Below are some of the most frequently asked questions.
Reason 1: Experience
On average, endodontists perform nearly 25 root canal treatments a week, while general dentists perform less than two.
Reason 2: Efficiency
Because they limit their practice solely to endodontic treatment, endodontists are efficient and precise. This equates to positive experiences and faster healing.
Reason 3: Availability
Most endodontists offer tremendous flexibility in accommodating emergency cases, so delays in treatment are kept to a minimum and patients can be relieved of dental pain quickly.
Reason 4: Advanced Technology
Many endodontists use state-of-the-art technology such as operating microscopes, digital imaging, ultrasonic instrumentation and fiber optics, to treat their patients quickly and comfortably.
Today, getting root canal treatment is often no more uncomfortable than having a filling.
Your initial appointment will consist of a consultation explaining your diagnosis and treatment options. Generally, treatment can be done the same day as the consultation. However, a complex medical history or treatment plan will require an evaluation and a second appointment to provide treatment on another day.
Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your consultation:
- Your referral slip and any X-rays if applicable.
- A list of medications you are presently taking.
- If you have dental insurance, please have this information available at the time your appointment is made. This will save time and allow us to help you process any claims.
- Your completed Patient Information Forms.
IMPORTANT: A parent or guardian must accompany all patients under 18 at the consultation visit.
Please alert the office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern prior to surgery (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves and joints, rheumatic fever, etc.) or if you are on any medication (i.e. heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.) or require medication prior to dental cleanings (i.e antibiotics, for pre-med.)
X-RAYS
We must take our own x-rays for our digital records. Therefore, it is not necessary to bring your general dentist’s x-rays; however, if your general dentist wants us to see a previous x-ray taken at his/her office, please bring those to your appointment.
PATIENT BILLING
As a courtesy to our patients, we will gladly file your insurance claims. We estimate your portion of the total fee based entirely on the information your insurance company gives us. We then require payment of your estimated portion at the time of treatment.
For your convenience we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and Care Credit, as well as cash and checks. We deliver the finest care at the most reasonable cost to our patients, therefore payment is due at the time service is rendered unless other arrangements have been made in advance. If you have questions regarding your account, please contact our office at:
- Endodontics of Greater St. Louis Phone Number (636) 379-4500 in Dardenne Prairie
- Endodontics of West County phone (314) 991-5850 in St. Louis
- Endodontics of Arnold phone (636) 223-7070 in Arnold.
Many times, a simple telephone call will clear any misunderstandings.
Please remember you are fully responsible for all fees charged by this office regardless of your insurance coverage.
At Endodontics of Greater St. Louis, West County and Arnold we make every effort to provide you with the finest care and the most convenient financial options. To accomplish this we work hand-in-hand with you to maximize your insurance reimbursement for covered procedures. If you have any problems or questions, please ask our staff. They are well informed and up-to-date.
Please call if you have any questions or concerns regarding your initial visit.
Please provide your insurance information when making an appointment so that we can expedite reimbursement.
Endodontics is a branch of dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association involving treatment of the pulp (root canal) and surrounding tissues of the tooth. When you look at your tooth in the mirror, what you see is the crown. The rest of the tooth, the portion hidden beneath the gum line, is called the root. Though the outer portion of the root is a hard tissue called dentin, the inside channel or “root canal” contains a pulp of soft tissue, blood vessels and nerves. Bacteria that are introduced into the pulp as a result of tooth decay, periodontal disease, tooth fracture or other problems, can severely damage the pulp. When that happens, an endodontic specialist removes the diseased pulp to save the tooth and prevent further infection and inflammation. After successful endodontic treatment, the tooth continues to perform normally.
No. While x-rays will be necessary during your endodontics treatment, we use an advanced non-film computerized system, called digital radiography, that produces radiation levels up to 90 percent lower than those of already low dose conventional dental x-ray machinery. These digital images can be optimized, archived, printed and sent to cotherapists via e-mail or CD-ROM.
Again, there’s no need for concern. We adhere 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 any risk of infection.
Operating Microscopes:
In addition to digital radiography, we are using 3d imaging via CBCT. This type of xray allows the doctor to view the teeth in 3 dimension and shows more detail than the traditional 2d xrays.