Root Canal Treatment
At Whitehouse Family Dental, our experienced root canal dentists understand the anxiety people often experience when hearing the words "root canal." With modern techniques, advanced technology, and comfortable sedation methods, this tooth-saving procedure is nothing to fear. Many people don't realize that the discomfort associated with root canals comes from the infection, not the procedure itself!
How Tooth Infections Develop
Beneath your tooth's hard outer enamel and dentin layers lies a soft tissue called pulp, containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When bacteria enter this space—through deep decay, cracks, or trauma—infection develops, causing pressure, inflammation, and often intense pain.
Watch for these warning signs:
- Severe, persistent tooth pain
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Swelling or tenderness in nearby gums
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
- A pimple-like bump on the gums (dental abscess)
Why Choose Whitehouse Family Dental for Your Root Canal
Compassionate Care
Advanced Technology
Exceptional Comfort
Frequently Asked Questions
Contrary to outdated stereotypes, modern root canal treatment at Whitehouse Family Dental is not painful. The procedure itself relieves pain rather than causes it.
The Infection Hurts, Not the Treatment
When bacteria invade the tooth's pulp chamber, they create pressure and inflammation that can't escape through the hard tooth structure. This infection causes the intense throbbing pain that often brings patients to our office seeking relief.
Effective Numbing Techniques
Before beginning your root canal, expect the following steps to ensure your comfort:
- Numbing with a topical gel to prepare the injection site
- Gently administering the local anesthetic
- Allowing sufficient time for complete numbing
- Checking to confirm you're fully comfortable before beginning
Modern Technology for Comfortable Treatment
Our leading-edge equipment makes root canal treatment predictable and efficient:
- Rotary endodontic instruments work more smoothly than hand files.
- 3-D cone beam imaging allows for detailed planning and visualization of root anatomy.
- Digital radiography provides instant, detailed images with minimal radiation.
Additional Comfort Options
Thanks to our dentists' skill and expertise, many patients find they don't need additional sedation for comfortable treatment. However, if you have dental anxiety, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation methods.
If you're experiencing tooth pain, don't delay treatment out of fear. Call Whitehouse Family Dental at (419) 877-5404 to schedule an evaluation and experience our comfortable approach to dental care.
Yes, Whitehouse Family Dental understands that dental anxiety is real and can prevent patients from receiving the care they need. We offer several sedation options to help nervous patients feel relaxed and comfortable during their appointments.
Our Sedation Options
We provide nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral sedation to accommodate different comfort levels.
- Nitrous oxide offers mild relaxation while allowing you to remain fully conscious and responsive.
- For patients who need more profound relaxation, oral sedation involves taking a prescribed medication before your appointment to achieve a more profound calming effect.
Procedures Where Sedation Is Helpful
You know your comfort level better than anyone, and sedation can help you relax with any procedure. Many patients find sedation especially beneficial for:
- Composite fillings, especially multiple restorations in one visit
- Root canal therapy
- Dental implant placement procedures
- Crown and bridge preparations
- Extensive cosmetic dentistry work
- Periodontal treatments
- Wisdom tooth extractions
- Any procedure for patients with severe dental phobia
Safe Sedation Sedation Tailored to Your Needs
All sedation is carefully monitored throughout your procedure to ensure your safety and comfort. We'll discuss your medical history, current medications, and anxiety level to determine the most appropriate sedation option for your specific needs.
Your Comfort is Our Priority
Don't let dental anxiety prevent you from achieving optimal oral health. Call Whitehouse Family Dental at (419) 877-5404 to discuss sedation options and schedule your comfortable dental care.
The Root Canal Procedure
Our team wants you to have the most comfortable, stress-free root canal possible. We are here to answer your questions and provide comfort and reassurance throughout your procedure.
- Thorough Numbing — Before treatment begins, we ensure the area is completely numb so you won't feel pain during the procedure.
- Isolating the Tooth—A small protective sheet (dental dam) keeps the area clean while we create a small opening in the tooth's crown.
- Gentle Cleaning — Using specialized rotary technology, we carefully remove the infected pulp tissue and thoroughly clean the canals within the root.
- Disinfection and Sealing—We disinfect the canals, fill them with biocompatible material, and seal them to prevent future infection.
- Temporary Restoration — We place a temporary filling to protect the tooth until the permanent restoration.
You might experience mild sensitivity for a few days, which you can manage with over-the-counter pain relievers. In about two weeks, we'll place a crown or other restoration to protect the treated tooth and restore function.
Our Team
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Dr. Kristen Shumate
Dr. Shumate founded Whitehouse Family Dental in 2014, fulfilling a childhood dream of becoming a dentist. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery cum laude from The Ohio State University ...
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Dr. Richard Shumate
Dr. Rick Shumate has owned and practiced at Whitehouse Family Dental since 2016, bringing his expertise in implants, grafting, root canals, and cosmetic dentistry to the community. A 2011 graduate ...
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Don't Wait Through the Pain
An infected tooth won't heal on its own. The infection will spread without treatment, eventually leading to a painful abscess. The infection continues to spread, putting you at risk for tooth loss and creating life-threatening circumstances.
If you're experiencing tooth pain or suspect an infected tooth or dental abscess, call Whitehouse Family Dental at (419) 877-5404 immediately for emergency care. Our compassionate team serves patients from Whitehouse, Waterville, Monclova, Swanton, Perrysburg, Maumee, and surrounding communities.