Do I Need a Root Canal?

At PeakView Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry, patients ask, “my tooth hurts, do I need a root canal?” Toothaches can be terribly inconvenient. They make it difficult to eat, speak, or even function. As a family dentist in Boulder, CO, we realize that a common toothache is something most people can live with until it suddenly turns a corner and becomes unbearable. The key is to visit our dental office at that initial stage before you reach the point of severe discomfort. This will give you the largest amount of options for how to treat the problem.

Rectangle 636 (3) (1)

Toothache Troubles: Assessing the Need for a Root Canal Procedure

If you are wondering, “my tooth hurts, do I need a root canal?” the answer is – not necessarily. We know that your tooth could hurt for several reasons, including:
In these scenarios, we can treat the problem without needing to perform a root canal. For example, we can clean your teeth and remove any food particles causing discomfort. If you have a cavity, we can remove the decay and place a filling at our family dentist office. This is done quickly and is far less invasive than a root canal. Simultaneously, if your tooth is chipped or cracked, we can restore it using dental bonding or dental veneers. If you are dealing with erosion, you may need dental crowns to protect your teeth. We also restore teeth on a daily basis and have several ways of doing so.

Other Factors You Need to Consider

However, there are many times where a root canal is the right treatment option, so to answer the question, “my tooth hurts, do I need a root canal?” we must also look at the surrounding circumstances.
How long has your tooth been hurting?
When you visit our dental office in Boulder, CO, we need to know how long you have been dealing with this issue and whether the pain came on suddenly or if it has built up over time. This will help us in determining what the source of the discomfort is and what our treatment plan needs to be.

What level of pain are you in?

At PeakView Dentistry we regularly ask patients about their pain and whether or not it is manageable. If it is only slight discomfort, you may be able to visit our Boulder dentist practice and have tooth decay removed. In many cases, a toothache is caused by a cavity that can be treated without the need for a root canal. However, we find that intense pain can often be due to an infection severe enough to warrant a root canal.

When to Call Our Emergency Dentist Office

If you have any of these symptoms, you should call our emergency dentist office at 303-578-5800 and schedule an appointment to be seen right away.
When you visit our dental office in Boulder, CO, we need to know how long you have been dealing with this issue and whether the pain came on suddenly or if it has built up over time. This will help us in determining what the source of the discomfort is and what our treatment plan needs to be.
You are having difficulty swallowing. In this case, you need to be treated by our emergency dentist office immediately. Do not delay or take any chances with this particular symptom. It is possible to develop a dental abscess, an infection that can spread from your root canal to the floor of your mouth and even into your neck. This requires urgent care.
You cannot bite down without pain. In this case, your tooth could be infected and require a standard root canal. If so, we can perform the procedure quickly.
Your tooth is changing color. Another sign of an infection is if the tooth begins to change color. In this case, it may appear gray or dull, and performing a root canal could be necessary for restoring the health of your tooth.

The Process of Performing a Root Canal

When patients call us asking, “my tooth hurts, do I need a root canal?” the second question they normally ask is what the process will be like. At PeakView Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry, we will answer any questions you may have during your examination and consultation. We can complete a root canal in a way that is as comfortable as possible. The reality is that a root canal does not have to hurt. In fact, by using sedation, we can help you feel calm and relaxed to the point that most of our patients say they feel much better after the treatment than they did before the treatment. The root canal removes the infection, which is the cause of the initial discomfort, to relieve the pain. When looking for a “dentist near me” to perform a root canal, be sure to visit one who offers sedation.

Meet Our Doctors

Discover the passion and commitment that drives our dental team

Frame 36561 (1) (1)
Dr. Kwiatkowski

Dr. Adam Kwiatkowski, a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, has received multiple awards for his outstanding achievements in cosmetic and implant dentistry. He is a recipient of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists’ Pre-doctoral Student Achievement Award and a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society.

