Root Canals

Root Canals: No Fear, Just Relief!

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Categories: Dental crowns, Dental health, Root Canals

A young woman smiling fearlessly at her dental exam.When you hear the words “root canal,” you might feel a shiver run down your spine. At The Fort Collins Dentist, we know root canals have an unfair reputation for being notoriously painful. But here’s the reality—it’s not the procedure you should fear; it’s the pain from not getting a necessary treatment. Modern root canal therapy is quick, effective, and most importantly, designed to relieve pain, not cause it.

Why a Root Canal Is Nothing to Fear

Root canals are often misunderstood, leading to unnecessary anxiety for many patients. The truth is that modern root canals are no more uncomfortable than having a cavity filled. Using advanced numbing techniques and cutting-edge technology, dentists ensure the procedure is as seamless and pain-free as possible.

The real benefit? Relief from the intense pain often caused by an infected tooth. A root canal isn’t something designed to make you suffer—it’s an effective treatment that eliminates the discomfort caused by tooth decay or infection and protects your overall oral health.

When You Might Need a Root Canal

You might not realize it immediately, but certain symptoms signal the need for a root canal. Persistent toothaches, sensitivity to hot and cold, swelling or redness in your gums, and even discoloration of a tooth are all indicators of a potential infection inside the tooth. Another subtle sign is the presence of a small pimple-like bump on your gums that doesn’t disappear.

Prompt treatment is essential to stop the infection from spreading. If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, don’t wait—consult The Fort Collins Dentist, where expert care is just a call away.

The Root Canal Process at The Fort Collins Dentist

At The Fort Collins Dentist, we’ve streamlined the root canal process to make it as straightforward and comfortable as possible. The procedure is completed in three key steps.

First, the infected pulp is gently removed, alleviating the pain you’ve been experiencing. Next, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed to prevent any future infection. Finally, the tooth is restored using a custom-fit crown to ensure strength, functionality, and a natural appearance.

Thanks to our state-of-the-art technology, there’s no need for multiple visits. With CEREC technology, we provide same-day crowns, giving you a fully restored smile in just one appointment.

Why Opt for a Root Canal Over Extraction?

While extracting a problematic tooth might seem like a simpler option, it comes with significant downsides. A root canal saves your natural tooth, maintaining your bite alignment and preventing issues like jawbone deterioration.

Additionally, extractions often require additional costly procedures, like bridges or implants, to replace the missing tooth. With a root canal, you preserve your natural smile without the need for these alternatives, making it a more cost-effective and time-efficient choice.

Say Goodbye to Tooth Pain!

There’s no need to live with tooth pain or fear the solution. A root canal is a simple, effective procedure that restores not just your tooth, but also your peace of mind. At The Fort Collins Dentist, we pride ourselves on delivering advanced, pain-free dental care that puts our patients first.

Don’t wait to experience the benefits of exceptional dental care. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Lesko today and say goodbye to tooth pain for good!

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry Performs Emergency Root Canals

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Categories: Dental health, Dental Implants, Oral Health, Restorative dentistry, Root Canals

Colorado Dentist Calms Root Canal Fears.At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, we perform emergency root canals. Though this procedure strikes fear into the hearts of many individuals, they should be more afraid of not having a root canal.

What is a root canal?

When a tooth becomes badly infected or decayed, our qualified dental team can fix it.

First, we clean the inside of the tooth by removing the bacteria, soft tissue (called pulp), decayed nerve tissue, and any debris that may be causing the tooth infection from the inside of the tooth.

The dentist will then seal the tooth to prevent further cavities and finish by applying a crown or filling. This is the process and purpose of a root canal. The process can be completed, typically, in one or two visits. In many cases, a root canal procedure is a better option than removing the infected tooth since it allows the patient to keep their natural tooth.

Are all teeth at risk?

Teeth that are more prone to requiring a root canal are cracked or chipped, have received repeated dental procedures, have been damaged by trauma to the face, or are suffering from deep tooth decay. Wearing a mouth guard can help prevent damage sustained to teeth and practicing good oral hygiene habits, such as daily flossing and brushing, coupled with regular dental visits, can reduce the possibility of needing a root canal.

Though a root canal can be intimidating or scary, educating yourself and talking to your dentist can relieve much of your anxiety. Root canals are often not painful, and for many individuals, the pain of the infection experienced beforehand is worse than any pain that might be experienced during the procedure.

Because teeth with infected pulp tissue often do not produce symptoms, it is critical to have regular dental examinations. Your dentist can determine which (if any) teeth have infected roots. If the infection in the soft pulp tissue is left untreated, it can progress to a point where the tooth cannot be saved.

