You are encouraged to call with any questions that you might have concerning your oral health. Our staff is well qualified to answer most questions. If your call requires that you speak with the dentist, Dr. Sulte will return your call at the earliest opportunity.
If you are a patient of record at our office, and you have a dental emergency, we will do our best to respond to your needs promptly. Please contact the office as early in the day as possible so we can triage the emergency and provide the best care for your condition. In the event the office is closed, your phone call to the regular office number will route you to our after hours number and we will respond as soon as possible. If Dr. Sulte is unavailable we recommend that you call your general dentist's office.
Doctor Heather Sulte was born in Boulder, Colorado and raised in Anchorage, Alaska since the age of two. She is a graduate of Service High School and completed her bachelors degree in Biochemistry from Seattle University in Washington state. She attended the UNMC School of Dentistry in Lincoln, Nebraska where she received her Doctor of Dental Surgery. Accompanied by her husband, Randy, and three kids, Dr. Sulte moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota where she completed her Masters Degree in Endodontics in 2004. After graduation, the Sulte family made their final move back to Alaska where Dr. Sulte entered into endodontic practice and enlarged the family once more with the addition of her youngest daughter. In seeing that four children and a growing practice was not challenging enough, she and Randy added three cats.....yes Dr. Sulte is a bit of a cat lady, but she loves dogs too!
Dr. Sultes favorite pastime is traveling the world and she has many more countries across the globe on her bucket list. Besides travel, her other favorite pastime is discovering new and different restaurants! She hates to cook and is the worlds fastest eater so she and Randy keep the Anchorage restaurant business booming. Dr. Sulte and Randy are now nearly empty nesters with only the youngest daughter at home attending Dimond High School. Her oldest daughter graduated from the Air Force Academy and is an A-10 (Warthog) pilot in the Air Force. Their second oldest daughter also graduated from the Air Force Academy and is a space operations officer in the Space Force. Their third born and only son has lived in Portland, OR since he was 13 years old playing soccer for the Portland Timbers Development Academy. In 2021 he signed a professional MLS contract with the Portland Timbers and is chasing his dream of becoming the worlds premier goalie!
The staff at Aspen Endodontics loves Dr. Sulte for her professionally upbeat and easy going personality and they cant help but chuckle when they hear her ask if it is too late to become an F22 Fighter Pilot. Overall, the goal of everyone at Aspen Endodontics is to dispel the myth of the horrible root canal one patient at a time and put a smile on your face after your first or fifteenth root canal!
Carrie is the first friendly face you will be greeted by. She is our Midwestern transplant that has made Anchorage and Aspen Endodontics her new home. After spending most of her professional career in veterinary medicine she decided she wanted to try working with patients that can talk back. When she isnt talking patients down from the dreaded root canal, she splits her time between Anchorage and her cabin down on the Peninsula. You can generally find her playing with her 2 Australian Shepherds(Calypson & Moosie) or fulfilling her need to wanderlust throughout this beautiful state. Carrie has always been an avid horseback rider and has a true passion for all of our 4 legged friends. Carrie and her husband have known each other since the 5th grade and have a daughter that currently attends college back in their home state of Michigan. She is a huge Patriots and Braves fan who enjoys traveling to catch a game when she can. We are lucky to have Carrie and encourage you to reach out to her with any questions.
Judy, eh? is our friendly Canadian transplant. She has lived in Alaska since 1976 and moved here from Mayo, Yukon Territory Canada. Since being in the United States, Judy has lived in Juneau, Anchorage and Kauai, HI. Judy is the mom of our crazy bunch and is always bringing in wonderful home cooked meals to share. She has been a dental assistant for over thirty years with specific emphasis in Endodontics over the last twenty years. She has brought her specialized experience to our team and has helped further strengthen our patient care. Judy enjoys cooking, hiking, crafts, reading and traveling. Aspen Endo is so lucky to have this beautiful, kind and caring lady!
Marina was born in Taganrog, Russia (you will have to ask her to pronounce that). She moved to Denver in 2004 where she studied dental assisting at Emily Griffith College. After spending 7 years working in the dental field and exploring beautiful Colorado, Marina decided she wanted to be able to see Russia from her backyard,so she and her family made the big move to Palmer, AK in 2011. When Marina is not making the long drive to Anchorage she enjoys knitting, gardening and playing outside with her spoiled Shiatsu and Malamute. Marina recently welcomed a beautiful little grandson and is loving every second of being a new grandmother. With over 15 years of dental assisting experience you will feel completely at ease with Marina by your side.
