Knowing what to expect while having a root canal can help ease a lot of anxiety and answer questions that you as a patient or caregiver may have. Please see below for some of the more common questions, but don’t hesitate to ask us if you have any additional questions not covered below.
According to the American Association of Endodontists, the perception of root canals being painful began decades ago when some root canal procedures were indeed painful. Today, thanks to modern technology, better anesthetics, and Dr. Schaefer’s gentle hands, patients report a pleasant experience that is pain-free. In fact, it is not uncommon for some of Dr. Schaefer's patients to fall asleep (naturally) during the procedure!
Many endodontic procedures are performed to relieve the pain of toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection. Through this procedure, endodontists understand a great deal about pain management.
- During treatment, we will take every measure to ensure that your procedure is in no way uncomfortable or painful. We will use 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.
- Post-treatment, you should expect very little discomfort, but over-the-counter pain medications can almost always address any sensitivity should you experience any. In some cases, prescription medications may be necessary and Dr. Schaefer can prescribe them as necessary.
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.
Your endodontic therapy appointment will begin with a consultation thoroughly explaining your diagnosis and treatment options. With our office's cutting edge technology, treatment is often possible on the same day of your consultation. However, a complex medical history or treatment plan may require an appointment on another day for the actual treatment.
Your dental benefits are defined by a contract negotiated between you, your employer and your insurance carrier. Please read the benefit or insurance plan booklet provided by your employer so that you better understand your benefits. Various dental plans cover endodontic procedures at different payment levels and, as a result, your payment portion may vary.
Having a crown does not cause the need for root canal therapy. If a tooth with a crown needs a root canal, it is likely due to injury to pulpal tissues from deep decay, fractures, or other trauma. Further, a root canal on a crowned tooth has the same success prognosis as that done on a tooth without a crown.
Every patient is different. Generally speaking, however, if you have your tooth properly restored, maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist for regular checkups, your natural tooth can last for the rest of your life!
A severe toothache may indicate the need for root canal treatment. However, the level of tooth pain is not the only indication that a root canal may be needed. If pain is minimal or non-existent, the pulp could still be damaged or infected and require a root canal to save it. This is why your dentist referred you to an endodontist, who is specially trained to examine the tooth and treat it if necessary.
Your natural teeth are very important for proper eating and chewing functions. Root canal treatment helps you keep them for as long as possible, and can avoid the hassle (and can be less expensive) than alternatives such as dentures, partial dentures, dental implants and fixed dental bridges. This may be why your dentist referred you to our office!
A root canal removes the pulp of your tooth that has become inflamed or infected. After this process, the tooth can be at risk of fracturing until a permanent restoration is done by your general dentist. This will help to protect your tooth from fracturing and prevent the root canal space from becoming contaminated with bacteria.
Our office adheres 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 significantly any risk of infection.
Our office will work with you to maximize your benefits for covered procedures. Understanding how dental insurance works can be difficult and varies by plan and employer, so we recommend you consult your employee benefits handbook for full details about your specific plan. However, we can share a few general facts that may answer some of your questions:
- Dental insurance is a complex contract between your employer and a dental insurance company. Dental offices are not part of that negotiation.
- Dental insurance, generally, does not pay all costs of service.
- Dental insurance, generally, does not pay for every type of service performed.
- Most dental plans have a limited amount per year that they will pay for dental services. Once that limit has been reached, the patient is responsible for full payment of services until the plan renews.
- Because these terms of the insurance are between you, your employer and your insurance carrier, the dental office has no control or influence regarding the coverage you receive from your insurance carrier.
- A patient’s dental office can use your information to estimate the patient's portion of the payment responsibility. This is only an estimate since insurance companies do not guarantee quotes over the phone.
- A patient’s dental office can file the dental claim on behalf of the patient after the service is performed. The exact amount of the patient’s precise financial responsibility is then determined by the dental insurance company after the claim has been filed.
- Before insurance provides reimbursement, the dental office may charge a fee for services to cover the patients' financial responsibility (out-of-pocket expenses). It is due to the dental office at the time of service.
- A patient’s dental office can issue a final statement to the patient after the insurance company has determined final benefits, but most questions regarding your statement amounts are best directed to the insurance company or employer’s benefits representative.
- Patients are fully responsible for all fees charged by this office regardless of your payment method or insurance coverage.