Root Canals

I do root canals which involves removing the nerves from teeth that have become infected into the teeth.

The teeth have the poorest healing ability of any tissue in the body.

Teeth have one artery and one vein coming in and out, one lymph vessel, and one nerve. Each is microscopic. When any of those die, the tooth cannot heal. Then a root canal is necessary.

I do root canals on all the front teeth and on the premolars that have one root.

However, on the molars that have two or three roots, and those that have 4 roots, I will send to a specialist because I don’t have a microscope for surgery. I don’t need a microscope on the front teeth. However, to find all the tiny nerves in the molars, the microscope is crucial. If one of the nerves is missed, it’s the same as if the root canal hadn’t been done.

Covid-19 Update

Covid-19 (Novel Coronavirus) Update

Dear Patients of Cornerstone Dental Center,

In order to better serve the community, to limit your and everyone’s potential exposure and conserve important medical resources during the Covid-19 challenge, we ask the following:

Please do not come into Cornerstone Dental Center if you have a fever (100 F or higher) or recent onset (last 2 weeks) onset of cough.
Please do not bring another person with you to your appointment unless you are a parent or guardian of the patient being seen.

We will need to take your (and your companion’s) temperature and ask a few questions before you come into our facilities.

If you believe you are ill with Covid-19 or influenza please call your primary care doctor’s office or your local urgent care rather than going in.
Testing for Covid-19 is recommended for you if you meet the following conditions:

If you have a fever over 100 F and a cough, and have any chronic health conditions or are over the age of 60,
If you have a fever over 100 F and a cough, and have had contact in the last 14 days with a known Covid-19 patient or recent travel to affected areas

People with mild symptoms and no underlying chronic health issues (chronic lung or kidney disease, diabetes, immune suppression are examples) are advised to STAY HOME until symptoms (cough, fever) have resolved for 72 hours. But do call your primary care doctor’s office to find out if you need testing. If you have shortness of breath, you should go to the Emergency Room (but call first, or have someone call for you).

The Panhandle Health District has set up a hotline if you have questions: 1-877-415-5225

Kootenai County is a strong community and we will get through this by working together to limit the spread, and to protect our medically vulnerable friends and neighbors. Thank you for helping us and each other in this challenging time.