Brittney was born in Ketchikan, Alaska, and raised in Palmer, Alaska. She loves being a dental assistant, especially assisting with endodontics! It's mesmerizing to her to watch the Doctor do her thing. Brittney really enjoys being with her family along with her best friend. She likes to spend weekends out on her familys ocean boat and knitting in her spare time. If you mention Disney, she'll talk for hours! Brittney is a huge Disney fan and hopes to one day visit the international parks in Paris, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong!
Root canal treatment requires removing the nerve tissue and other tissues (called the pulp) from inside the tooth and its root(s). A local anesthetic will be given, and then a sheet called the 'rubber dam' will be placed around the tooth to keep it clean and dry during treatment. An opening is made through the chewing surface of the tooth to gain access to the tooths pulp. The contents of the root canals are removed and the canals are cleaned and shaped. The canals are then filled and sealed with a biologically compatible material called gutta percha. After root canal treatment, a temporary filling is placed and the tooth will then require timely placement of a final restoration (permanent filling and crown) to return it to proper function.
There are, of course, no guarantees. Root canal or endodontic therapy generally has a very high degree of success. Teeth that can be treated near ideal have a success rate up to ninety percent; however, the success rate depends upon the individual circumstances associated with the tooth prior to treatment. We will discuss the prognosis and expected degree of success before any endodontic procedure to help you make an informed decision.
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 is often felt in another tooth and/or in the head, neck, or ear. An endodontist is a specialist trained in diagnosing and treating this type of pain. The recommendation for treatment is based on visual and radiographic examination, as well as other diagnostic tests performed by the endodontist. Root canal treatment is often necessary because of pain, infection, decay, broken/fractured teeth as well as other extenuating factors. The intended benefit of root canal treatment is to relieve the current symptoms and/or to permit the continuation of any additional treatment the general dentist has proposed. Root canal treatment allows for the retention of the tooth and its root in the mouth, thereby permitting the tooth to be restored to function. .
Occasionally a tooth that has undergone endodontic, treatment fails to heal, or pain continues despite therapy. Although rare, a tooth initially responds to root canal therapy but becomes painful or diseased months or years later. When either of these situations occur, the tooth can often be maintained with a second endodontic treatment. Unfortunately, some teeth cannot be saved and the endodontist can help advise the parent of different treatment options if your tooth needs be removed.
Pulp damage is sometimes caused by a blow to the mouth, and the endodontist specializes in treating these traumatic injuries. For example, a blow to a child's permanent tooth that is not fully developed can cause the root to stop growing. A procedure called apexification stimulates dentin to be deposited at the end of the root which makes it possible to then save the tooth through a root canal procedure. Endodontists also are specially trained in procedures for replanting teeth that have been knocked out of their sockets. Because the outcome and overall prognosis is highly dependent upon the specific circumstances of the infury, the endodontist will gather all of the information and then advise the parent of the best treatment options available and the degree of success expected.
Once endodontic therapy is completed your doctor may decide to examine the tooth periodically, usually every 6 - 12 months, to ensure that it is healing properly. An abscess may take 2 years to heal, and we may continue to monitor the tooth over this time. We will provide a recall card to you at the end of treatment if Dr. Sulte judges that a recall visit is necessary for the specific circumstances regarding your tooth.
Reviews
Rating 4.8 out of 5 based on 60 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestKatylyn L
2 years ago
I should have written a review ages ago! I personally have not had work done here but my husband has and he said it was the most comfortable he has been during dental treatment. Clean office, phenomenal team, and an amazing doctor. Carrie is so pleasant to talk to on the phone and makes the scheduling SO EASY. Dr Sulte is so kind and so easy to be around. Definitely the place I will be recommending friends and family to and if I ever have to have a Root Canal Treatment done, this is where I'd go.
Bill Walker
2 years ago
If you have to get a root canal and want the most pleasant experience possible, go to Aspen Endodontics. Dr Heather Sulte sets the tone of being friendly, helpful and professional throughout the office which itself is very nice & inviting. My procedure was efficient and went very smoothly thanks to all of the modern technology and the outstanding professionals at Aspen Endodontics.
