What is an endodontist?
An Endodontist is a dentist who has undergone a minimum of two (2) years of extra postgraduate training. This Specialist training allows an endodontist to:
- deal with diseases of the dental pulp and supporting structures
- diagnose facial pain and related problems.
Your general dentist sometimes refers patients for consultation when the diagnosis is complicated or when treatment is more difficult than normal. Aside from providing treatment, Dr. Dubin’s role is also that of educator. It is important that patients understand why they require treatment, what treatment involves and what they can do to ensure the best possible outcome. Dr. Dubin believes that a properly informed patient has the best chance of achieving the optimal result.
What is endodontics?
Endodontics is a specialty of Dentistry that deals with diseases of the dental pulp and its supporting structures. Endodontists are Dentists with special post-graduate training in this field. Endodontists are also experienced at finding the cause of oral and facial pain that has been difficult to diagnose.
Although General Dentists can perform Endodontic treatment, patients are often referred to an Endodontist when the case is complicated or more difficult than usual.
Why would I need endodontic treatment?
Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp becomes inflammed or infected. The most common reasons for inflammation or infection are deep cavities (caries), repeated dental procedures, cracks or chips. Trauma can also cause inflammation and often shows up as discoloration of the tooth. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.
How can endodontic treatment help me?
The Endodontist removes the inflammed or infected pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the canal system and then seals the prepared space. Most treatment is now performed in a single appointment ranging from 30-90 minutes (depending on the number of canals). Once treatment is completed, you may be instructed to return to your dentist for permanent reconstruction. The restoration of the tooth is an important part of treatment because it seals the cleaned canals from the oral environment, protects the tooth and restores it to function.
What caused my root canal system infection?
Finding out the origin of your root canal system infection will help you determine the viable treatment options for resolving your infection, as well as help you take steps toward preventing the need for root canal therapy in the future.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Indications for treatment include prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth, swelling or tenderness of the tooth or adjacent gums. Sometimes there are no symptoms.
Is a root canal procedure absolutely necessary?
If you have a root canal system infection, you absolutely must seek treatment as it will not resolve itself. However, you do have treatment options to get rid of the infection. While extraction is always an option, it’s the last any endodontist will recommend in cases where the tooth can be saved—saving your natural teeth is always the best option.
To increase your chances of success from the start, you can opt to treat your root canal system infection with the GentleWave® Procedure. The GentleWave Procedure is the root canal therapy option so effective at cleaning the root canal system, there’s even less chance of failure over time. The high-tech fluid delivery and circulation process of the GentleWave Procedure provides unsurpassed cleaning and disinfection of the root canal system, while the minimally invasive protocol helps preserve more of the natural tooth structure and promote fast healing.
Will the treatment be painful?
We will take every measure to ensure that your procedure is in no way uncomfortable or painful. If treatment is needed, we will inject a small amount of anesthesia to gently numb a concentrated area of your mouth. For most patients, the feeling of numbness usually subsides after 2-3 hours.
Will I need to return to your office for follow-ups after the procedure is finished?
Yes, for most root canal treatments, we recommend that patients return to the office 1 year after the procedure was finished. Our office will send a reminder notice to you when you are due for a recall appointment.
What are the fees?
Our fees are based on the complexity of your individual case. We will provide you with a range which is usually between $800 and $1500 dollars. Payment is expected at the time of treament.
If you have dental insurance: For examination fees we expect you to pay at the time of the exam – we will submit any insurance forms for you. If you need treatment, we prefer you pay at the time of treatment. If you are unable, we will attempt to estimate your coverage. You will be responsible for your estimated portion at the time of treatment. We will bill you if your insurance company pays less or we will send you a check if they pay more than what we have estimated.
Please remember that your insurance is a contract between you and the insurance company and that you are ultimately responsible for the entire cost of treatment.