What Geoff Fox, WTNH Channel 8 Action News Weather Forecaster, has to say about his root canal treatment ..[read more]

Root Canal Treatment

1. Endodontic (Root Canal) Treatment is the specialty of dentistry concerned with eliminating infection from the root canals of teeth and restoring the supporting tissues to health. Its purpose is to save teeth that have been so badly damaged by decay, fracture, abscess, etc. that usual dental procedures can no longer be employed. Retaining a tooth with endodontic treatment is in most cases far better than extraction and replacing the missing tooth with a prosthetic device. See the benefits of Root Canal Therapy.

2. Endodontic (Root Canal) Treatment is usually not uncomfortable. However, reactions such as tenderness or swelling may occur between visits.

3. Endodontic (Root Canal) Treatment is successful in over 90% of the cases treated. If a less favorable prognosis is anticipated, or if difficulty arises during treatment, it will be discussed with you. If healing does not take place, further procedures may be employed to save the tooth.

4. Before Endodontic (Root Canal) Treatment is started your tooth will be examined and the treatment explained. You will be informed of the fee and the approximate number of appointments needed for proper treatment. You will, of course, have the opportunity to ask any questions you might have.

5. Endodontic (Root Canal) Treatment is performed to relieve the pain of toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection. With modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure.

6. After completion of Endodontic (Root Canal) Treatment, you will be referred back to your dentist who will place the final restoration (filling). Often your dentist will recommend a crown (cap) or onlay to protect your tooth. Your dentist will set a separate fee for the final restoration.

7. You will be recalled after treatment to check for complete healing. These check-up visits are most often after one year and generally take just a few minutes. There is no additional fee for this service.

8. If a problem arises during treatment, please feel free to call this office. You may be secure in the knowledge that one of us will always be available to resolve your problem or answer your questions.

The following information concerns this office's policy on fees:

1. The fees vary with the difficulty and complexity of treatment.

2. The initial payment is one half of the fee and the balance is due by completion of treatment.

3. If you have any questions or problems regarding payment, please discuss them with us so that suitable arrangements can be made.

4. To our patients with dental insurance: Insurance companies and union plans with whom you deal are obligated to you, not to the doctor. You pay them for a contract to cover part or all of your dental expenses and they are responsible to you to the extent spelled out in your contract. You are personally responsible to the doctor for the services rendered. You are therefore expected to pay the quoted fee to this office. Upon completion of treatment, we will be happy to assist completing the necessary forms so that your plan can properly reimburse you.