Tom Gimple
2 years ago
I'm guessing for most of us, the thought of a root canal is about as terrifying as anything you can go through. After having to go through 2 of them in the last 2 weeks, I can't imagine doing it anywhere other than Aspen Endodontics. Dr. Sulte and her staff have put together a process that starts with a thoughtful consultation and ends in ,at least in my case, two root canals that were easier than a having my teeth cleaned. I would recommend the office, the doctor and the support staff more than any office I have been to in Anchorage. If you need a doctor of endodonics, I think she and her office is an excellent choice. Thank you, Tom
Brian Byrd
2 years ago
First time I have given a dentist a hug. Excellent experience, I have a lifetime of dental work in my face, from across the country, smoothest visit, 10am back home before 1pm, best root canal so far? Lol.... great staff, dentist has fantastic eyebrows
Tom Gimple
3 years ago
I'm guessing for most of us, the thought of a root canal is about as terrifying as anything you can go through. After having to go through 2 of them in the last 2 weeks, I can't imagine doing it anywhere other than Aspen Endodontics. Dr. Sulte and her staff have put together a process that starts with a thoughtful consultation and ends in ,at least in my case, two root canals that were easier than a having my teeth cleaned. I would recommend the office, the doctor and the support staff more than any office I have been to in Anchorage. If you need a doctor of endodonics, I think she and her office is an excellent choice. Thank you, Tom
Natalie Boggs
3 years ago
Absolutely beautiful office, pleasant staff and professional team. I would recommend this office to anyone needing a root canal or related treatment.
Bill Walker
3 years ago
If you have to get a root canal and want the most pleasant experience possible, go to Aspen Endodontics. Dr Heather Sulte sets the tone of being friendly, helpful and professional throughout the office which itself is very nice & inviting. My procedure was efficient and went very smoothly thanks to all of the modern technology and the outstanding professionals at Aspen Endodontics.
Brian Byrd
3 years ago
First time I have given a dentist a hug. Excellent experience, I have a lifetime of dental work in my face, from across the country, smoothest visit, 10am back home before 1pm, best root canal so far? Lol.... great staff, dentist has fantastic eyebrows
Sheryl Lentfer, OD
3 years ago
The most comfortable and professional care I've ever received for a root canal. The experience there is fabulous, I've never had felt so comfortable and relaxed! Thank you Aspen Endodontics!
Fred Berestoff
3 years ago
I was referred to this place by my Alaskan Native health care provider after a sizable delay - 12+ months. When I arrived for my appointment, I went through the usual lengthy on boarding process where I supplied my name, address etc multiple times as I filled out my medical history and supplied them other information for insurance. When it was time for my appointment, the assistant started to ask me again my name, my address, and while I know they do this routinely , possibly for hippa reasons? I have never enjoyed "repeating myself " like this, and since I had literally just given them my information I let my frustration get the better of me and I asked them "why do they bother to make me fill out the forms if they were just going to ask me the same questions again." Apparently the oral surgeon was listening in on me, and stepped in to the exam room and told me that she was refusing to treat me because of the way I behaved. I was mortified, and honestly in tears. I had not intended to offend anyone, I was just feeling frustrated at the red tape. At their casual routine demand requiring that I give them my name over and over again, even though it is a tiny office. I would never recommend this place, and in particular I would not recommend this surgeon. I even tried to salvage the situation by promising to "behave" and she still refused. Told me that she didn't feel comfortable treating me and so I left. Its been 9 months since then, and I finally have an appointment to treat my abscessed tooth (I know 9 months!) All because I let my frustration get the better of me, and the dr's subsequent refusal to accept my apology and treat me. Update: To clarify, I have been actively seeking treatment for my tooth since you kicked me out of your clinic. It has actually taken this long to get my provider to finally agree to treat me again. I believe I had also tried to tell you this: (while in tears in the dentist chair) that your clinic was likely the last one I would be able to visit via my Alaska Native Health Care provider but again that fell on deaf ears. You told me then like you have here that "there are other oral surgeons in Anchorage". In fact however my infected tooth has gone untreated all this time even though I have been actively seeking treatment, so your comment that I am "finally" seeking treatment is also misleading. Hopefully my story will soften your heart when you decide to kick out patients, particularly Alaska Native ones that are referred to you via the Alaska Native Health System, which frankly I don't think should be spending their money on clinics like yours. Ironically your clinic is located in an Alaska Native Corporation owned facility, which again considering how you (refused to) treat me should reconsider what sort of businesses they allow to lease their space. And finally to address your comment about how you don't understand why I have taken 9 months to "leave a negative review" The fact that I am finally speaking out about what happened in your clinic after 9 months is because I am finally getting to see a Dr. again after an indescribable, lengthy and contention period of time where I have tried to explain to my local provider why I was refused treatment, and have been reflecting on my terrible, embarrassing, humiliating experience at your hands. I hope that you reflect a bit more on what I have said here, and maybe some future ANMC - referred "patient" of yours will not have to suffer months of infection, and the humiliation of being kicked out for asking impertinent questions at your clinic.
