FAQs

The procedure of root canal therapy is the process of removing unhealthy tissue from the space within the tooth. During this process the tooth is disinfected to remove inflammation or infection. After the canal space is cleaned and dried, it is filled with a root canal filling material to minimize the re-entry of bacteria. Root canal treatment, if indicated, allows you to preserve your natural tooth in a healthy functional state.

Our Doctors and Their assistants use the microscope throughout every aspect of your procedure. The microscope provides optimum visibility and illumination to give you the best treatment outcome possible. Microscopes are essential in providing endodontic treatment at the highest level, and they have numerous clinical benefits:

The microscope allows for the use of smaller instruments and more precision during treatment. Conservation of tooth structure is the key to the best, longest-lasting outcomes.
The increased magnification of the microscope allows our Doctors to minimize the size of the operative site, thereby minimizing healing time.

The microscope allows our Doctors to identify tooth canals and locate problems such as cracks and root fractures.

The use of the microscope increases efficiency and often saves you from additional and more complex procedures.

More than half of the root canals done in this office are done in one visit. Many are done in two visits due to severe pain, swelling, persistent drainage or complex anatomy. A second or third visit does not mean you will need to pay more. It just means that we want to give you the best quality root canal regardless of the number of visits it will require.

Our Doctors will inform you of if any additional treatment is needed from our office or from your general dentist’s office. Often root canal treated teeth will require a crown to be done by your general dentist.

Yes. For most root canal treatments, we recommend that patients return to the office 6 months, one year and yearly in certain insitances after the procedure was finished. Our office will send a reminder notice to you when you are due for a recall appointment. There is no charge for this visit.

A root canal treated tooth will not have any hot or cold sensitivity, but could be tender to touching or biting for a few days, possibly up to a month. After the root canal, your body begins the healing process and your tooth will become more comfortable over time.

Weston Endodontic Care is affiliated with a number of insurance companies. If we are not a provider for your insurance do not worry, as we will also submit to non-network insurances. As our fees are quite reasonable, the out of pocket expense for most insured patients are comparable to a “participating provider” office.

Our staff will help you determine your exact insurance benefits at the time of your consultation.

For our patients without dental insurance, it is our policy that at least half of the fee associated with your dental care is paid for at the time of the evaluation. For our patients that do have dental insurance, we will contact your insurance company before we provide any treatment. In most cases they will provide us with basic information about your insurance benefits and may give us an estimate of how much of the cost they will cover. That way, we will be able to give you an estimate of your out of pocket cost. Some plans may require a higher out of pocket payment.

Please keep in mind that all insurance companies are different and their coverage greatly varies, but we will do our best to maximize your insurance’s benefits. We will gladly file an insurance claim for the treatment rendered and you will be reimbursed if your insurance company provides payment for the visit. We will file your insurance claim that same day to expedite payment. If the insurance reimbursement is less than the pre-estimated amount, you will be responsible for the balance. If the insurance payment is more than the estimated amount, you will be reimbursed at the completion of your treatment or soon thereafter.

The alternative to root canal treatment is removal of the tooth. Once the pulp is affected beyond its ability to heal, it will lead to either an inflammatory response or an infective reaction. Neither is healthy, and both require some form of treatment. While some people prefer extraction, it is usually advisable to keep your natural tooth, if possible.