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Root Canal

Noticing symptoms like tooth pain, tenderness, or sensitivity to heat or cold? You may have a root canal infection. Root canal infections need prompt treatment, and Dr. Scott Updyke can provide virtually painless root canal therapy. Our Salt Lake City, UT, practice offers sedation and uses the latest techniques to ensure comfort. Request a free consultation today.

Dental Emergency? We're Here for You

If you're dealing with tooth pain, a broken tooth, or any other dental condition that's causing you distress, you need prompt care. Our dentist welcomes emergency patients and will do everything he can to see you as soon as possible. Whether you need root canal therapy or another urgent treatment, your oral health is our priority, and we're here to help. Call us now:

Even though some of these symptoms may not seem that serious, it's important to visit a dentist if you notice them. If you do have a root canal infection, there's a risk of the infection spreading throughout your mouth and even into your bloodstream. This can lead to very serious complications like further pain and swelling, jawbone deterioration, and tooth loss. A timely root canal can help you preserve your health, safeguard your smile, and avoid the need for additional dental work down the line.

How Does Root Canal Therapy Help?

A root canal works by eliminating the infection from within. A dentist accesses the inner chamber of the tooth through a small opening and removes all the infected tissue. They then sanitize the tooth, slightly reshape the cleaned root canals, and refill them with a rubber-like substance. 

In most cases, patients receive a new dental crown to add support, restore your bite, and protect the tooth from further dental infections. We are able to provide a permanent crown immediately after your root canal.

Root canal treatment doesn't always have to be handled by an endodontist—it can also be performed by a trusted dentist like Dr. Updyke. Much like an endodontist, he has decades of experience treating issues of the inner tooth and has brought hundreds of Utah patients relief through root canal therapy.

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Nervous About Pain? We Offer Sedation

Despite what you may have heard, root canals aren't especially painful. Developments in dental techniques and technology have made the procedure more comfortable than ever. Many patients are surprised to find that root canal treatment does more to relieve their pain than to cause it. However, we understand that factors like dental anxiety and sensitive teeth can make even the most routine dentistry feel stressful, so we gladly offer sedation to our root canal patients. Adding sedation to your root canal treatment can ensure a calm, comfortable experience.

Get Relief Request a Free Root Canal Consultation

Not sure whether you have a root canal infection? We can provide a free office consultation at Dental Architects of Millcreek. Please note that X-rays and other diagnostic testing will require a fee. We can determine what your insurance will contribute to the cost of this and other services. We're not the type of practice that will try to upsell you—instead, we strive to provide an accurate diagnosis, fully inform you of your options, and provide precisely what you need to maintain a healthy, happy smile. 

A graduate of Marquette University School of Dentistry, Dr. Scott Updyke has been practicing at the same location in Salt Lake City, UT, since 1987. He takes a gentle approach with patients and values building relationships based on trust and respect. Patients throughout Utah turn to us for clear answers and timely care. 

Is it time to take action against painful symptoms? To get started, send us a message online or call us in Salt Lake City, UT:

(801) 484-5048

Dr. Scott Updyke

"Years of excellent service." 5-Star Reviews From Salt Lake City, UT, Patients

1

Clive Snelson

2022

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Myself, my family, and extended family have been patients of Dr. Updyke for 15+ years.   He always takes great care of us, even in emergency situations. His staff, from receptionist, to dental assstant, to dental hygienist, are very professional, yet extremely friendly, making the entire "visit to the dentist" less daunting. I have referred many friends who are now patients of Dr. Updyke.

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1

Monte Kano

2022

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30+ years experience - Trauma-Free - I've had years of excellent service... I heard about Dr. Updyke from my older brother and I've been grateful for it, ever since for many years, now. I consider the entire office our friends. I've learned things from them that has improved my dental health. I've had the best cleanings, there. I've had fillings in and all had been successful and totally trauma-free! We all deserve a great dental experience and I know you can have that with Dr. Updyke's team of dental architects.

