Endodontic Questions, Answered Honestly
What Patients Ask Us Most
Getting referred to an endodontist raises a lot of questions, most of them about pain, cost, and what actually happens in the chair. We've answered the ones we hear most often below, organized by topic. If you don't see what you're looking for, just call one of our five offices. We're happy to talk through your situation before your first appointment.
About Endodontics
An endodontist is a dental specialist who focuses exclusively on diagnosing and treating problems that affect the inside of the tooth, including the pulp, nerves, and root canal system. After completing dental school, endodontists complete two or more additional years of advanced specialty training. That focused experience means they perform significantly more root canals and endodontic procedures than general dentists, and they use equipment specifically designed for the work, including operating microscopes and cone beam CT imaging that most general practices don't have.
Root Canal Treatment
Modern root canal treatment is not a painful procedure. It relieves pain. The area is fully numbed before treatment begins, and most patients say the experience is no worse than getting a filling. Some mild soreness in the area for a day or two afterward is normal and typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. If you've been living with tooth pain, a root canal is very likely to bring significant relief.
Endodontic Retreatment
Endodontic retreatment is the process of re-treating a tooth that was previously treated with a root canal but hasn't healed properly or has developed a new problem. We remove the original root canal filling material, re-examine the canals under high magnification, address whatever is causing the issue, and reseal the tooth. It gives the tooth a second chance at long-term survival.
Cost and Insurance
Cost depends on which tooth is being treated and how complex the case is. A single-canal front tooth is generally less expensive than a multi-canal molar. An apicoectomy or retreatment will be priced separately if needed. Our team provides a written estimate before treatment begins so you know exactly what to expect.
Your Visit
Bring your insurance card, a list of your current medications, and any dental records or X-rays your referring dentist has provided. Plan to arrive a few minutes early to complete any remaining paperwork. If your dentist sent records directly to our office, we'll have them ready when you arrive.