Our Approach

Root Canal Therapy in Centennial, CO

At Holly Dental Associates, Dr. Scholes, Dr. Nielsen, and Dr. Sidehamer focus on saving natural teeth whenever possible. A root canal removes the irritated or infected nerve tissue inside the tooth and keeps the outside structure intact – so you avoid an extraction. With modern numbing, gentle technique, and 3D scans, most patients feel relief before they leave, not weeks later.

Why Do I Need A Root Canal

From deep cavities, a cracked tooth, or pressure pain

Tooth pain or pressure often means bacteria have reached the nerve through a deep cavity, a crack, or an old injury. Infection can build inside the tiny canals of the root and the tooth may darken, ache with hot or cold, or hurt when you bite. Left untreated, pain usually worsens and the nerve can die. Treating the source early stops the infection and protects the tooth you already have.

What Treatment Looks Like

Root canal relief - then a strong dental crown

We keep you comfortable, isolate the tooth, and clean the tiny root canals to remove the source of pain. The space is disinfected and sealed, then protected until the final restoration. Most patients feel pressure relief the same day.

Comfort first: Local anesthetic; options for anxious patients.
Clean field: A small rubber dam keeps the tooth dry and sterile.
Thorough cleaning & seal: Canals disinfected and filled with a biocompatible material.
Temporary protection: A soothing medicated/temporary filling if the tooth is very inflamed.
Final restoration: Most back teeth need a custom crown; some front teeth are finished with a filling or onlay.
Aftercare: Mild soreness 24–48 hours is common; avoid hard foods on that side and call if your bite feels high.

After Your Visit

Soreness, home care, and your new crown

Mild tenderness for a day or two is normal. Use ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed and avoid chewing hard foods on that side until your final restoration is placed. Most back teeth need a crown after a root canal to prevent fractures; some front teeth can be restored with a filling or onlay. We’ll review costs and timing up front, estimate insurance benefits, and our Friends & Family Discount Plan helps if you don’t have coverage.

Modern Technology

3D CBCT Imaging on Site

Our ICAT FLX CBCT scanner creates a quick, low-dose 3D image of your teeth, roots, jawbone, and sinuses. When a 2-D X-ray isn’t enough – like with root canal planning at times – CBCT gives us the detail we need to make the right call the same day.

Do root canals hurt?

You’ll be fully numb, and most patients say the procedure feels similar to getting a filling. The goal is pain relief – pressure pain usually eases the same day.

How long does a root canal take?

About 60–90 minutes for a single-root tooth, longer for molars. If the nerve is very inflamed, we may medicate the tooth and finish sealing at a short second visit.

Will I need a crown afterward?

Usually yes for back teeth. A crown protects the weakened tooth from cracking and helps it last. Front teeth sometimes do fine with a filling or onlay – we’ll advise you.

Can you do it in one visit?

Often. If there’s significant infection or swelling, two visits give the best result and comfort.

Do I need antibiotics?

Only when there’s spreading infection (fever/facial swelling). The root canal itself treats the source; antibiotics aren’t routinely needed.

What are the alternatives to a root canal?

Extraction, followed by options like an implant or bridge. We’ll review the pros/cons and costs so you can choose what’s right for you.

How will I feel after?

Mild soreness is common for 24–48 hours. Use over-the-counter pain relievers as directed and avoid chewing hard foods on that side until your final restoration.

How much does it cost?

Fees vary by tooth and complexity. We accept most PPO plans, provide written estimates, and offer an in-house membership for patients without insurance.

Do you treat kids and anxious patients?

Yes. We’re gentle with children, and we offer comfort options for anxious adults. If a pediatric specialist is a better fit, we’ll coordinate the referral.