A skilled dentist, a comfortable environment, and updated technology ensure that you will have a comfortable, stress-free root canal.

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Root Canals

If your only perception of root canals is that they are a difficult procedure, you would not be alone. But a lot has changed, and a modern root canal—performed by a skilled dentist in a comfortable environment, using updated technology and gentle sedation—is not much different than having a tooth filled.

At Platte Canyon Dental, we are on a mission to show our patients that root canals are not something to fear. It is actually a good idea to develop a healthy respect for the procedure because it is the only treatment available to save an infected tooth from extraction.

The Root Canal Myth

We'd first like to clear up the biggest misconception about root canals; they do not cause pain—they relieve it. It is the infection deep inside your tooth that is causing that throbbing toothache. Performing a root canal is the only method we have for getting rid of the painful infection and saving your tooth.

Why We Recommend a Root Canal

Your tooth consists of three layers, with enamel being the hardest, outermost layer. Underneath the enamel is a softer layer called dentin, and beneath the dentin is an area deep inside your tooth called the pulp chamber. Dental pulp contains tissue, nerves, and blood vessels that keep your tooth alive.

If your tooth gets cracked, you get a deep cavity, or suffer trauma to the tooth, bacteria can breach the pulp chamber and cause an infection that requires a root canal to treat. An untreated tooth infection or dental abscess can threaten your overall oral health, and without treatment, the tooth will need to be extracted. Left too long, an infected tooth or dental abscess can be deadly.

Signs That You Need a Root Canal

Several symptoms occur to warn you that your tooth is infected and needs immediate attention:

Excruciating toothache
Inflamed or swollen gums
A raised bump on your gums
Extreme sensitivity to touch
Lingering sensitivity to hot and cold
A terrible taste in your mouth
Tooth darkening or discoloration

If you notice any of these symptoms, call Platte Canyon Dental, and we will arrange to see you as soon as possible—the same day if you are in pain.

The Root Canal Procedure

If Dr. Linn determines that you need a root canal, the first step is to use a powerful anesthetic to ensure that your tooth is completely numb, and you will not feel anything during the procedure. Need a little help relaxing? Ask us about nitrous oxide sedation

When we are sure you are numb, Dr. Linn will create a small hole in your tooth to access the pulp chamber. Using leading-edge technology called rotary endodontics, she efficiently and thoroughly removes the infected material from inside your tooth, then disinfects and fills the area. The final step is to place a temporary dental filling and allow the tooth to heal for about two weeks. In most cases, Dr. Linn will recommend placing a dental crown on the tooth to protect it.

You may notice some soreness or sensitivity in the day or two after your procedure, but taking an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen is usually all our patients need for relief.

Do You Need a Root Canal in Littleton, CO?

If you are in pain or notice any of the other symptoms above, call Platte Canyon Dental, so we can get you on our schedule as soon as possible. The sooner we treat your infected tooth with a root canal, the better the odds are that we can save it so it gives you years of use.

Christina is the best!

Christina is the best! I started coming to this dentist over a year ago, when Allison owned the practice. She definitely picked an amazing person to take over the practice! I broke my tooth which now needs a crown. Christina walked me through the whole process. Making sure I felt comfortable. She even gave me a pillow. I have a hard time with Novocaine and she listened me when most don’t.

I barely felt her give me Novocain too. Her dental assistant, Ariel I believe her name is, is super sweet and friendly. I definitely recommend Dr Christina and her whole staff. Just amazing people and you can tell they all truly care. They also offer an in house plan for people that don’t have dental insurance that’s pretty darn good.

- Kate N.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a root canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure that we need to perform at our Littleton dental office to relieve your pain and save an infected or abscessed tooth from extraction.

If we don't treat decay, the infection can spread quickly and penetrate the inner portion of your tooth. This part of your tooth contains pulp, which is made up of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, and becomes very painful when infected.

At this stage, you are in danger of losing the tooth if we don't act quickly. When performing a root canal, Dr. Linn first numbs the area to be treated, so you don't feel anything. Next, she accesses the infected pulp by making a small hole in the tooth.

Using state-of-the-art technology, she gently clears away the infection, then fills and seals the tooth. A tooth can become brittle after root canal treatment, so we recommend a dental crown to protect and strengthen it.

We understand that many people are intimidated by the thought of a root canal, but remember that the pain in your tooth started with an infection and has nothing to do with the procedure. At Platte Canyon Dental, we can help take the edge off of your anxiety by offering nitrous oxide sedation that enables you to relax and get the care you need.

If you have a throbbing toothache or notice symptoms like a pimple on your gums, you may need root canal treatment. The sooner Dr. Linn sees you, the sooner she can provide you with the relief you need and save your tooth from extraction.

Call our Littleton dental office so we can see if you need a root canal.

What is the most common dental emergency?

There are a few common dental emergencies, but tooth root infections are probably the most prevalent. A tooth root infection requires root canal therapy to save the tooth and prevent infection spread.

If you have a tooth root infection, you likely have one or more of the following symptoms:

Toothache or increased sensitivity
Jaw or face swelling
A bump or blister on the gum

With root infections, mild pain can escalate quickly, so it is best to contact your Platte Valley emergency dentist at the first signs of trouble.

Without intervention, root infections can cost you your tooth. And the treatment is not painful or complicated. First, your dentist uses powerful anesthesia to numb the area before extracting the infection from your tooth's canal. Then, we close it temporarily to encourage healing and cap it later with a dental crown to restore function.

Other Dental Emergencies in Platte Valley

Tooth decay leading to toothache or crumbling
Injury to the gum or tooth
Broken/knocked out tooth or restoration

It's difficult to describe every emergency, so contact our dental team for guidance if you're unsure.

Emergency Dentistry in Littleton, CO

If you have a dental emergency or suspect you might, we urge you to call us as soon as possible. A team member can help determine the best way forward based on your symptoms.

Meet Our Doctor:

Dr. Christina Linn

"Dentistry allows me to improve and maintain the oral health of my patients. Research shows how our oral health can positively or negatively affect our overall systemic health. It's important to me to educate and work with my patients as a team. I also enjoy the art of dentistry as well. Improving a person's emotional health and self-esteem by improving their smile, whether it's with a chair side single tooth bonding or a full mouth reconstruction, is deeply satisfying."

Dr. Christina Linn attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, where she ...