You’ll be surprised to know that our teeth are the only body part that can’t heal itself. Not what you want to hear when you have a toothache. In fact, the only thing you want when you have a toothache is to know that it can be fixed! Of course, your toothache can be fixed, and if the cure for your discomfort is a root canal, you’ll need to see an endodontist. Schedule your appointment with Dr. George Shuping–you will be truly amazed how easy and painless the cure is.

It is important to keep your natural teeth whenever that option is possible. Root canal treatment enables endodontists to do that. In the past, when the pulp of your tooth–the soft interior, sometimes called the nerve–was damaged or infected, those teeth were often extracted.

Today, that extreme measure is not necessary. A root canal is a far better treatment that will end your toothache and give you years of hard work by that once painful tooth.

Not Your Grandfather’s Root Canal
“Most of our patients say, ‘That’s it? That wasn’t what I expected!’ when we’ve completed their root canal,” Dr. Shuping says with a smile. “Many people are afraid of a root canal; they think it will be a horrible experience, but today’s technology and techniques will change your idea of what a root canal is like.”

Basically, a root canal is the removal of the diseased, infected or dead dental pulp, the soft tissue inside your tooth that includes nerves and blood vessels. Most commonly, a tooth becomes a candidate for root canal if it develops a deep cavity, cracks or breaks. Bacteria then enter and infect the entire tooth from the tip of the root up to the crown. An abscess can develop. This type of infection can be very painful and cause damage to the surrounding bone and jaw. Without root canal treatment your tooth would need to be removed. Not good.

Root canal treatment is really straightforward. “With many patients, after we thoroughly explain the procedure, they are ready to begin,” Dr. Shuping explains. “Some patients like a bit more help, so we’ll use conscious sedation or anesthesia. I use state-of-the-art equipment–the hand piece is perfectly silent. Our patients are amazed by how easy it all is.” During the 30 to 45 minute procedure, the root canal is cleaned out with the silent file. The canal is filled with medication to clear out germs and prevent infection and then sealed. A temporary filling is put in. At your next appointment, your general dentist can then cover your tooth with a crown, and you’re good to go! Teeth treated in this way can last a lifetime.

Excellent Bedside Manners
When you first enter Dr. Shuping’s office, you’d think you were walking into a fine hotel lobby. I was impressed by the calm environment and peaceful music. His staff of dental assistants, Judy Wiggins, Shelley Deese and Stephanie McGinnis; office manager Amy Baity; and receptionists, Carol Mason and Kim Choufanni each understand their role in helping patients feel welcomed and at ease. “It’s relaxed here; even when it’s stressful, we’re relaxed,” Stephanie shared. “Dr. Shuping is the most laid back, friendly dentist I’ve ever met. What he does comes from the heart.”

Dr. Shuping’s goal is for each patient to feel well cared for and comfortable throughout their appointments, and to feel so thoroughly satisfied with their experience they would refer others to his office. “A patient’s experience is a reflection of how they are treated,” Dr. Shuping says.”We have the latest technology–digital radiology, surgical microscopes where we immediately see a precise, accurate image and silent, nickel titanium files, all of which make our procedures shorter, with less stress on everyone. But if we don’t treat people well, we’re not doing our best. We all work with our patients like they are family.”
It’s not just the flat screen TVs in each procedure room, I’m sure, that keep new and returning patients coming to his Mooresville office from as far away as Charlotte, Hickory, Salisbury and Statesville. Dr. Shuping gets a lot of word of mouth referrals to his practice for a very good reason–he genuinely cares for each person who comes to him for treatment. And, he has very little turnover in his staff, a good sign of an excellent dental office run by a quality team. “My staff is very good with people, really wonderful,” Dr. Shuping tells me. “I rely on them and trust them. They’re great.”

A Little Background
George Shuping is a Carolina man. He received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and then earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the UNC Dental School in 1995. That year he also received the Student Achievement Award in Endodontics. After a year of private practice as a general dentist, he entered endodontic residency at the UNC Dental School. He completed his formal education in 1999 with a Master of Science (MS) in the dental specialty of endodontics. Dr. Shuping is currently Iredell County’s only American Board of Endodontists’ certified diplomate. This certification takes up to five years, required extensive review of his education, and his successful completion of a three-part examination. Dr. Shuping’s diagnostic skill, clinical proficiency and professional judgment were tested; the certification recognizes his exceptionally high quality of care for patients. “I encourage my colleagues to go for this certification,” Dr. Shuping told me. For the last four years, he’s been named one of Charlotte’s top dentists. He has been published in the Journal of Endodontics and the International Endodontic Journal and has lectured and taught endodontics courses to general dentists in the United States and Iceland.

His endodontics practice opened twelve years ago. “I started with Dr. Shuping on the day he opened his practice–August 16th, 1999. It’s easy to remember because it was my birthday!” Dental Assistant Judy Wiggins remembers. “We’ve grown from a team of three to now seven. It’s a pleasure to serve as lead assistant. I hope to work here until I retire, years from now, with many wonderful memories.”

Dr. Shuping met his wife, Wendy, at a cousin’s wedding. She’s a Western Carolina graduate and manages their real estate properties. George and Wendy have a very active family life. She’s run 10Ks, and George has entered triathlons and marathons–in June, the Tri Latta Triathlon and earlier this year, the Cooper River Bridge Run. They have two daughters: six year old Lily, who’s into swimming and reading, and four year old Scarlett, who enjoys her iPad, soccer, and playing with Barbies. “They are the loves of my life,” Dr. Shuping adds.

Working In the Community
George and Wendy feel that giving back to their community is essential. They sponsor programs at Mooresville Christian Mission and provide dental services for families through the Ada Jenkins Center and Fifth Street Ministries. In addition, they have helped children from Afghanistan through Solace for the Children, an international program that provides medical and dental care to needy children.

When you need a root canal, you’ll want the very best care. Dr. Shuping and his exceptional team will treat you well. They’ll treat you like family. You can’t ask for more than that.

George B. Shuping, DDS, MS, PA
438 Williamson Rd. #A
Mooresville, NC 28117
704-664-3636