Hello Colorado, let’s talk about the root canal procedure (“endodontic therapy” in dentist – speak). The root canal may the most cringe-worthy dental treatment commonly done today, but it is important that dental patients in the Boulder, Boulder County, and Lafayette, CO areas know what is happening during this anxiety – inducing, though routine, procedure.
At the center of each tooth is a very small tissue called the pulp. This thread-like tissue can become damaged due to a:
An injury to a tooth
A very deep cavity
A crack in the tooth
If this tissue becomes damaged or infected, it can build up at the root tip inside the jawbone and form an abscess. If left untreated, this can actually destroy the bone around the tooth and cause serious discomfort.
When an endodontist, oral surgeon, or general dentist in Boulder or Lafayette performs a root canal, the dead or diseased pulp is taken out, the space that is left is cleaned and then it is shaped and filled. This eliminates the need for a diseased tooth to be pulled and continued cosmetic dentistry to fill in the gap.
Hi. I’m Dr. Gordon West of Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry in Lafayette. I hope that today’s Boulder dental blog post has helped you to better understand root canals. I want my patients to have the best oral health possible and accurate dental information. I also want them to look their best, so if you have any questions about a smile makeover, dental implants, or teeth whitening, please give us a call at 303-665-5335.
At Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry we offer:
porcelain veneers
dental implants
prepless veneers
dental crowns
We hope to hear from you soon!
Dr. Gordon West
Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry
1140 W South Boulder Rd, Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
303-665-5335
https://www.bouldercountysmiles.com/services/
