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.

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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) 417-1644 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

Dr. Kwiatkowski

Dr. Adam Kwiatkowski is a highly skilled cosmetic and implant dentist, driven by a passion for excellence. He began his journey at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, where he earned several accolades, including the International Congress of Oral Implantologists’ Pre-doctoral Student Achievement Award. His education continued with UIC’s Advanced Predoctoral Implant Program, and he was inducted into the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society.

Dr. Hojun Song

Dr. Song enjoys all aspects of general dentistry, with a special focus on preventive care and patient education. He believes that helping patients understand their oral health is one of the most important parts of building long-term trust and confidence. Before joining the Peakview Dentistry team, Dr. Song served as a Managing Clinical Director at Aspen Dental in Maine. He gained valuable experience in both patient care and clinical leadership.

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Google Reviews

Patient-centered dental care that exceeds expectations

Connor Emerson

Rated 5 out of 5
September 22, 2026
Everyone on the team is INCREDIBLE! They have been so patient with me especially those times I have not been the easiest patient to deal with. They would just take it on the chin and do whatever the my could to put me at ease. My teeth look AMAZING and I’m super excited for the final results. Dr. K is amazing at what he does and anytime I felt something was off with my bite or whatever it may be they fit me in right away. I really appreciate everyone who works here and am so grateful that I found them.

Steve DeHerrera

Rated 5 out of 5
September 21, 2026
Great, I always have a good experience

Cassi Doyle

Rated 5 out of 5
September 14, 2026
Professional, caring and great listener.

Martisa Fletcher

Rated 5 out of 5
September 11, 2026
The staff and doctor was very polite and friendly. I would definitely recommend PeakView Dentistry..

Sue Boehm

Rated 5 out of 5
September 10, 2026
I highly recommend Peakview Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry! I had a great experience at Peakview Dentistry! Both Amy and Dr. Kwiatkowski were so nice and thorough today. I already scheduled my next appointment! If you need any dentistry work especially implants, this is the place to go!

Marc Wishner

Rated 5 out of 5
September 3, 2026
Very skilled and caring treatment, I love my new teeth !!@ thank you Dr. K

Cindy Davis

Rated 5 out of 5
September 2, 2026
Always a great experience

Scott Rasco

Rated 5 out of 5
August 31, 2026
Great experience all around!! Emma was very knowledgeable and helpful with all the questions I had!!

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.

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