Root Canal Treatment in Coeur d'Alene and Sandpoint
Everyone's heard myths and stories about root canal treatment, but thankfully, none of them are true!
When you need root canal treatment in Coeur d'Alene, Sandpoint, or Ponderay, ID, you are in excellent hands at North Idaho Dental Group. Our experienced dentists are known for their gentle approach, and we offer a full range of dental sedation if you still feel you could use some extra help to relax.
Why Root Canals Are Necessary
If you have had a root canal infection, you know how painful the symptoms can be. The reason it's so painful is that bacteria have entered the soft inner core of the tooth where nerves are located and caused an infection.
The tissue in this soft core is called dental pulp. When pulp is inflamed or infected, there are only two options to treat it: perform a root canal or remove the tooth. In most cases, we will recommend root canal treatment to preserve the tooth.
Symptoms of a Root Canal Infection
We mentioned symptoms, but not every root canal infection causes persistent tooth pain, and there are several other signs to watch out for:
- Sharp pain when eating hot or cold foods
- A tooth that is discolored or dark grey in appearance
- A swollen or painful jaw
- Swollen gums
- A "pimple" or abscess on the gums
- Extreme sensitivity or pain when touching the tooth
If you experience any of these, please call us right away. It's crucial to treat an infected tooth promptly to save it from extraction and prevent the infection from affecting other parts of your body.
With our dentists' expertise and experience, we can perform nearly all root canals in-house, saving you a trip to an unfamiliar dental office for treatment.
What's Involved with Root Canal Treatment in Coeur d'Alene?
The goal of root canal treatment is to remove the infected pulp to preserve the tooth's structure. Before we begin, we numb the tooth we're treating with a very potent anesthetic to ensure you won't feel any pain and will remain comfortable throughout the procedure.
Next, our dentists comfortably and efficiently remove the pulp using leading-edge technology called rotary endodontics. This technology streamlines treatment, so you'll appreciate how efficient and comfortable the procedure is if you've had a root canal before. The design of rotary endodontics also allows our dentists to more easily access every part of the root canal to remove the infection.
After we remove the infected pulp, we disinfect the inside of the tooth, fill the space to prevent reinfection, then seal the tooth. The final step is to place a temporary filling that protects the tooth as it heals.
Healing takes about two weeks, at which time you'll return to NIDG so we can place a final filling or crown to protect the tooth.
Sedation Dentistry for Your Comfort Near Sandpoint
We are pleased to offer every level of sedation, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia at our Coeur d'Alene and Ponderay dental offices.
Our dentists administer nitrous oxide and oral sedation while a trained dental anesthesiologist visits our offices to deliver safe IV sedation and general anesthesia.
Have a Toothache and Think You Need an Emergency Root Canal?
If you are in pain or experience any other symptoms mentioned above, please call North Idaho Dental Group. Our same-day emergency dentistry will get you out of pain, stabilize your situation, and ensure you're comfortable until our next opening, when we can provide treatment.
Please call our Coeur d'Alene or Ponderay dental office, and we will provide the prompt pain relief you need. We are also pleased to serve patients in Sandpoint, ID, and all surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you hear the words "root canal," you may feel anxious or immediately think it is a painful experience, but nothing could be further from the truth! If your dentist says you need a root canal, rest assured that the process will relieve your pain for good.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal therapy is when your dentist removes an infection from the inner core of your tooth. When an infection spreads to that inner core or pulp where the nerves are located, that is when you feel pain.
At this point, your only options are a root canal or a tooth extraction. A root canal is the best way to stop your pain and save your tooth.
How Does North Idaho Dental Group Make You Comfortable?
The dental team at North Idaho Dental Group wants to ensure your comfort during the root canal procedure in Coeur d'Alene or Sandpoint. They do this by:
- Numbing your tooth with a powerful anesthetic so you won't feel any more pain.
- Using rotary endodontics technology to make your procedure go more quickly and efficiently.
- Disinfecting, filling the gap, and sealing the inside of your tooth to avoid another infection.
- Scheduling a follow-up appointment two weeks later for a permanent filling or crown.
Are You Curious About Root Canal Treatment in Coeur d'Alene?
If you would like to speak to a member of our dental team, please call one of our North Idaho Dental Group locations for more information.
Meet Our Doctors:
Dr. Ben Gates
Benjamin Gates graduated from Whitman College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Northwestern University in Chicago in 1998. ...
Dr. Paige Landers
A Coeur d'Alene native, Dr. Paige Landers earned her Bachelor's degree in Cell Biology and Neuroscience from Montana State University in 2004 and her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from ...
Dr. Miranda Weber
Dr. Chace Mickelson
As an Idaho native, Dr. Chace Mickelson graduated from Idaho State University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology. He later attended the University of Louisville School ...
Dr. Hatta Clark
Dr. Hatta Clark attended South Dakota State University College of Nursing, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and RN status, graduating in 2006. She subsequently obtained her ...
Featured Blog Posts - Root Canal Treatment
Myths vs. Facts About Root Canals
There are few more anxiety-inducing terms in dentistry than "you're going to need a root canal." Root canals' fearsome reputation results from several unfounded but often perpetuated myths.
We're here today to help root canals shed their bad rap by digging into – and debunking –the two most common of these myths!
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy involves a procedure in which a severely damaged tooth's internal ¨pulp,¨ consisting of nerves, blood vessels, and tissue, is removed. In a root canal, a dentist uses special tools to remove the ...
Root Canal Treatment Technology
Digital X-Rays
At NIDG, we use digital x-rays and digital sensors because they dramatically reduce a patient's radiation exposure—some estimates say by as much as 98 percent less than traditional x-rays.
Digital x-rays are invaluable because our dentists can detect cavities, infections, and other conditions not visible during a routine visual exam. If they find a problem, they can plan prompt treatment to resolve it and protect your oral health.
Our patients appreciate that digital x-rays are safer, and they get a clear view of what's happening with their oral health. When you see and understand your specific needs, you can feel more empowered to make confident decisions about your treatment.
Rotary Endodontics
Removing infected pulp during root canal treatment requires great skill and precision. The traditional method uses a series of steel files to methodically clean out the canals, which is effective but time-consuming and produces uncomfortable sensations for the patient.
Enter rotary endodontic technology that makes root canal treatment more efficient, meaning less time in the dental chair for the patient. Instead of files, the technology is powered by electricity and has a flexible tip that does a more thorough job of cleaning out the root canal. Rotary endodontics makes root canals more comfortable for the patient and ensures more reliable treatment outcomes.
Nitrous Oxide
If you are anxious about dental visits or want a more relaxing experience during procedures, we offer nitrous oxide. Also known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is an effective way to get the dental care you need without stress or anxiety.
Since nitrous is a gas, it is mixed with oxygen and delivered through a small, comfortable mask that fits comfortably over your nose. The slightly sweet-smelling gas provides a calming, drowsy sensation and a strong feeling of comfort and well-being as you inhale.
You will remain fully conscious, but some patients actually doze off during treatment! A trained team member monitors you, and when your procedure is finished, we turn off the nitrous and have you inhale pure oxygen for several minutes. When you’re ready to leave us, you will feel clear-headed and can safely drive yourself home.