Group 36512 (1)
Dr. Hearne

Dr. Hearne, originally from Las Vegas, was inspired to become a dentist at the age of 12 by a close family friend who was a renowned dentist. With a foundation in customer service and excellence from his early career in the hotel industry, Dr. Hearne was further inspired to become a compassionate caregiver for his patients after the passing of his younger brother to cystic fibrosis at the age of 7.

Dr. Olsen

I was born in Ogden, Utah and always knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. After serving an LDS mission in South Africa and getting married, I studied biology at Weber State University and attended the prestigious Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska. There, I received multiple awards for clinical excellence before settling down in St. George with my family.

Smile Gallery

Witness the magic of our dental treatments

Google Reviews

Patient-centered dental care that exceeds expectations

Yvette Salas

5/5
September 27, 2024
All of the staff are so amazing and caring. I received an all on 4 denture and feel amazing. Dr K truly is the best and does outstanding work. Love this place.

WignallSignal

5/5
September 27, 2024
Great experience! I have a lot of anxiety at the dentist and that was probably the best experience I’ve ever had. From the front desk to the procedure. A + and I’ll be back!

robert zeller

5/5
September 5, 2024
So far I am way impressed and Happy!!!! The whole place treats you like family and you can tell they truly care about their patients! I haven’t had my implants put in yet , but they got me in very quikly and I can’t wait!!! I will leave another review after I have the surgery!Thank You Everyone at Peak View Dentistry! Robert Zeller

Tom medina

5/5
July 28, 2024
I would have to say over my time being at any Dentist This Is far and beyond the best service I’ve ever received from walking in and schedule an appointment with Ashley. She was so wonderful. Took her time to listen to me and show me what was best then I met Dr. K and he was beyond and far, a very nice person. He generally could tell he really cared and took the time to teach me what was best for me not what was best for him It was a great experience to get a complete implant with Very little pain there’s a lot of dentist out there might happen to be an hour and a half away and it was worth the drive. Thank you.

M S

5/5
July 18, 2024
Dr. K and team are amazing – super responsive (e.g., fixed a tooth after hours when I had a flight the next day), really good technically, with high tech/modern equipment, which makes for fast and aesthetic work. And, importantly, just a joy to interact with, and have been consistent across the ~2 years we’ve been seeing them (whole family goes to them for everything). It’d give 10 stars if I could.

Andrea Haines

5/5
June 27, 2024
The nice Dentist and his consultant were very easy to talk to and learn what the possibilities are to improve my smile. Very gentle and I am excited to improve my smile!!

Steve DeHerrera

5/5
June 26, 2024
Peakview Dentistry is a hidden gem in the heart of Boulder. Dr. Adam Kwiatowski and his staff are so professional and nice. I have been to several dentists and this one is hands down the best! I want to thank the team. Everyone in the team was wonderful! All I can add is what a wonderful experience! Great Job everyone!

Kari Stark

5/5
June 13, 2024
I had part 1 of a surgery done prior to moving to Colorado. It left me with major anxiety to have the next step done. Dr. Kwiatowski, Ashley, and… forgive me, but she knows… Cherry have made my experience so comfortable. The surgical assistants were also great and accomodated my nerves well. The clinic is clean, comfortable, and as the name implies, offers a great view. I’m so glad to have found you!!

Rooting For A Painless Future

Root canals offer many advantages, from relieving pain to preserving teeth. Learn about the benefits of root canal treatment and how it can help you keep your smile healthy.

Rooting For A Painless Future

Root canals offer many advantages, from relieving pain to preserving teeth. Learn about the benefits of root canal treatment and how it can help you keep your smile healthy.

Can Dental Implants Work for You?

Take this 15-second quiz to see if dental implants are right for you!

Can Dental Implants Work for You?

Take this 15-second quiz to see if dental implants are right for you!

Discover Your Orthodontic Options To See Which Is The Best For You

Fill out this short Smile Assessment to discover which teeth straightening option is best for you and get a custom consultation!

Discover The Best Option To Get A Beautiful White Smile

Fill out this short assessment to discover the best option to get a beautiful white smile along with a free consultation!