Tooth pain can be a warning sign that something deeper is wrong. If you have a severe toothache, pain when chewing, swelling, sensitivity to hot or cold, or a bad taste in your mouth, root canal therapy may help relieve discomfort and save your natural tooth.
At Engelhardt & Nelson Family Dentistry, Dr. Geoff Engelhardt and Dr. Raechel Nelson provide root canal therapy in Fort Collins, Colorado for infected or badly damaged teeth. When possible, our goal is to stop the infection, ease your pain and help you avoid a tooth extraction.
Do not wait on tooth pain. Call 970-484-4890 so our team can help you schedule a visit.
When Is Root Canal Therapy Needed?
Root canal therapy may be necessary when bacteria reach the soft tissue inside your tooth, which is called the pulp. This can happen when a tooth has deep decay, a crack, a fracture, repeated dental work or untreated damage.
When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed, it can cause significant discomfort. If the infection is not treated, it may spread, cause an abscess or eventually make it necessary to remove the tooth.
Root canal therapy is designed to clean the infection from inside the tooth and protect the remaining tooth structure. In many cases, this treatment can help preserve your natural tooth and restore comfortable function.
Signs You May Have an Infected Tooth
An infected tooth does not always look obvious from the outside. Some patients experience strong symptoms, while others notice only mild discomfort at first.
Common signs that you may need root canal treatment include:
- Severe or persistent toothache
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- Jaw pain or pressure
- Swollen, red or tender gums
- A pimple-like bump on the gums
- A bad taste in the mouth
- Bad breath related to infection
- Swollen neck glands
- Fever or general discomfort
If you are experiencing swelling, severe pain or symptoms that feel urgent, call 970-484-4890 as soon as possible. You may also want to review our emergency dental care page for urgent dental situations.
How Root Canal Therapy Can Save a Tooth
Root canal therapy is often the best way to treat an infected tooth while avoiding tooth extraction. During treatment, Dr. Geoff Engelhardt or Dr. Raechel Nelson will access the inside of the tooth, remove the infected pulp, clean the canal system and seal the tooth.
After the infection is removed, the tooth often needs a restoration to help protect it. In many cases, a dental crown is recommended to restore strength, protect the tooth from future damage and allow you to chew more comfortably.
Does Root Canal Therapy Hurt?
Many patients worry that a root canal will be painful, but the treatment is intended to relieve pain caused by infection. Our team will focus on keeping you as comfortable as possible throughout your visit.
The discomfort patients associate with root canal therapy usually comes from the infected tooth, not the treatment itself. Once the infection is cleaned out and the tooth is restored, many patients experience significant relief.
Root Canal Therapy and Restorative Dentistry
Root canal treatment is part of a broader approach to restorative dentistry. The goal is not only to stop infection, but also to help your tooth function comfortably again.
Depending on the condition of your tooth, Dr. Geoff Engelhardt or Dr. Raechel Nelson may recommend a crown or another restoration after root canal therapy. If the tooth cannot be saved, our team will explain your replacement options, such as dental bridges or dental implants.
Why Choose Engelhardt & Nelson Family Dentistry for Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy requires careful diagnosis, precise treatment and a plan for protecting the tooth after infection is removed. Our team takes a conservative approach whenever possible, focusing on saving natural teeth and supporting long-term oral health.
With advanced general dentistry training and experience treating a wide range of restorative needs, Dr. Geoff Engelhardt and Dr. Raechel Nelson will help you understand your options and choose the next step with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Therapy
What is root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy is a treatment used to remove infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth. The tooth is cleaned, sealed and often restored with a crown to help protect it.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
You may need a root canal if you have severe tooth pain, lingering sensitivity, swelling, pain when chewing or signs of infection. Dr. Geoff Engelhardt or Dr. Raechel Nelson can examine your tooth and determine what treatment is needed.
Can a root canal save my tooth?
Yes. Root canal therapy is often recommended because it can remove infection while allowing you to keep your natural tooth.
What happens if I do not treat an infected tooth?
An untreated tooth infection can worsen, spread to surrounding tissues, cause an abscess or lead to tooth loss. Prompt treatment can help prevent more serious complications.
Will I need a crown after a root canal?
Many teeth need a crown after root canal therapy, especially molars and teeth with significant damage. A crown helps protect the tooth and restore chewing function.
Is root canal therapy an emergency treatment?
It can be. If you have severe tooth pain, swelling or signs of infection, call 970-484-4890 so our team can help you schedule care as quickly as possible.
Schedule Root Canal Therapy in Fort Collins, Colorado
If you think you may have an infected tooth, do not wait for the pain to get worse. Engelhardt & Nelson Family Dentistry is here to help relieve discomfort, protect your oral health and save your tooth whenever possible.
Call 970-484-4890 today to schedule root canal therapy with Dr. Geoff Engelhardt or Dr. Raechel Nelson in Fort Collins, Colorado.