Root canal in Grand Junction, CO
Save your natural tooth and stop the pain
A root canal removes the infected tissue inside your tooth and seals it. The infection causes the pain, and the root canal removes it. Dr. David Jacobson treats root canals in Grand Junction, and we keep appointments open for same-day emergencies.
Written by Jacobson Family Dental. Medically reviewed by Dr. David Jacobson, DDS, Dentist and Owner. Last updated October, 2026.
What is a root canal?
Every tooth has soft tissue inside called the pulp. When a deep cavity, a crack or an injury lets bacteria reach the pulp, it gets infected. A root canal cleans out the infected pulp, disinfects the inside of the tooth and seals it.
The tooth stays in your mouth. A crown on top protects it, and you keep chewing with your own tooth.
Signs you need a root canal
Call us if you notice any of these:
- A toothache that throbs or wakes you at night
- Pain when you chew or press on the tooth
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold after the drink is gone
- Swelling or a tender bump on your gums
- A tooth that has turned darker than the teeth next to it
Sometimes the pain stops, and that doesn’t mean the infection healed. Read more in Can a toothache go away on its own? and How do I know if I need a root canal?
Severe pain or swelling? Visit our emergency care page or call us now.
Who is a candidate for a root canal?
You may need one if x-rays show infection or damage inside the tooth and we can still save the tooth. Dr. Jacobson examines the tooth, takes x-rays and checks how much healthy tooth remains. If we can’t save the tooth, he’ll explain your options for replacing it.
Root canal vs. extraction
Both options end the infection. They lead to different results afterward.
Root canal
- You keep your natural tooth.
- Your bite and chewing stay the same.
- The neighboring teeth stay where they are.
- You need a crown after the root canal.
Extraction
- The tooth is gone, so you chew with a gap.
- Nearby teeth can shift over time.
- You usually want to replace the tooth with an implant, a bridge or a denture.
- Replacing the tooth adds more steps.
Dr. Jacobson helps you pick the right choice for your tooth and your budget.
Why we try to save your natural tooth
Your natural tooth anchors your bite, keeps its neighbors in place and holds the bone around it. A root canal lets you keep all of that.
Waiting makes the infection harder to treat. It can spread past the tooth into the bone and the soft tissue of your face. That’s why we see root canal patients quickly.
What happens during a root canal
- Exam and x-rays. We find the infected tooth and check the bone around it.
- Numbing. We numb the area so you stay comfortable during treatment.
- Cleaning. Dr. Jacobson opens the tooth, removes the infected pulp and cleans the canals.
- Sealing. He fills and seals the canals to keep bacteria out.
- Protecting. The tooth gets a temporary filling, then a permanent crown.
Nervous about treatment? Tell our team. We’ll go at your pace. See how we help with dental anxiety.
Recovery after a root canal
Day 1
Your mouth stays numb for a few hours. Don’t chew on that side until the numbness wears off. Mild soreness is common, and an over-the-counter pain reliever usually handles it.
Week 1
Soreness fades over the first few days. Brush and floss as usual, and chew on the other side while the tooth settles. Call us if you have a fever, swelling that spreads, or pain that gets worse after day 3. Avoid chewing hard food on the tooth until the crown is on.
Crown visit
Your tooth needs a permanent crown to stay strong. Schedule the crown visit after the root canal, and don’t skip it. A tooth without a crown can crack.
What a root canal costs
The cost depends on which tooth needs treatment and how complex it is. We’ll give you an estimate before we start.
- With dental insurance: We’re in-network with many carriers, including Delta Dental and Medicare Advantage. We check your benefits and submit your claim, including out-of-network claims.
- Without insurance: Our in-house dental plans give you 15% off additional treatment, plus unlimited emergency visits and x-rays. Adult plans cost $550 a year and child plans cost $475 a year.
Plans can’t combine with insurance. Call us and we’ll walk through both options.
Why Grand Junction patients choose Jacobson Family Dental
- Dr. Jacobson has treated Grand Junction patients since 2004.
- He earned his DDS at Marquette University.
- We always leave appointments open for same-day emergency care.
- Dr. Jacobson plans your crown with you, so you know the full treatment before it starts.
- We see adults and children, and we offer in-house plans if you don’t have insurance.
Root canal FAQs
Does a root canal hurt?
We numb the area first, so most patients feel pressure instead of pain. The infection hurts more than the treatment does. Soreness after the visit is mild and usually fades within a few days.
How long does a root canal take?
Dr. Jacobson tells you how many visits your tooth needs after your exam and x-rays. Back teeth often take more visits than front teeth.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Usually, yes. A crown protects the treated tooth from cracking, especially a back tooth that does the heavy chewing.
Is a root canal better than pulling the tooth?
Saving your natural tooth keeps your bite and your bone in place. If we can’t save the tooth, Dr. Jacobson will explain the best way to replace it.
Can a root canal wait?
Don’t wait. Infection can spread to the bone and your face. Pain that fades doesn’t mean the problem is gone.
Does insurance cover a root canal?
Many plans cover part of the cost. We’re in-network with many carriers, and we check your benefits before treatment.
What if I don’t have insurance?
Our in-house dental plans give you 15% off additional treatment. Call us and we’ll explain how they work.
Can I get a same-day root canal appointment?
If you’re in pain, call (970) 257-7474. We always leave appointments open for same-day emergency care.
Questions to ask at your visit
- Can you save my tooth?
- How many visits will I need?
- What will my insurance cover?
- When should I schedule my crown?
Ask us anything. We want you to feel sure about your plan before we start.
Tooth pain? Call us today
Call (970) 257-7474 or book online.
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“I’ve never had such a good dentist’s office, and my teeth look and feel great! They go above and beyond, making sure you’re taken care of!”
— Tami D.
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Our Office
We proudly provide family dental care for patients in Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, and surrounding Colorado communities. Our goal is to make high-quality dental care accessible, comfortable, and convenient for local families.
M-W: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Alternating Th-F: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Weekends: Closed
