Endodontic FAQ's

Endodontics is a branch of dentistry, recognized by the American Dental Association, involving the treatment of the pulp (root canal) and surrounding tissues of the tooth. When you look at your tooth in the mirror, what you see is the crown. The rest of the tooth, the portion hidden beneath the gum line, is called the root. Though the outer portion of the root is a hard tissue called dentin, the inside channel or “root canal” contains a pulp of soft tissue, blood vessels and nerves. Bacteria that are introduced into the pulp as a result of tooth decay, periodontal disease, tooth fracture or other problems, can severely damage the pulp. When that happens, an endodontic specialist removes the diseased pulp to save the tooth and prevent further infection and inflammation. After successful endodontic treatment, the tooth continues to perform normally.

Dr. Katie requires a scan on each of her patients as a standard of care in our office. This scan provides a 3D image that can be rotated and viewed from any angle. This allows her to see the tooth in question in much greater detail. It allows her to gauge the health of the surrounding bone, the depth and number of the roots, and map out the best route to clean out each of the canals. This incredibly valuable tool is part of how Dr. Katie is able to provide her patients top quality care.

No. While x-rays will be necessary during your endodontic treatment, we use an advanced, non-film, computerized system called digital photography, that produces radiation levels up to 90 percent lower than those of already low dose conventional dental x-ray machinery. These digital images can be optimized, archived, printed, and sent to referring doctors via e-mail.

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

When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your referring dentist. You should contact your referring dentist’s office for a follow-up appointment for restoration within a few weeks of completion at our office. Your restorative dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your teeth. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment. However, if a problem does occur, we are available at all times to respond.

No! We accept all insurances, but we are out of network for all but Delta Dental. If we are out of network for your insurance, we will file the insurance claim on your behalf as a non-assigned claim. This means that rather than paying us, your insurance will send you payment. So you will take care of the full bill in our office, and then receive the payment from your insurance directly. If you would like to know what your insurance covers, you can call our office to get the procedure codes, and then contact your insurance company for an estimate of what they will pay.

Of course! We would love to see you, and assist you with your dental health. We can always send the report back to your dentist when the treatment is over so that your follow up appointment will go smoothly.