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

 

ArticleID 421

Rather Have A Root Canal?

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Categories: Dental health, Dental Implants, Oral Health, Root Canals

Fort Collins Endodontics and Root Canal Therapy.

Would you rather have a root canal?

Have you ever heard the phrase ‘I’d rather have a root canal’ to describe something painful or unpleasant? At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, we perform root canal (endodontic) therapy routinely for our patients, and many report minimal discomfort.

Root canal procedures have advanced significantly in recent years. For many root canal patients, the procedure is no more stressful than getting a filling.

If root canal therapy is necessary to preserve a tooth, we provide the most advanced endodontic treatment in Colorado.

How do you know if you need a root canal? You should communicate with your dental professional immediately if you experience tenderness or pain, hot or cold sensitivity, tooth discoloration, tooth injury, gum swelling, gum pain, or lymph node tenderness or drainage. However, for some endodontic patients, there are no symptoms. That is why it is vital to visit your dentist regularly for a thorough dental examination and dental cleaning.

 

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

 

ArticleID 373

There’s No Reason to Fear Your Root Canal Treatment

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Categories: General dentistry, Restorative dentistry, Root Canals

Root canal treatment at The Fort Collins Dentist, Fort Collins, COOne of the most dreaded dental procedures is a root canal. Many people avoid seeking dental care because of their fear of this treatment. However, avoiding a root canal can lead to more severe dental issues that can result in tooth loss. As a dental professional at The Fort Collins Dentist, I understand your apprehension but I want to reassure you that there is no reason to fear a root canal. In this blog, I will discuss what a root canal entails, what to expect during the procedure, and how effective and safe the treatment is.

What is a root canal treatment?
A root canal treatment is a procedure that is used to repair and save a tooth that is infected or badly decayed. The process involves the removal of the damaged pulp inside a tooth. The pulp of the tooth is a soft tissue containing blood vessels and nerves that run from the tooth’s roots to the crown. When the pulp gets infected or inflamed, it can cause severe pain, swelling, and sensitivity. During the procedure, your dentist will remove the diseased pulp, clean and disinfect the canal, and fill and seal it to prevent further infection.

What to expect during the procedure:
Your dentist will start by numbing the area around the affected tooth with local anesthesia. After the anesthesia has taken effect, a rubber dam will be placed over the tooth to keep it dry during the procedure. Your dentist will then drill an access hole into the tooth to remove the pulp and clean the root canal. When the canal is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, a filling material will be placed into the canal and sealed. In most cases, a crown will be placed over the tooth to protect and strengthen it.

Is root canal treatment safe?
Many people still believe that root canal treatment is dangerous, but the truth is that it is a safe, routine dental procedure. With advances in modern dentistry and anesthesia, the procedure is relatively painless and has a high success rate of more than 95 percent. By saving your natural tooth, you can avoid more costly and complex dental procedures in the future, such as implants or bridges.

Is root canal treatment effective?
Root canal treatment is highly effective at saving damaged teeth and preventing the need for extraction. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, a treated tooth can last for a lifetime. However, in some cases, the tooth may have to be retreated if the infection returns or the initial treatment wasn’t successful. Your dentist will monitor you after the treatment to ensure that your tooth is healing correctly.

Root canal treatment is a safe and effective dental procedure that can save your natural teeth and prevent the need for more invasive treatments. If you are experiencing pain or sensitivity in your teeth, don’t ignore it. Early detection and treatment can prevent further damage and save your teeth. As a dental professional, I encourage you to seek dental care and discuss any concerns you may have with your dentist. Remember, there is no reason to fear a root canal.

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

Why a Root Canal Is Not Something To Fear

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Categories: Dental Implants, General dentistry, Root Canals

root canal sedation Fort Collins

Today’s The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry post addresses one of the most feared dental procedures: the infamous root canal.

If you are told that you need a root canal, don’t panic. Your dentist recommends this procedure when it is better for your tooth than the alternatives.

A successful root canal (or endodontic treatment in dental-speak) can save a tooth and prevent the need for an extraction followed by a dental bridge, dental implant, or gap in your smile.

If, after a thorough evaluation, we determine that a tooth needs a root canal, doctor Lesko will explain the procedure and costs that are involved.

Root canals are completed to save an infected tooth. If not treated, abscesses and complete tooth loss may occur.

During the procedure, Lesko will remove the nerve and pulp, and then clean and disinfect the interior of your tooth (the canal). The next step is filling and sealing the cleaned area with a special rubbery material, and then protecting the restored tooth with a crown or filling.

