edge dental technology to perform comfortable, stress-free root canals at our modern Fort Collins dental office. While the phrase "root canal" has traditionally been associated with an unpleasant experience, we know the reality is quite different!

Contrary to what you might believe, a root canal is not a painful procedure to avoid but a necessary treatment that relieves pain and preserves teeth. With a comfortable root canal from the dental office of Dr. Ryan Rush, you can avoid costly tooth replacement and keep your tooth's roots, which provide essential jawbone stimulation.

Root canal treatment aims to save a tooth by eliminating infected or inflamed tissue from deep inside it. It's not the procedure that causes the intense pain most people feel; it's the infection. When we remove it with root canal treatment, we also eliminate the pain. Once we numb your tooth, you'll no longer feel any discomfort.

Why We Need to Perform a Root Canal

Your teeth are composed of three layers:

1. Enamel — The enamel is the hard outer layer.
2. Dentin — The dentin is the softer layer beneath the enamel.
3. Pulp chamber — The pulp chamber is the enclosed area at the center of your tooth. It houses nerves, blood vessels, and tissue to keep your tooth healthy.

Although normally well protected, a deep cavity, crack, or trauma can allow bacteria to enter the pulp chamber and cause it to die.

This can cause an excruciating toothache, and the only option to relieve your pain and save your tooth is to perform root canal therapy.

Performing a root canal at our Fort Collins dental office is straightforward, thanks to precise planning using digital imaging technology. Here's what you can expect from a root canal procedure:

1. Before starting your root canal, Dr. Rush numbs the tooth with a powerful local anesthetic to ensure you won't feel any pain. Would you like a little extra help to relax? We offer calming sedation with nitrous oxide so that you can remain calm and comfortable during your procedure.
2. When we're sure you're comfortable, Dr. Rush begins by accessing the interior of your tooth.
3. He then efficiently and painlessly eliminates the infection from the canals of your tooth using leading-edge rotary endodontic technology. 
4. Dr. Rush then fills the hollowed-out area with a biocompatible gutta-percha material before temporarily filling the tooth.
5. After healing, he will determine whether a tooth-colored filling or a porcelain crown is more appropriate.

Symptoms of a Root Canal Infection

While an examination by our Fort Collins dentist is the only way to diagnose an infected tooth, there are symptoms to keep in mind between dental visits, including:

• Persistent tooth pain that continues to worsen
• Severe, lingering pain when biting down or when touching the tooth
• Intense sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• A bump on the gums near the affected tooth
• Pain that radiates throughout the jaw       
• Swollen, tender, or inflamed gums
• A change in the color of the tooth

Most root canal infections result in uncomfortable symptoms, but not all; having an infected tooth without noticing any of these symptoms is possible. This is why we advocate routine dental exams and cleanings as the best way to stay current with your oral health condition and needs. Preventive dentistry is the best way to avoid dental issues and maintain your oral health.

Need More Information about Root Canals in Fort Collins, CO?

We invite you to contact our office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rush. Don't let tooth pain keep you from living your life!

In addition to Fort Collins, we are pleased to offer quality dental care to patients in Loveland, Laporte, Timnath, Wellington, Red Feather, and Cheyenne, WY. Call us today at (970) 223-5393 for all your oral health needs.