Medically Reviewed by Dr. Golnaz Samimifar, DMD on July 31, 2026
A root canal is a routine dental procedure that removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside a tooth, then cleans, disinfects, and seals it so the tooth can stay in your mouth instead of being extracted. Modern root canal treatment, according to the American Association of Endodontists, is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling, thanks to modern anesthesia and technique.
At Sopris Smiles, our dentist in Englewood, CO, recommends root canal therapy whenever it gives you the best shot at keeping your natural tooth rather than moving straight to an extraction. Below, we walk through what the procedure involves, when it becomes necessary, and what recovery typically looks like.
Root canal therapy, often simply called a “root canal,” is a dental procedure designed to save a tooth that is severely infected or damaged. During treatment, your dentist removes the infected pulp, the soft inner tissue of your tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels, then cleans and disinfects the empty canal before sealing it. In most cases, the tooth is finished with a crown to restore its strength and shape.
A root canal becomes necessary when a tooth’s pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, a crack that reaches the inner tooth, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, or trauma from an injury. Warning signs include lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when chewing, a darkening tooth, or swelling in the nearby gum. Left untreated, the infection can spread, cause an abscess, or lead to the loss of the tooth entirely. That is where your Englewood, CO, dentist steps in to save the tooth, and often your smile, before it gets to that point.
So, what happens during a root canal? The process is more straightforward than most people expect, and it is normally completed in one to two visits.
Numb the Area
Local anesthesia keeps the tooth and surrounding gum comfortable throughout.
Access and Remove Pulp
A small opening is made in the tooth to reach and remove the infected or inflamed pulp.
Clean and Disinfect
The canal is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to clear out remaining bacteria.
Seal and Restore
The canal is sealed, and the tooth is typically finished with a crown to restore its strength.
After your root canal, some mild soreness or sensitivity is normal for a few days, but your dentist will give you guidance on managing it, typically with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Avoid chewing on the treated side until any crown or permanent filling is in place. You will want to maintain good oral hygiene going forward to keep your newly treated tooth healthy and strong for years to come.
Root canal-treated teeth have one of the higher long-term success rates in dentistry when paired with a well-fitted crown. According to Cleveland Clinic, root canal treatment succeeds in the large majority of cases over a 10-year follow-up period, allowing most patients to keep their natural tooth for years, and often decades, after treatment.
Root canal therapy is a common, well-established dental procedure that your dentist may recommend to save a damaged or infected tooth rather than remove it. It is a safe and effective way to preserve your natural smile and avoid the additional cost and complexity of a dental implant or bridge down the road.
If you ever find yourself in need of a root canal, or have questions about a lingering toothache, do not hesitate to reach out to your friendly neighborhood dentist at Sopris Smiles. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and keep a small problem from becoming a bigger one.
Modern root canal therapy is performed under local anesthesia and is designed to relieve pain caused by an infected tooth, not create it. Most patients describe the experience as similar to getting a filling, with any soreness afterward manageable with an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Many root canals are completed in a single visit, though more complex cases, or teeth with multiple canals, may take two visits. Your dentist will let you know what to expect based on the specific tooth and the extent of the infection.
Removing the tooth eliminates the infection, but it also leaves a gap that can allow neighboring teeth to shift and may need to be replaced with a bridge or implant later. Saving the natural tooth with a root canal is usually the simpler, more cost-effective option when the tooth can be saved.
It can, though it is uncommon. If new decay, a cracked filling, or a new infection develops in a previously treated tooth, a retreatment or a follow-up procedure can often still save it.
A root canal-treated tooth, especially one restored with a crown, can last for many years, often decades, with normal brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits.
About the Author
Sopris Smiles, Englewood, CO
Dr. Golnaz Samimifar leads patient care at Sopris Smiles, where she takes a collaborative, whole-person approach to every treatment plan. She uses technology such as Cone Beam CT imaging, CEREC same-day crowns, and Solea laser dentistry to keep visits comfortable and efficient.
