FAQs

The innermost tissue of the tooth, or the dental pulp, may become damaged by bacteria associated with past or present dental decay, a crack, or a past traumatic blow to the area.  Root canal treatment allows you to preserve your natural tooth in a healthy state rather than substituting it with an artificial tooth.

As occasionally happens with any dental or medical procedure, a tooth may not heal as expected after initial treatment for a variety of reasons.  If the root canal space becomes reinfected by bacteria due to decay or not having the tooth permanently restored after the initial root canal a retreatment of the previous root canal is necessary. 

Many endodontic procedures are performed to relieve the pain of toothaches caused by pulpal inflammation or infection. With modern techniques and advances in research on local anesthetics, most patients report that they do not experience any discomfort during the procedure.  We will do everything we can to make your visit as comfortable as possible.

For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can generally be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications.

An endodontist is a dentist that has undergone 2 to 3 years of additional advanced training following dental school to specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of all root canal procedures.  Because they limit their practices to endodontics, they treat these types of advanced problems every day.  Endodontists use their special training and experience to treat difficult cases, such as unusual anatomy, painful teeth, and narrow or blocked canals.

Endodontic services vary greatly due to the nature and complexity of the procedure.  The fee for your endodontic treatment will be based on the type of treatment required and the tooth requiring treatment.  During your first visit we will discuss the probable number of visits, their length, and the fees involved.  It is our policy that fees are due the same day as treatment is rendered.

We understand that a signficant number of our patients rely on dental insurance to cover most of their dental needs.  Our staff is committed to working with you and your insurance company to maximize your insurance benefits. 

Depending on the tooth being treated and the type of work being done you may be required to return to your general dentist for further restorative treatment like a new crown or a permanent filling.  In general, you will need a crown on a molar or premolar tooth after a root canal is performed.  You will be informed at your appointment if you need to return to your dentist for restorative work or if we placed a permanent restoration in your tooth.  If you cannot remember what our recommendation was after receiving treatment please contact our office as failure to have your tooth permanently restored can lead to reinfection and possible fracture.

Depending on the tooth being treated and the type of work being done you may be required to return to your general dentist for further restorative treatment like a new crown or a permanent filling.  In general, you will need a crown on a molar or premolar tooth after a root canal is performed.  You will be informed at your appointment if you need to return to your dentist for restorative work or if we placed a permanent restoration in your tooth.  If you cannot remember what our recommendation was after receiving treatment please contact our office as failure to have your tooth permanently restored can lead to reinfection and possible fracture.

Depending on the tooth being treated and the type of work being done you may be required to return to your general dentist for further restorative treatment like a new crown or a permanent filling.  In general, you will need a crown on a molar or premolar tooth after a root canal is performed.  You will be informed at your appointment if you need to return to your dentist for restorative work or if we placed a permanent restoration in your tooth.  If you cannot remember what our recommendation was after receiving treatment please contact our office as failure to have your tooth permanently restored can lead to reinfection and possible fracture.

Depending on the tooth being treated and the type of work being done you may be required to return to your general dentist for further restorative treatment like a new crown or a permanent filling.  In general, you will need a crown on a molar or premolar tooth after a root canal is performed.  You will be informed at your appointment if you need to return to your dentist for restorative work or if we placed a permanent restoration in your tooth.  If you cannot remember what our recommendation was after receiving treatment please contact our office as failure to have your tooth permanently restored can lead to reinfection and possible fracture.

Depending on the tooth being treated and the type of work being done you may be required to return to your general dentist for further restorative treatment like a new crown or a permanent filling.  In general, you will need a crown on a molar or premolar tooth after a root canal is performed.  You will be informed at your appointment if you need to return to your dentist for restorative work or if we placed a permanent restoration in your tooth.  If you cannot remember what our recommendation was after receiving treatment please contact our office as failure to have your tooth permanently restored can lead to reinfection and possible fracture.