Root canals have the reputation of being painful, but this is not the case anymore. There are several effective pain management methods available today at The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry. We will make sure you are comfortable during the procedure. Once the infected tissue is removed, we will focus on helping the area heal.

If you are unfamiliar with our services at The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, be sure to visit our website at https://www.thefortcollins.dentist/ to get more specifics.

 

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

ArticleID 7119

Tooth Sensitivity Causes and Effective Treatment Options

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Categories: Oral Health, Root Canals

More than 3 million Americans suffer from tooth sensitivity. While some are sensitive to cold, many are equally sensitive to sweets and may even cringe at the thought of sugary foods and drinks. As it turns out, you can treat your tooth sensitivity. Your success at this will, however, depend on how you’re able to identify and tackle the cause.

While this blog will provide some useful information, your dentist is still the first person you should talk to about how to treat your tooth sensitivity.

Tooth Sensitivity Causes

Your tooth sensitivity may come and go. Or it could be constant.

It’s often caused by the exposure of the dentin on the root areas of your teeth. This, in turn, is usually caused by gum recession, gum disease or erosion of the enamel or top layer of your tooth.

While the crown of the tooth is adequately protected by enamel, the root is not. Rather, it is covered by cementum. When this cementum erodes, the nerves underneath are exposed. This is why people react sensitively to cold, hot or sweet substances.

Common tooth sensitivity causes include:

  • Teeth grinding
  • Aggressive or overzealous brushing
  • Abrasive toothpaste
  • Bulimia
  • Excess acidity of the diet
  • Acid reflux disease
  • Dry mouth
  • Excess whitening of the teeth

Tooth Sensitivity Treatment

To start with, talk to your dentist about your tooth pain or sensitivity to cold, hot, sweet or acidic substances.

Rule out or treat underlying cases of cavities or tooth decay. Your dentist will let you know whether you’ll need an ADA-approved desensitizing toothpaste, fluoride gel, gum graft, filling or root canal depending on the cause and severity of your sensitivity.

Getting completely over your tooth sensitivity causes may also require changes to your diet as well as maintaining adequate oral hygiene.

Those who have experienced it know how frustrating tooth sensitivity can be. As frustrating as it can be, booking an appointment with your dentist is the first step to overcoming it quickly and easily.

For more information on tooth sensitivity causes and treatment options available to you, schedule a visit or contact us today at 970-812-0355.

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

Epigenetics Could Someday Restore Tooth Roots

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Categories: Dental Implants, Oral Health, Root Canals

Imagine someday being able to eliminate missing teeth by restoring the roots of decayed teeth. If researchers at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California have their way, that could be possible. That’s because researchers have found a formula that could regenerate those roots, using a process called epigenetic regulation.

Epigenetics is defined as the study of alterations to organisms via modification of gene expression, and epigenetics may be the key to controlling the pattern and formation of tooth rot.

Researchers discovered that tooth rot patterns are controlled by proteins called Arid1a and Ezh2. When these two proteins are in balance, and in certain configurations of tooth roots are in just the right place with the jawbone, a tooth rot pattern can be established.

Dr. Allison Lesko is a Fort Collins-based dentist. She says this type of breakthrough could make a huge difference in how we treat rotten teeth.

“Right now, if a tooth is badly decayed, there’s a chance it may need to be pulled,” Lesko says. “With this discovery, they may someday be able to restore tooth roots, which means even if a tooth is pulled we may not need to rely on dentures or dental implants to replace it.”

That’s because with regenerated roots, the researchers at USC believe they can create enough of a replacement tooth to at least cover it with a crown.

“A crown over an existing tooth is a much better option than a dental implant,” says Lesko. “While dental implants are really the Cadillac of dental prosthetics, there is always a chance of something called implant failure.”

Implant failure occurs when the screw used to anchor a dental implant to the jaw fails to implant itself into the jawbone. This can happen due to bone loss or deterioration, which can occur when too much time passes between the loss of the tooth and the attempted implantation.

“With regenerated tooth roots and a bit of naturally regrown tooth, the risk of implant failure would be obsolete,” Lesko says.

Another benefit to the study that was noted by its authors? The discovery could someday treat cancer, too.

According to the researchers at USC, some cancers can be affected by epigenetic regulators; when these regulators are out of balance, cancer can develop. The key to treating these cancers is to find a way to balance the epigenetics and stop the cancer in its tracks.

“I’m sure we’ll be hearing more about epigenetics in the near future,” says Lesko. “There are some exciting breakthroughs already, and they’re still just scratching the surface.”

