03 April 2026
There is perhaps no phrase in the English language that strikes more fear into a dental patient than "You need a root canal." For decades, root canals have been the boogeyman of dentistry—a procedure assumed to be painful, lengthy, and traumatic. But here is the candid truth: a root canal doesn't cause pain. It ends it.
At Raines Over the Rockies Family Dentistry, we've taken the mystery out of root canal therapy by combining 3D diagnostics with advanced sedation techniques. If you are experiencing a throbbing toothache or extreme sensitivity to cold, you may have an infection in the pulp of your tooth. Our goal is to save your natural tooth, stop the infection from spreading, and get you back to your life in Lakewood or Littleton—without the pain.
The Anatomy of a Tooth Infection
Inside every tooth is a hollow center containing nerves and blood vessels. If a cavity goes untreated, or if a tooth suffers trauma, bacteria can enter this space. This leads to pulpitis—an inflammation that has nowhere to go because it's trapped inside a hard structure. The result is that intense, pulsing pressure that keeps you up at night and makes chewing unbearable.
Left untreated, the infection can spread beyond the root tip into the surrounding jawbone, creating an abscess. At that stage, what began as a treatable infection can become a medical emergency. Acting early—at the first sign of persistent pain or swelling—is always the better path.
Kavo 3D: The GPS for Root Canals
Traditional dentists use 2D X-rays to locate root canals. The problem is that roots are often curved, branched, or hidden behind other structures. This is why some root canals appear to "fail" at other offices—a tiny branch of the nerve is missed, and the infection continues.
At Raines Over the Rockies, we use our Kavo 3D imaging system to map out your tooth's internal anatomy in three dimensions before we begin. We can see exactly where every canal is located, how long it is, and where it curves. This makes the procedure faster, more predictable, and far more successful than what traditional 2D imaging allows.
The Procedure: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Root canal therapy at our Lakewood office follows a clear, patient-centered process.
We begin by ensuring you are completely numb. For patients with high anxiety, we offer sedation options—including nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation—to help you relax through the appointment. Once you are comfortable, we use specialized instruments to remove the infected tissue and disinfect the inside of the tooth. We then fill the canals with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha to prevent reinfection.
Because we have the fastmill.io™ in-office mill, we often don't need to send you home with a weak temporary restoration. In many cases, we can mill a permanent, tooth-colored crown the same day to protect the treated tooth from fracturing—giving you a complete, durable result in a single visit.
Addressing Dental Emergencies
Often, the need for a root canal arises from a dental emergency. A swollen face, a tooth too painful to touch, or sudden extreme sensitivity are all signs that warrant same-day attention. An infected tooth is not something to wait out.
Because we have iTero scanning and Kavo 3D on-site, we can diagnose the issue in minutes. In many cases, we can begin treatment the same day—stopping the spread of infection and providing immediate relief. For patients in Lakewood and Littleton, that means you don't have to spend days in pain waiting for an opening on someone else's calendar.
The Role of Sedation Dentistry
We understand that for many patients, dental fear is a significant barrier to getting care. We maintain a no-judgment environment. Whether you need a simple filling or complex root canal therapy, our sedation options make it possible for you to receive the treatment you need without the anxiety.
Our team monitors you closely throughout the procedure, and with the IsoDry system providing jaw support and continuous suction, your comfort is maintained from start to finish.
Don't let a toothache dictate your day or your week. At Raines Over the Rockies Family Dentistry, we use the latest technology to make what sounds frightening into something straightforward and manageable. Save your tooth and stop the pain—schedule your appointment today.