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The Root Canal Timeline

Before your root canal begins, we'll thoroughly numb the treatment area with local anesthesia. You can also receive sedation to ensure your comfort.
Before your root canal begins, we'll thoroughly numb the treatment area with local anesthesia. You can also receive sedation to ensure your comfort.

Initial Examination

After you discuss your symptoms with Dr. Updyke, we'll take X-rays of your teeth, gums, and oral structures. These X-rays will help us determine whether an infection is present. If we find evidence of diseased pulp, we'll promptly schedule your root canal at our Salt Lake City, UT, office.

Numbing Anesthetic
and Optional Sedation

Before your root canal begins, we'll thoroughly numb the treatment area with local anesthesia. You can also receive sedation to ensure your comfort.

Accessing the Pulp

Dr. Updyke will create a small hole in the crown of your tooth. This will serve as an access point to the inner pulp chamber and root canals of the tooth.

Removing the Pulp

Dr. Updyke will use very small tools to gently extract the infected pulp, which consists of nerves and blood vessels.

Sanitizing the Inner Tooth

Once he has ensured that the tooth is free of all diseased material, Dr. Updyke will sanitize the pulp chamber and root canals. He'll then slightly reshape the root canals for filling. 

Filling the Inner Tooth

Your tooth will be filled with a rubber-like material called gutta percha. One of the most commonly used materials in dentistry, gutta percha is tooth-safe and provides important fortification for the tooth's structure.

Crowning the Tooth

Some teeth need a little extra protection after root canal treatment. If this is the case for you, we can cap your tooth with a durable, natural-looking dental crown. We can provide your crown immediately after your root canal.

Don't Wait for a New Dental Crown We Offer Same-Day Restorations

Receiving a crown after your root canal? You won't have to wait weeks for a custom restoration when you work with us. We have our own CEREC® machine, which allows Dr. Updyke to design and mill dental restorations right here at our office in Salt Lake City. You can receive a customized crown made from premium materials during the same appointment as your root canal treatment.

Are Root Canals Covered by Insurance?

Root canals are considered medically necessary dentistry, so most dental insurance providers cover at least a portion of your costs. Our Salt Lake City, UT, practice accepts most major insurances, and we'll be happy to help you file your claim.

If you don't have dental insurance or if you need help covering your out-of-pocket expenses, CareCredit® financing can help. CareCredit® offers loans for health and dental care, often with little or no interest, that are repayable in manageable monthly installments.

High Praise From Salt Lake City, UT "I don't think you could pay me to go anywhere else."

1

Katie Coffman

2022

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The office is very clean and the wait for my appointment is never very long. The staff works so hard to make sure that I'm comfortable and that my anxiety is under control (I've had bad experiences with other dentists in the past.). They allow my husband to sit with me during the whole procedure and are constantly checking in with me to see if there is anything they can be doing to make me less anxious. They explain what they are doing in terms that I understand and are always more than happy to answer any questions I may have. I don't think you could pay me to go anywhere else- they are wonderful!

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1

Rosie Nguyen

2022

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Dr. Scott Updyke and his team are incredibly kind and friendly. They always greet you with a smile and provide the best of customer service. They worked with me to squeeze all the dental procedures I needed in before I ran out of insurance from my last job. I also appreciate Dr. Updyke guaranteeing his work and replacing a crown that fell off months after it was installed.  I genuinely feel like Dr. Updyke cares about you as a person, not just as a patient. Thank you for making visits to the dentist's office so much less dreadful. I appreciate you all!

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Dr. Scott Updyke

Dental Architects of Millcreek

Dr. Scott Updyke and the team at Dental Architects of Millcreek have provided state-of-the-art dentistry to the community of Salt Lake City since 1987. We are committed to the highest quality service and technology-assisted dental care for patients of all ages. We do all we can to make treatment as easy and accessible as possible.

  • Dental insurance accepted
  • Flexible financing options
  • Free consultations available
  • Comprehensive services offered

You can schedule an appointment online or give us a call at: (801) 484-5048.

Contact Us Today

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