What Is a Root Canal?
Root canal therapy is one of the most common—and most misunderstood—dental procedures. Millions of root canals are performed every year to relieve pain and save natural teeth. And when done right, they work exceptionally well.
At Endodontics of Denver, we specialize in this treatment. It's what we do all day, every day—and we do it with surgical precision, advanced technology, and a patient-first mindset.
What Happens After?
Once the root canal is complete, we’ll send a detailed report to your restorative dentist. They’ll schedule you for a follow-up appointment to place a final restoration—usually a crown—to protect your tooth long term.
With proper care, a root canal-treated tooth can last as long as your natural teeth.
What Does It Cost?
Costs vary depending on:
Which tooth is affected (molars are more complex)
The severity of infection or damage
A root canal is usually far less expensive than removing a tooth and replacing it with an implant or bridge. Plus, you keep your natural tooth—and nothing beats that.
Common Symptoms That May Require a Root Canal:
Persistent tooth pain or sensitivity to hot and cold
Swelling of the gums or face
Discoloration of the tooth
Pain when biting or chewing
Injury or trauma to a tooth
If you’re experiencing any of these, don’t wait. The sooner we treat it, the better the outcome.
Questions?
We’ve got answers—and the tools, technology, and training to get you out of pain and back to life. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
So What Is a Root Canal?
Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp. It contains nerves and blood vessels that once helped the tooth grow. When that pulp gets infected—whether from decay, trauma, cracks, or repeated dental work—it can lead to serious pain, swelling, and infection.
A root canal is a procedure where that infected pulp is carefully removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned, disinfected, and sealed—preventing the need for extraction, implants, or bridges.
How Does It Work?
Local anesthesia is used to ensure that the procedure is pain free.
The infected pulp is removed through a small opening in the tooth.
We use surgical microscopes, ultrasonic tools, and advanced imaging to clean deep into even the tiniest canals.
The tooth is sealed and protected—often in just one or two visits.
Success rates are high—about 95%—especially when performed by a specialist like Dr. Darin Lee.