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

Root Canals Not as Painful as Perceived

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Categories: Root Canals

Who’s afraid of a big, bad root canal? Apparently, a lot of people – but that fear may be unfounded. A new study by the University of Adelaide in Australia found that among 1,096 randomly selected patients who underwent a root canal, the pain of the procedure was ranked no worse than any other procedure performed at the dentist’s office. This may come as a surprise to some, as root canals have earned a reputation as being the very worst type of dental procedure one can endure.

During a root canal, a tiny hole is drilled into the affected tooth, and the pulp and nerves of the tooth are cleaned out and then replaced with a synthetic material called gutta percha. A root canal allows the patient to keep the outer structure of their natural tooth without needing a crown or extraction.

Dr. Allison Lesko of Fort Collins, Colorado, says that many of her patients are surprised to discover that root canals really aren’t as painful as they’d first believed.

“It always comes as a shock to patients that they feel surprisingly comfortable during a root canal,” she says, “and that they actually feel pretty good afterward.”

The latter makes sense too, as generally speaking most people who end up needing a root canal procedure are experiencing some degree of tooth pain in the first place.

“The procedure comes as a relief to the pain that the patient was experiencing before the root canal procedure, because the dentist has cleaned out the infection,” she says.

With over 22 million root canal procedures performed each year here in the United States, Lesko is surprised the procedure doesn’t have a better reputation, but she is hopeful that the University of Adelaide study will help change some perceptions.

“We need to destigmatize many of these procedures, so patients aren’t so afraid to take control of their oral health,” she says.

With an estimated 75 percent of all adults experiencing some degree of odontophobia (fear of the dentist), it is especially crucial to change opinions about dentistry.

“The more afraid people are to visit the dentist, the less likely they are to go to the dentist, which can make any problems with their teeth get worse,” Lesko says. “Pretty soon what was just a cavity turns into a crown or a root canal, all because the patient was afraid of a filling.”

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

What Does that Dental Professional Do?

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Categories: Oral Health, Root Canals

When it comes to oral health professionals, there are a lot of different types of specialists out there. For the average patient, it can be confusing to figure out what type of oral care professional they actually need. For those who are confused about what these dental specialists do, here’s a closer look into the world of oral health professionals!

Orthodontist

An orthodontist is probably the most easily recognized type of dental professional besides a dentist. Orthodontists are dentists who receive additional training to learn how to straighten the teeth and correct the bite using orthodontic devices, such as braces, expanders and retainers. Many dentists offer orthodontic services, but most orthodontists do not offer dental cleanings and exams.

Endodontist

An endodontist is a dental professional most people really don’t want to have to see. The endodontist specializes in what is considered one of the scariest dental procedures: the root canal. Thankfully, a root canal sounds a lot scarier than it really is; in fact, it’s not scary at all, especially at the hands of a skilled dentist or endodontist. Endodontists are truly experts in root canals, receiving years of additional training just on that one procedure.

Periodontist

A periodontist specializes in the care and treatment of the gums. If you are diagnosed by your dentist with periodontal disease or another gum infection, you may be referred to a periodontist for further treatment. A periodontist may also treat gum recession and perform gum-grafting surgical procedures.

Prosthodontist

A prosthodontist specializes in treating dental and facial problems that result from missing teeth. Prosthodontists receive an additional three years of dental training beyond dental school. Prosthodontists specialize in dental implants, dentures, crowns, bridges and any other prosthetic teeth that help restore the shape of the face and the function of the teeth and mouth.

Maxillofacial Surgeon

A maxillofacial surgeon works with the soft tissues of the face and jaw, including the gums, lips, cheeks and other surrounding muscle and tissue. Maxillofacial surgeons can perform a variety of dental surgeries, including tooth extraction and cleft palate procedures. Here’s an interesting fact: Maxillofacial surgeons are the only medical professionals who can provide every possible level of sedation besides actual anesthesiologists!

Dentists

Dentists provide cleanings, dental exams and even minor surgical procedures. Hopefully your dentist is the only dental professional you will ever need, but if you’re concerned about any dental issues, your dentist is a great first stop to have it checked out. If your dentist can’t cover it, she will refer you to a qualified specialist who can.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lesko for a cleaning or for any other concerns you may have, please call 970-221-5115.

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

Just How Scary Are Root Canals?

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Categories: Root Canals

If the words “root canal” send shivers down your spine, you’ll be happy to know you really have nothing to fear. In the past 10 years, dental technology has evolved so much that root canals are nothing like they were in the past. All the horror stories your grandparents may have told you simply don’t apply anymore, thanks to medical advances in tools, technology and procedures.

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