FAQ

What is an endodontist?

An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in saving teeth by performing root canal therapy. Your family dentist is referring you to an endodontist because of his or her personal concern that you receive the highest quality care possible. An endodontist is a valuable partner on your general dentists team of trusted experts and is no different than a medical specialist who provides expert advice for heart, bone or other health concerns.

A dentist becomes an endodontist by completing two or more years of advanced endodontic training in addition to dental school. An endodontists entire training focuses on root canals, and therefore he or she is an expert at managing and relieving tooth pain, diagnosing oral and facial pain, treating traumatic injuries, and performing root canal therapy quickly and comfortably.

Do Root Canals Hurt?

In spite of what you may have heard, modern root canal treatment is similar to having a filling and can usually be completed in one appointment. Following treatment, you’ll feel some tenderness in the tooth or in your jaw. Over-the-counter pain medication will often resolve these temporary symptoms. You can expect a comfortable experience during your appointment.

How much will it cost?

The fees associated with root canal treatment depend upon the difficulty of the tooth with molars typically being more challenging than anterior teeth. The cost of root canal treatment is considerably lower than alternative treatments such as a bridge or dental implant.

We attempt to make every effort to offer payment options that will allow you to stay within your budget. We offer a 3% courtesy discount for all payments made in full by cash or check. For your convenience, we also accept Visa and MasterCard. In addition, we offer interest-free financing for 6-12 months with no down payment to qualified patients through convenient 3rd party billing. We will gladly submit your insurance claims, however, we do ask that your estimated portion be due at the time of service.

What happens after treatment?

When your root canal therapy has been completed, x-rays and a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. You will need to contact their office for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of completion at our office. Your restorative dentist will decide what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth.

It is uncommon for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available to respond.

Should I be worried about x-rays?

No. While x-rays will be necessary during your endodontics treatment, we use an advanced non-film computerized system, called digital radiography, which produces radiation levels up to 75 percent lower than conventional dental x-ray machinery. These digital images can be optimized and displayed on large computer screens, enhancing patient communication.

What about infection control?

Again, there’s no need for concern. We adhere to the most rigorous standards of infection control advocated by OSHA, the Centers for Disease Control and the American Dental Association. We utilize autoclave sterilization and barrier techniques to eliminate any risk of infection.