Natalie Boggs
3 years ago
Absolutely beautiful office, pleasant staff and professional team. I would recommend this office to anyone needing a root canal or related treatment.
Lori Tice
4 years ago
Painless re-root canal! Everyone was so professional and friendly. Couldn't be happier with work that was performed. I would recommend Dr. Heather to anyone.
Fred Berestoff
4 years ago
I was referred to this place by my Alaskan Native health care provider after a sizable delay - 12+ months. When I arrived for my appointment, I went through the usual lengthy on boarding process where I supplied my name, address etc multiple times as I filled out my medical history and supplied them other information for insurance. When it was time for my appointment, the assistant started to ask me again my name, my address, and while I know they do this routinely , possibly for hippa reasons? I have never enjoyed "repeating myself " like this, and since I had literally just given them my information I let my frustration get the better of me and I asked them "why do they bother to make me fill out the forms if they were just going to ask me the same questions again." Apparently the oral surgeon was listening in on me, and stepped in to the exam room and told me that she was refusing to treat me because of the way I behaved. I was mortified, and honestly in tears. I had not intended to offend anyone, I was just feeling frustrated at the red tape. At their casual routine demand requiring that I give them my name over and over again, even though it is a tiny office. I would never recommend this place, and in particular I would not recommend this surgeon. I even tried to salvage the situation by promising to "behave" and she still refused. Told me that she didn't feel comfortable treating me and so I left. Its been 9 months since then, and I finally have an appointment to treat my abscessed tooth (I know 9 months!) All because I let my frustration get the better of me, and the dr's subsequent refusal to accept my apology and treat me. Update: To clarify, I have been actively seeking treatment for my tooth since you kicked me out of your clinic. It has actually taken this long to get my provider to finally agree to treat me again. I believe I had also tried to tell you this: (while in tears in the dentist chair) that your clinic was likely the last one I would be able to visit via my Alaska Native Health Care provider but again that fell on deaf ears. You told me then like you have here that "there are other oral surgeons in Anchorage". In fact however my infected tooth has gone untreated all this time even though I have been actively seeking treatment, so your comment that I am "finally" seeking treatment is also misleading. Hopefully my story will soften your heart when you decide to kick out patients, particularly Alaska Native ones that are referred to you via the Alaska Native Health System, which frankly I don't think should be spending their money on clinics like yours. Ironically your clinic is located in an Alaska Native Corporation owned facility, which again considering how you (refused to) treat me should reconsider what sort of businesses they allow to lease their space. And finally to address your comment about how you don't understand why I have taken 9 months to "leave a negative review" The fact that I am finally speaking out about what happened in your clinic after 9 months is because I am finally getting to see a Dr. again after an indescribable, lengthy and contention period of time where I have tried to explain to my local provider why I was refused treatment, and have been reflecting on my terrible, embarrassing, humiliating experience at your hands. I hope that you reflect a bit more on what I have said here, and maybe some future ANMC - referred "patient" of yours will not have to suffer months of infection, and the humiliation of being kicked out for asking impertinent questions at your clinic.
Sheryl Lentfer, OD
4 years ago
The most comfortable and professional care I've ever received for a root canal. The experience there is fabulous, I've never had felt so comfortable and relaxed! Thank you Aspen Endodontics!
James Petersen
4 years ago
Dr. Sulte and the Aspen staff are terrific.
Barbara Nealis
4 years ago
We are on a cruise and docked here in Anchorage, but my poor husband ended up needing a root canal. Not only was the office staff here amazing and welcoming and caring, the dentist was professional and caring. What a miracle we found this office. Someone was watching over us today! We totally recommend this office, and we thank them for being so caring to two weary travelers.
Richard Girard
4 years ago
Fantastic job. Doctor Sulte is an excellent Endodontst. The facility is state of the art. Highly reccomend Aspen Endodontics.
Travis Denevan
4 years ago
I've had considerable dental work done in my life and Dr Sulte was fantastic on my final (hopefully) root canal. Very clean, prompt, and as pain free as a root canal can be. Very intuitive to a patients needs and pain mitigation even when you're mid-process. I would absolutely return for any challenging dental work as the staff is top notch! Two thumbs up from me.
Christy Widman
4 years ago
I had such a good experience with Heather Sulte and her team! I was able to watch the whole procedure and it was so fascinating!
Lori Tice
4 years ago
Painless re-root canal! Everyone was so professional and friendly. Couldn't be happier with work that was performed. I would recommend Dr. Heather to anyone.
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