Root Canal

An infected tooth can cause oral health issues such as pain, decay, and sensitivity.

A root canal removes the infected pulp and tissue to restore your oral health and preserve the tooth structure.

Serving the Portage, MI, area, Dr. Michael Sharp and Dr. Aoua Coulibaly provide comfortable root canals to eliminate pain and infection.

Experiencing a Dental Emergency? Call us immediately!

Dental emergencies such as tooth pain and infection should be addressed as soon as possible. Our dentists serving Portage, MI, can help address your emergency promptly, which can mean the difference between saving teeth and losing them. Call us for emergency dental care .

(269) 344-4004

What Is a Root Canal?

dental infection — An infection occurs when bacteria enters a tooth via cracks, cavities, or other damage. This can cause sensitivity, pain, and an abscess, and put you at risk for the infection to spread. A root canal is a dental procedure in which your dentist removes the infected tooth pulp, which is made up of blood vessels, nerves, and other soft tissues. Root canal therapy preserves the tooth structure while addressing the infection.

How Do I Know if I Have an Infection?

If you believe you have an infected tooth or teeth, visit your dentist as soon as possible. Root canal treatment can save the tooth, remove the infection, and eliminate your pain. Infection can cause symptoms such as:

Why Choose Sharp Smile Center
for Your Root Canal? Serving the Portage and Kalamazoo area for over 30 years

Advanced Training

Together, Dr. Sharp and Dr. Coulibaly have nearly 50 years of experience providing world-class dentistry. Dr. Sharp studied under true masters of dentistry, including the famous Dr. Bill Dorfman of Extreme Smile Makeover.

Advanced Technology

Our CEREC® and CAD/CAM technology mean you don't have to wait for a lab to craft a dental crown following root canal therapy. You can leave your appointment with a permanent crown in place.

Relaxing Care

Your comfort is important to us at Sharp Smile Center. We offer sedation dentistry and luxury amenities such as a coffee bar, iPads, Tempurpedic pads, anti-noise headphones, and more.

One-Stop Shop

Because our dentists have undergone extensive training, they can provide a wide range of treatments to address all of your dental needs in one convenient location without having to refer you out.

Comfortable Care to Relieve Your Pain Call us to schedule an appointment today

An infected tooth can cause pain and lead to other oral health issues if left unaddressed. When you visit Sharp Smile Center , you can depend on Dr. Sharp and Dr. Coulibaly to provide fast and effective relief.

We go above and beyond to ensure you are completely comfortable during your treatment with luxury amenities, advanced technology, and even sedation options . Our CEREC® technology also means you can leave your appointment with a permanent crown instead of waiting weeks for a lab to craft one.

Don't risk further oral health complications. Request an appointment using our online form or call us today at:

(269) 344-4004

Office exterior — Whether you need an emergency root canal procedure or a routine cleaning, you can find top care at Sharp Smile Center.

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5-Star Reviews From Happy Portage Patients

Best root canal I've ever had! Well if they can be good that is... Wonderful staff that cares about every patient!

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All around an amazing place to go! The staff is incredibly nice and helpful. They are so welcoming that I'm no longer scared to go to the dentist! Will always recommend this dentist

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Dental Anxiety Is No Problem

Many people wrongly believe root canals are painful. We thoroughly numb the area before treatment to ensure a comfortable, virtually painless procedure.

However, many of our patients in Kalamazoo and Portage suffer from dental anxiety, overly sensitive teeth, or have a difficult time remaining still in the dental chair. Should you need extra help relaxing during treatment, we offer sedation options so you can comfortably receive your root canal and other dental care. These options include:

It is important to remember that if you require oral conscious or IV sedation, you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment.

Learn More About Sedation Dentistry

Root Canal Treatment Timeline

Your dentist will take care to ensure you are completely comfortable during treatment. We offer sedation options to Portage and Kalamazoo patients who require an extra level of comfort care.

Initial Consultation

Your dentist will examine your mouth and identify the infected tooth or teeth to determine if a root canal is the right treatment for you. While the goal of root canal treatment is to preserve the tooth, in rare cases of extreme damage, decay, or extensive infection, an extraction may be best to preserve your dental health.

Anesthesia

Your dentist will begin your root canal treatment by numbing the area with a local anesthetic. This ensures you do not feel any pain during treatment. Should you feel any discomfort, please let your dentist know immediately so he can make the needed adjustments to ease your pain.

Root Canal Treatment

Once you are completely numbed, your dentist will begin your root canal by making a small opening in the tooth so that he or she can reach the pulp and infection. The pulp is made up of nerves, tissue, and blood vessels, and once bacteria enters and causes infection, this pulp must be removed to preserve the tooth. After the pulp and infection are removed, the tooth will be cleaned and filled.

Crown Placement

Following your root canal, your tooth may require a crown to provide support and protection for your tooth. In most cases, a crown can be crafted in-office the same day using CEREC technology. This eliminates the need for a temporary crown while you wait for a permanent crown to be crafted in a lab. The crown is permanently bonded to your tooth.

Recovery

There is minimal recovery time needed for a root canal. Your dentist may suggest soft foods for a day or two as the area may be a bit tender. However, you should not experience significant pain or discomfort. If you do, please contact our Portage-area dental practice immediately so we can address the issue as soon as possible.

Have a Question About Root Canals? Message Us!

A Closer Look at Root Canal Treatment

Don't I Need an Endodontist for a Root Canal?

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No. While an endodontist is specifically trained to perform root canals and address other issues relating to the tooth roots, Dr. Sharp and Dr. Coulibaly have extensive training and experience in root canal therapy. Should you need other dental treatments when you come to Sharp Smile Center for your root canal, our dentists can perform a wide range of general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry treatments to meet all your dental care needs under one roof. From filling a cavity to implants and veneers , Sharp Smile Center is your one-stop shop for excellent dentistry care.

Financing Options Available

At Sharp Smile Center, we work with most insurance providers to reduce or even eliminate any out-of-pocket costs for your root canal. For those without insurance or to finance costs not covered by insurance, we also accept CareCredit® and LendingClub® to make treatment more affordable.

Contact Us About Financing

Hear From More Portage Patients

Greatly appreciate the genuine care and state of the art treatment I receive through Sharp Smile Center!

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Love this office! From the check in/out process to the amazing hygienist (Nicole) and last but not least Dr.C. Every aspect of my dental care is out in my hands and everyone is understanding and non judgemental about when and what can be done. I have never been happier with a dental office.

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Root Canal

Experiencing a Dental Emergency? Call us immediately!

What Is a Root Canal?

How Do I Know if I Have an Infection?

Severe pain if pressure is applied to the tooth

Throbbing pain that is centered in the tooth

Increased sensitivity to hot or cold

Fever and or chills

An obvious abscess

Oral swelling in the cheeks or gum tissue