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Dental decay and other sources of tooth pain are highly preventable. However, once they have taken hold, many oral conditions do not go away on their own. They require prompt treatment. These ailments worsen if left untreated. They can even threaten the health of your teeth. Some oral problems, like infections, can spread to other body parts. Alpine Family Dental may treat infections with root canal therapy to benefit your oral and overall health. Our team in Kalispell, Montana, provides answers to common questions about root canal therapy to help you better understand this tooth-saving treatment.
This is the biggest misconception about treatment. Root canal therapy is frequently associated with pain because it treats or resolves painful conditions. Root canal therapy (RCT) often treats deep decay or trauma that is accompanied by intense and persistent pain and swelling. The truth about RCT is that it provides lasting relief from such distressing symptoms by resolving or removing the source of that pain. Also, our use of modern techniques, anesthetic, and other technologies helps to support the most gentle and precise root canal treatment.
Consider RCT a “deep cleaning” for the infected or inflamed tissues inside your tooth. These pulp tissues include the nerves, responsible for the pain sensation. When our team expertly removes these nerves, you can no longer feel the sensation of pain. You will finally get relief from the ache that may have kept you up at night, making it difficult to concentrate at work or eat without discomfort. You can get back to your life. Once the treatment site has been cleaned and sanitized, it is sealed off to encourage healing. In addition to your comfort, we also offer convenient CEREC same-day crowns. We promptly restore the treated tooth with a beautiful and strong ceramic crown during the same visit as your root canal treatment. This process also helps ensure your treatment is successful because the crown is placed quickly to strengthen the vulnerable tooth.
A persistent, throbbing toothache indicates conditions requiring prompt treatment, such as an infection. You may also notice that your gums are tender and swollen. Ignoring an infection will only worsen the situation. It can spread. Rarely does the infection travel to the heart or brain. These complications are serious medical emergencies that require a visit to the ER. When it comes to problems with your teeth, it is best not to take chances. Your oral and overall health are interconnected and interdependent. Practically, preserving a damaged tooth with root canal therapy helps you maintain your natural teeth and save money. Gaps in your smile are avoided, as is costly tooth replacement with bridges, implants, and dentures.
If you have noticed any concerning changes or are overdue for a check-up, contact Alpine Family Dental today. Our team in Kalispell, MT, can be reached at (406) 393-8877. With prompt attention, little more than changes to your brushing and flossing routine may be needed to resolve sensitivity or other concerns. Or, we may be able to preserve a tooth before it is “too far gone” and has to be extracted or removed. We keep your smile intact and healthy and accomplish this in a way that honors small-town values, creature comforts, and the latest science and advanced technologies.
Dr. Evan Olson, D. ABDSM, followed in his father’s footsteps and became a dentist. He completed his degree in Cell Biology and Neuroscience at Montana State University in Bozeman and then attended The University of Iowa College of Dentistry. Dr. Olson then practiced in a Community Health setting for five years treating all types of dental emergencies. He then ran a private practice in Central Oregon for seven years before moving back to Montana to take over Alpine Family Dental.
Dr. Olson was recently named a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, which signifies extensive training and knowledge in treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea and snoring. He is a Fellow of The Implant Pathway Surgical Program, a Member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Academy of General Dentistry, and a Mentor for the CEREC Doctors training program. He has completed significant continuing education in many areas of dentistry including with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine Mastery Program, training on dental implants at Implant Pathway, Misch Institute, and Pikos Institute, an internship on root canals at the University of Iowa, cosmetic dentistry courses at CDOCS and Spear Education, and further studies on infant frenectomy and CAD/CAM techniques.
Dr. Autumn Chapman received her degree in physiology from the University of Wyoming and her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. She worked alongside her grandfather, Dr. Gerald Olson, in Havre, MT, before moving to Flathead Valley. Dr Chapman has been able to focus on education and training in facial esthetics and cosmetic dentistry. She has Training in orthodontics using suresmile clear aligners with CDOCs in Scottsdale and Training in Botox and filler with the american academy of facial esthetics.
Dr. Greg Eller obtained his degree in Aeronautical Maintenance and spent six years as a Skydiving Instructor. He then attended the University of Oregon where he graduated Summa Cum Laude in Pre-Medicine and the Oregon Health Sciences University Dental School. He is a member of the American Dental Association and Montana Dental Association and has IV moderate sedation training. After 14 years at Alpine Family Dental, Dr. Eller has now transitioned out of full-time practice.