Why Choose Chinook Dental Group?
Three Dental Specialties
Receive comprehensive care for three dental specialties.
Appointments Available
Receive timely care and schedule immediate appointments.
No Judgement Services
Receive dental care without feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable.
Dr. Kiarash Shabehpour
Dr. Kiarash Shabehpour (or Dr. Kia as his patients tend to call him) started his dentistry journey in 1998. After earning his DDS degree in dentistry and practicing for a few years, he moved to Canada with his wife.
In Canada, he attended dental school again at the University of British Columbia for his 2nd degree in dentistry, this time a DMD, practiced for a few more years in both Vancouver and Prince George and then completed three extra years of specialist training in Endodontics at UBC. Dr. Shabehpour primarily helps his patients and colleagues with root canal-related treatments and surgeries on a referral basis. He is fluent in English and Farsi.
Dr. Adriana Hernandez
Dr. Adriana Hernandez obtained her BDS degree in Venezuela in 2005. Following several years of successful practice as a general dentist, she decided to further her expertise by specializing in Endodontics. Her journey as a specialist in Endodontics allowed her to serve the dental community in Venezuela with high skill and dedication for several years.
Later on, Dr. Hernandez, along with her husband and three children, relocated to Canada. In Canada, she pursued additional dental education at the University of British Columbia, where she earned certification for her specialty degree. Today, Dr. Hernandez primarily assists patients and colleagues with root canal treatments and endodontic surgeries on a referral basis. She is fluent in English and Spanish.
What is a root canal?
Root canals are a common dental procedure that an endodontist may recommend if the nerve or pulp in your tooth has been damaged. This procedure is typically performed when a tooth has become infected or inflamed due to decay or injury, and is designed to save the tooth and prevent further damage.
The goal of this procedure is to save the affected tooth, rather than extract it.
When should you see an endodontist?
If you are experiencing severe tooth pain or sensitivity, it may be time to visit an endodontist for a root canal procedure.
Root canals have become much more comfortable since their introduction and offer relief from dental issues that cannot be treated through conservative options like fillings or simple extractions.
Our endodontist is trained to diagnose and treat various conditions involving the inner workings of teeth, including the pulp chambers, nerves, blood vessels, and ligaments.
If your dentist has recommended a root canal as part of your oral health care plan or if you are having persistent dental pain that needs attention, please contact us today to schedule an appointment.
What is involved in a root canal procedure?
An endodontist will begin by numbing the area around the affected tooth. Then they will make an opening at the top of the tooth to access its chamber in order to remove any infected tissue. In some cases, they may also use small files to clean out any remaining debris from inside the chamber before filling it with gutta-percha (a rubber-like material) and sealing it off from further infection. Finally, they may place a crown on top of the treated area for extra protection.
Once your root canal treatment is complete, you should feel immediate relief from any discomfort caused by prior damage in that affected area. It’s important to note that although you may no longer experience pain after completing a root canal procedure, there is still potential for further damage if proper care isn’t taken following treatment—so be sure to discuss post-treatment care with your endodontist!
