Home Meet Dr. Ryan Lavene

Dr. Ryan Lavene is a Michigan native and he attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor for his undergraduate studies.

He received his Doctorate in Dentistry from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. He practiced general dentistry for 7 years in Los Angeles, CA before moving to Portland, Oregon where he was accepted into a competitive residency to become a specialist in endodontics (root canal treatments). Dr. Ryan graduated from Oregon Health & Science University graduate Endodontics Residency and has been in private endodontic practice with over 20 years of experience.

Dr. Ryan Lavene is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics, the highest level of training that an Endodontist can achieve. He is also a member of the American Association of Endodontists, the American Dental Association, the Arizona Dental Association and the Northern Arizona Dental Society. Dr. Lavene takes pride in providing the highest quality endodontic (root canal) treatment. With over 20 years of experience, his goal is to save teeth whenever possible while providing a comfortable and caring environment.

Dr. Ryan lives in Lake Havasu City with his wife, daughters and labrador retriever.

Learn About Why You Should See an Endodontist for Your Root Canal Treatment

What is an Endodontist and What Do They Do?

Endodontists are dentists who specialize in maintaining teeth through endodontic procedures.  All dentists are trained in diagnosis and endodontic therapy; however, some teeth can be especially difficult to diagnose and treat due to various reasons.  That’s why you may have been referred to a root canal specialist, an endodontist.

In addition to dental school, Dr. Ryan Lavene has received two additional years of advanced education in these kinds of treatments. The graduate residency training has allowed Dr. Lavene to focus on honing his techniques and procedures in greater depth, for diagnosis and treatment of more difficult cases. For this reason, many dentists choose to refer their patients to our practice.

What Happens During Endodontic Treatment (A Root Canal)?

We will perform an examination and review of your health history, your dental needs and your oral health goals. In additional to digital radiology, we offer advanced 3D imaging that can assist with your diagnosis and treatment recommendations.  As an endodontic specialist, all endodontic procedures are performed under the microscope to optimize success.

Your comfort is our primary priority. Our Endodontist will discuss your specific needs, as we believe that every patient and tooth should be treated with a customized approach. Be sure to discuss any specific needs with your doctor so we can customize your visit such as dental anxiety.

A root canal (or endodontic therapy) has a very high degree of success, normally around 90% – 95%.  Unsuccessful treatment can occur due to prevailing factors such as cracks, fractures, resorption, recurrent decay, or leaking restorations. We will discuss the chances of success before any procedure to help you make an informed decision.

Diagnoses and Treats Pain

Oral pain such as toothaches or cracked / fractured teeth can often be difficult to pinpoint.  Because of the vast network of nerves in the mouth, the pain of a damaged or diseased tooth often is felt in another tooth and/or in the head, neck, or ear. An endodontist is a specialist in diagnosing and treating this type of pain.