Why is Root Canal Therapy needed?
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 injury to the area. Root canal treatment, if indicated, allows you to preserve your natural tooth in a healthy state rather than substituting it with an artificial tooth.
Will the treatment be painful?
Modern anesthetics have revolutionized pain control in endodontic treatment. The stereotypic phrase, "as painful as a root canal," no longer holds true because of the scientific advances in pain control through anesthesia.
We will take every measure to ensure that your procedure is in no way uncomfortable or painful. If treatment is needed, Dr. Pafford will gently inject a small amount of anesthetic to numb a concentrated area of your mouth. For most patients, the feeling of numbness usually subsides after 2-3 hours. Please let the staff know what can be done to make your appointment stress-free.
My dentist has taken x-rays. Will I need any more?
We will take radiographs (x-rays) during your consultation. If you have any x-rays that were taken by your dentist, please bring them with you. Dr. Pafford uses the latest digital x-ray technology which reduces your radiation exposure by up to 85%. No matter what treatment you have in our office, we will only take the radiographs necessary to diagnose and treat your tooth in order to provide the best possible outcome.
Do you take my insurance?
Yes, we accept payment from all insurance companies. Your treatment is customized to your exact needs so that we can provide you with the best possible care. Due to insurance regulations we are not able to submit for payment until your treatment is complete; therefore, we ask for one half of the cost of the procedure at the time of treatment. From there we will submit a claim to your insurance company and most of the time they cover the remaining balance. We also offer financing options through Care Credit. Ultimately the patient is responsible for all fees. Our policy is outlined in greater detail and will be explained further at your first appointment.
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 one year after the procedure was finished. There are no charges for these appointments. Our office will send a reminder notice to you when you are due for a recall appointment.
Would I ever need endodontic retreatment?
Occasionally, a tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment fails to heal or pain continues despite therapy. Although rare, sometimes a tooth initially responds to root canal therapy but becomes painful or diseased months or years later. When either of these situations occurs, the tooth can often be maintained with a second endodontic treatment.
What if I decide NOT to have a root canal?
The alternative to root canal treatment is removal of the tooth from the mouth. Once the pulp is affected beyond its ability to heal, it will lead to either an inflammatory response or an infective reaction. Neither are healthy, and both require some form of treatment. While some people prefer extraction, it is usually advisable to keep your natural tooth, if possible.