Root Canals

Comprehensive Family Dentistry located in Grandview College area, Des Moines, IA

Root Canals services offered in Grandview College area, Des Moines, IA

Scott McPherson, DDS, and the Ballpark Heights Family Dental team understand the stress that comes with dental pain. When it comes to root canals, they offer painless and compassionate treatment at their office in Des Moines, Iowa. Don’t live with ongoing pain or other distressing symptoms when relief is available. Call Ballpark Heights Family Dental, or request an appointment online today.

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a treatment for an infected tooth. To understand the procedure, it helps to think about the structure of your teeth.

The outermost layer of a tooth is a thin shell of hard tissue called enamel. Just beneath is a thicker layer of hard tissue called dentin.

Beneath the dentin is a hollow chamber filled with a soft tissue called dental pulp. Your pulp consists of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. Pulp is a living tissue, and a bacterial infection quickly becomes a problem because of limited space within each tooth.

A root canal removes all of the infected pulp and restores the tooth with a new crown.

What are some signs I might need a root canal?

An infected tooth creates clear symptoms, making it easy to know something is wrong. Some of the indications that you may have an infected tooth include:

Severe pain, especially when chewing or biting
Swelling in the face or jaw
Reddened or darkened gum tissue
Pimple-like sore on gums
Lingering sensitivity to heat or cold, even after the source is removed

If you experience any of these symptoms, call Ballpark Heights Family Dental right away to book a diagnostic exam.

What are the steps involved in getting a root canal?

Dr. McPherson might suggest X-rays to learn more about the structure and condition of your tooth. If you both decide to move forward with the procedure, an injection of numbing medication ensures you remain comfortable throughout the process.

Next, Dr. McPherson creates a small opening to gain access to the inner chamber of the tooth. He uses a series of small dental tools called files to remove the infected pulp from the chamber, including deep into the canals of the root.

The chamber is rinsed to remove any lingering traces of pulp before a material called gutta percha fills the empty space. A small filling closes the access opening. Impressions are taken to guide the fabrication of your custom crown, and Dr. McPherson places a temporary crown to protect the tooth. Once the new crown arrives, you return to have it cemented into place.

If you have additional questions or concerns about the root canal process, call the office to book a consultation or schedule one online today.

Our most popular treatments

Ballpark Heights Dental. Our team of skilled clinicians follow a comprehensive approach to ensure that every new and returning patient is given personalized care and quality dental services. We are interested in you not just your teeth and want to ensure each trip to the dentist is as comfortable and stress free as possible. We offer all the treatments that you would expect from a family dentist plus we have a particular interest in the following:

Invisalign

Invisalign® offers the chance to straighten your smile without spending a year or longer in traditional metal braces. It’s one of many cosmetic treatments from Scott McPherson, DDS, of Ballpark Heights Family Dental in Des Moines, Iowa. If you’d like to explore Invisalign in greater detail, call the office to schedule a visit or book one online in just a few clicks.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a wonderful way to permanently replace one or more missing teeth. Implant dentistry is an area of specialty for Scott McPherson, DDS, of Ballpark Heights Family Dental in Des Moines, Iowa. Call the office to schedule a consultation, or request one using the online booking feature today.

Crowns & Bridges

Crowns and bridges are among the most popular restorative treatments at Ballpark Heights Family Dental in Des Moines, Iowa. Scott McPherson, DDS, relies on decades of experience to craft crowns and bridges that are both durable and incredibly natural-looking. When you’re ready to learn more, call the office or request an appointment online.

General Dentistry

General dentistry includes all the necessary services you need to achieve and maintain a healthy, happy smile. Scott McPherson, DDS, of Ballpark Heights Family Dental in Des Moines, Iowa, offers the full range of general dentistry services, helping patients of all ages move closer to ideal dental health and hygiene. Call the office to schedule an appointment or request one using the online booking feature today.

Dentures

Dentures are a great choice if you’re looking for a durable, comfortable, and affordable option to replace some or all of your natural teeth. Creating high-quality dentures is a source of pride for Scott McPherson, DDS, and the team at Ballpark Heights Family Dental in Des Moines, Iowa. To schedule a dentures consultation, call the office or request one online to see what dentures can do for your smile.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea interferes with normal sleep patterns, robbing you of the air you need to thrive. At Ballpark Heights Family Dental in Des Moines, Iowa, Scott McPherson, DDS, offers customized treatment for sleep apnea, helping you rest easily at night. To schedule an appointment, call the office or request one online today.

Emergency Dentistry

Dental emergencies often arise when you least expect them, and knowing where to turn for help can make a challenging situation easier to bear. Scott McPherson, DDS, and the team at Ballpark Heights Family Dental offer caring and compassionate emergency dental services for residents of Des Moines, Iowa, and the surrounding region. Same-day visits are an option, and you can always reach the office online or by phone to schedule a visit.

Root Canals

Ballpark Heights Family Dental

✆ Phone (appointments): 515-265-3796

Address: 2601 E. 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50316

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