Root canals
The root canal, minus the two-hour drive.
Most dentists in Laramie send root canals to Cheyenne or Fort Collins. Dr. Walgren does them right here. If you're hurting, we can often get you in the same day.
How do I know if I need one?
Every tooth has a nerve inside. A deep cavity, a crack, or a hard knock can damage it, and once that happens the tooth lets you know. The usual signs:
- Hot or cold sensitivity that lingers after the drink is gone
- Pain when you bite down or press on the tooth
- An ache that keeps you up at night
Left alone, a tooth like that usually ends up pulled. A root canal clears out the damaged nerve so you keep the tooth. If any of this sounds familiar, call. Don't wait it out.
What actually happens
The pain before a root canal comes from the infection inside the tooth. The procedure removes it, which is why most patients feel better, not worse, when it's done.
We numb the tooth thoroughly and isolate it with a small rubber shield to keep it clean. Dr. Walgren removes the damaged nerve tissue, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and seals it so infection can't come back. Sometimes we'll start you on antibiotics first to calm an active infection.
About nine in ten treated teeth stay healthy and functional for the long haul. Afterward, the tooth usually gets a crown to protect it. We'll walk you through that when we get there.
In pain right now?
Toothaches don't keep office hours.
We hold room in the schedule for dental emergencies and can often see you the same day you call. Evenings and weekends, the same number reaches us.