Our Endodontic Services

More than 20 years of fixing smiles.

Root Canal Therapy

Specialty care designed to save your natural tooth.
Dr. Lavin treating a patient

When you have a severe toothache, it might be a sign that you need a root canal. If your general dentist recommends endodontic treatment then there is no need to worry, we are here to help.

A root canal is a simple endodontic procedure that removes an infection from the inside of your tooth (pulp).

Common causes of such an infection are:

  • Deep decay

  • Chipped or cracked tooth

  • Repeated dental procedures

  • Injury

The purpose of root canal therapy is to eliminate your pain without causing additional discomfort. Dr. Lavin is a master in this area of dentistry, so you can trust him to restore the integrity and function of your tooth.

Root Canals: The Procedure

What exactly happens during a root canal?

Icon of a tooth with a toothbrush

PREPARATION

First, Dr. Lavin will numb your tooth and the surrounding area with a local anesthetic. Next, he’ll isolate your tooth with a rubber or vinyl shield to ensure it stays dry. He then begins by creating a small opening in your tooth to remove the infected pulp. He’ll gently clean and reshape the area in preparation for the next stage.

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TREATMENT

Your cleaned tooth is then filled with a heated thermoplastic material. This is design to prevent infection, reinforce the tooth, and seal the canal space. Dr. Lavin will then place a temporary or permanent filling in your tooth’s opening to restore its structure and functionality.

Icon of a root canal

POST-CARE

It is entirely normal to experience some discomfort in the days following your root canal therapy. We suggest you take ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, or aspirin to help with any soreness. Also, remember to avoid sticky or chewy foods until any swelling or tenderness has subsided.

Icon of a shiny tooth

RESTORATION

Once your root canal therapy is completed, Dr. Lavin may recommend that a crown be placed by your dentist to protect your tooth.

  • Permanent Restoration

    For a permanent restoration, Dr. Lavin will fill your canal with a heated thermoplastic material and then seal it with a metal-free filling. If needed, a crown may be placed for additional protection.

  • Temporary Restoration

    In some cases, we can only place a temporary restoration. When this is the case, we urge you to make an appointment with your referring dentist. They will help you determine what kind of restoration is the best to protect your tooth’s integrity and restore it to full function.

I'd recommend the practice to everyone. The staff is always very polite, and Dr. Lavin is a pleasure to work with. You are always taken care of, and everything is explained. He cares about your comfort and the result.

Kyle (5-Star Google Review)

Microscopic Endodontics

Innovation to save your smile.

Dr. Lavin was the first endodontist in the Sioux Falls area to use a surgical microscope. Since then, he has incorporated microscopic dentistry into most aspects of his practice. With this innovative equipment, he can deliver excellent care while making your treatment as comfortable and painless as possible.

Retreatment

In some cases, a previously endodontically treated tooth may redevelop a problem or not heal successfully. This is where endodontic retreatment is required to “re-do” the root canal. Dr. Lavin performs this treatment using microscopic technology and repairs the issues affecting your current root canal.

Thanks to this technology, Dr. Lavin can discover infections or tooth fractures invisible to the naked eye. He can then repair your tooth or make recommendations based on his findings.

Marshall T. Lavin with microsope
Refer Your Patient

Dr. Lavin has been working closely with the best dentists in Sioux Falls, SD since 1998.

We are the preferred endodontic office…Learn more about our office… for many general dentists in Sioux Falls, SD, and the surrounding communities. If you would like to refer your patient to Dr. Marshall T. Lavin, please contact us today.

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