At Houston Endodontic Specialists, we understand the anxiety that comes with knowing you have to have a root canal procedure done. Rest assured, our goal is not to cause you pain but to relieve it!
In order to answer any questions you may have about endodontics and about your appointment with us, we have compiled the most common questions we have heard from our patients over the years and answered them here for you. Of course, if you have other concerns, you can always call our office during business hours, and a member of our caring and competent office staff will be available to assist you.
How can I prepare for my first appointment?
To save you time and ensure you provide as much information as possible, you may download and complete all forms, including a medical history questionnaire, dental insurance information and HIPPA acknowledgement, prior to your appointment then bring them with you to your appointment.
If you choose to fill out the forms during your visit, please arrive early so that you have time to accurately and thoroughly complete them. Be sure to bring a list of your medications as well as your insurance information. Also, if you have been advised by your doctor to take antibiotics prior to your dental appointment due to mitral valve prolapse, heart murmur, recent hip or cardiac prosthesis placement or a history of rheumatic heart disease, follow the instructions for pre-medication as usual.
What will my visit be like?
Your experience with Houston Endodontic Specialists begins the minute you walk into our office. Our office managers will welcome you and happily assist you in filling out the necessary paperwork for your treatment. To save you time and ensure you provide as much information as possible, you may download and complete all forms, including a medical history questionnaire, dental insurance information and HIPPA acknowledgement, prior to your appointment.
If you choose to fill out the forms during your visit, please arrive early so that you have time to accurately and thoroughly complete them. In order to fill out the medical history form completely, please be sure to have a list of your medications on hand. Also, if you have been advised by your doctor to take antibiotics prior to your dental appointment due to mitral valve prolapse, heart murmur, recent hip or cardiac prosthesis placement or a history of rheumatic heart disease, please be sure to follow the instructions for pre-medication as usual.
Once we have received your insurance information, our staff will confirm your dental coverage and clearly communicate your benefits. If root canal treatment is started on your first visit, half of the treatment fee is due the same day. Our office will assist you in filing the appropriate insurance forms, and if the insurance sends payment for more than half of the treatment amount we will send you a refund check. If the insurance sends less than half of the treatment amount, we will send you a bill for the balance of the treatment.
After completing all forms, one of our endodontic specialists will examine you. If you require a root canal, we may treat the offending tooth during your visit. After your root canal treatment, we will give you instructions on caring for your tooth and how to minimize post-operative discomfort. Should you have any questions or concerns throughout the process, our endodontists are always accessible by phone at 713-461-1116 and mobile numbers given during your appointment.
What can I expect during my treatment?
During your initial visit, we will perform a thorough evaluation which includes necessary x-rays and specific testing depending on your symptoms. After your exam, one of our endodontic specialists will discuss your diagnosis, treatment plan and answer any questions. If a root canal is indicated, we can begin treatment during your first visit.
The first step we take in endodontic treatment is to administer local anesthesia and access the root canal system through the crown or chewing surface of your tooth. Once we locate the root canal(s), we remove the affected tissue and prepare the space for root canal filling. The filling material we most commonly use is gutta percha, a soft, pliable material that can conform under pressure to fill the canal space effectively.
In between appointments we will place a temporary filling in the access opening of the tooth and over the root canal system so that you may continue to function normally until the root canal therapy is complete.
Once the root canal therapy is complete, you may return to your general dentist for a filling, a buildup or a crown.
What can I expect following my root canal treatment?
How safe is a root canal procedure?
With the latest advancements in root canal therapy, you can feel confident that you will receive a safe and virtually pain-free experience during each step of your treatment. Accurate diagnosis of the cause(s) of your symptoms is the first step we take in devising a treatment plan that fits your immediate dental needs. During your treatment, we skillfully employ advanced instruments to perform your procedure while using the safest agents and materials to clean the root canal system and prevent infection.
Can my infected tooth cause a general body infection?
Root canal infections may spread to the bone immediately surrounding the root, but the infection usually remains localized to the area. In very rare cases, the infection may spread beyond the root canal, but if you are healthy, you likely have nothing to worry about. If you experience pain in your tooth or your dentist recommends endodontic therapy – don’t wait! Schedule your appointment today. It is much safer to take care of or prevent an infection as early as possible, even before you feel pain.
What are the symptoms of a root canal infection?
You may experience inflammation and/or infection of the pulp tissue and notice swelling, prolonged sensitivity to temperature changes, or tooth pain upon chewing. If the inflammation or infection does not show any clinical symptoms, your dentist will diagnose the disease with x-rays and send them to us. We then use our expertise and highly advanced equipment to uncover the symptoms undetectable by any other means and develop a treatment plan that makes sense for your specific case.
How much will my root canal procedure cost?
Every patient’s dental need is different, so the cost will depend on the recommended treatment. However, once your treatment plan has been determined by your endodontic specialist, we are more than happy to answer any questions regarding the cost of your procedures, how much your insurance will cover and what you will pay out-of-pocket.
