Root Canals in Fort Collins, CO
RootCanals
Root Canals At Harbor Dental
Often times a root canal can have a bad reputation of being a painful procedure. But with our modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients don’t feel any pain during the procedure and experience relief after the we remove the infection.Â
The root canal procedure is a simple treatment that can save your natural teeth and prevent the need for dental implants or bridges.
Dr. Murphy will remove the pulp inflammation or infection inside the tooth. Consequently, this should also remove the pain. Then he will fill and seal the space. With modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients don’t feel any pain during the procedure and experience relief after the we remove the infection.
Once the treated tooth heals, we will fit it with a crown or other restoration to make the tooth look and work like new again. Learn more about our same-day crown and tooth restoration system.
A root canal treatment is a dental procedure that involves removing the inflamed or infected pulp from the inside of the tooth. The tooth is then cleaned, disinfected, and filled to prevent further damage. This treatment is necessary when parts of your tooth become inflamed or diseased. If you feel any of the following you may need a root canal:
- Pain
- Sensitivity to heat and/or cold
- Tenderness when you touch your face in the area of the tooth or when you chew
- Discoloration of the tooth
- Swelling, drainage, and/or tenderness in the lymph nodes in your neck and in the bone and gum tissues surrounding the tooth.
- But you may not have any symptoms at all.
Root canal treatment saves millions of teeth each year. It eliminates the need for tooth extraction, allowing patients to keep their natural teeth. Moreover, root canal treatment alleviates pain, stops infection, and restores the function of the tooth.
After a root canal treatment, it’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent further issues. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups will ensure the longevity of the treated tooth and your overall oral health.
What To Expect With Root Canals
Nervous about visiting the dentist? We understand. That’s why we’ve outlined exactly what you can expect on your first visit! As well as some more helpful information about root canals.
Contact Us Today!
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or discomfort, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us today to schedule your root canal appointment. Our team at Harbor Dental Clinic is ready to assist you and answer all your questions.
Root canal FAQs
A root canal is a treatment where the infected or inflamed pulp inside a tooth is removed, the tooth is cleaned, disinfected, filled, and then sealed to save the natural tooth and prevent further damage. Harbor Dental Clinic explains that this procedure often relieves pain and helps you avoid needing a dental implant or bridge afterward. Modern techniques and anesthetics make the experience much more comfortable than many people expect.
 You may need a root canal if you experience symptoms like persistent pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, tenderness while chewing, tooth discoloration, or swelling in the gums or lymph nodes. However, Harbor Dental Clinic notes that someone might need a root canal even without obvious symptoms — checking your dental health regularly is key. Early detection and treatment help keep more of your natural tooth structure intact.
The process begins with selecting a composite resin color that closely matches your natural tooth color. Then, the surface of the tooth is roughened and a conditioning liquid applied to help the bonding material adhere. The tooth-colored, putty-like resin is then applied, molded, and smoothed to the desired shape. An ultraviolet light or laser is used to harden the material, after which it is trimmed, shaped, and polished to match the rest of the tooth surface.
The process involves numbing the area, removing the inflamed or infected pulp, cleaning and sealing the canals inside the tooth, and later restoring the tooth (often with a crown) so it looks and works like new. Harbor Dental Clinic emphasizes that with modern anesthesia and techniques, most patients feel minimal pain during the procedure and often experience relief afterward. The final restoration step ensures the treated tooth returns to full function.
 After treatment, it’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene — brushing, flossing, and keeping up with regular dental check-ups — to ensure the longevity of the treated tooth. Harbor Dental Clinic recommends also monitoring the tooth for changes, like sensitivity or bite discomfort, and to address issues early. With proper care, the saved tooth can function strong and healthy for many years.
A root canal allows you to preserve your natural tooth, maintain normal chewing and biting forces, prevent shifting of surrounding teeth, and avoid bone loss that often follows extraction. Harbor Dental Clinic highlights that saving your tooth with a root canal is a more conservative and effective long-term approach compared to removing the tooth. Choosing to keep your natural tooth leads to better overall oral health and function.