Frequently Asked Questions
An endodontist is a dentist who has two to three years of additional academic and clinical training devoted strictly to endodontics. Endodontic (root canal) treatment consists of removing the infected or inflamed pulp tissue from inside the tooth. The canal space is then shaped, cleaned and sealed to prevent further infection or inflammation. The tooth and the roots remain in place just as they were before treatment.
You may have been referred to Dr. Manasco by your regular dentist or a specialist for endodontic treatment, and you will return to the care of your regular dentist or specialist once your endodontic treatment is complete. Eastern Shore Endodontics will share digital X-rays, records and reports related to your endodontic treatment with your regular dentist. In most cases, a treated tooth will require a crown to protect the tooth from fracturing. If a crown is needed, you will need to see your dentist one to four weeks after treatment for placement of a crown or final restoration.
Many endodontic procedures are performed to relieve the pain of a toothache caused by pulp inflammation or infection. Due to the use of modern anesthetics and expert techniques, most patients report they were comfortable during the procedure and experienced no pain. There are flat screen televisions in each of our treatment rooms to increase your comfort level. For the first few days after your treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can be relieved by over the counter or prescription medications. Please follow Dr. Manasco’s instructions carefully.
Your treated tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your endodontic therapy is complete. However, if you have severe pain, swelling or pressure that lasts more than a few days, please call our office. There is no charge for a re-check if you continue to feel discomfort. Our phone is answered 24 hours. You can follow the answering service prompts to reach Dr. Manasco or another doctor on call after business hours if needed.
Most procedures are performed in one appointment and usually take one hour or less. Occasionally, if the tooth is very infected or the tooth anatomy is very complex, a second appointment is required to complete treatment.
Most of the time, the root canal can be performed through the crown without damaging or loosening the crown. If there is decay, a cracked tooth or very little tooth structure under the crown, you may need to have your crown replaced by your regular dentist following root canal therapy.
No, your tooth is not dead but it is non-vital. The primary blood supply and nerve tissue have been removed. The tooth still has a secondary blood supply from the surrounding periodontal (gum) ligament and bone, allowing it to function.
The fee for treatment varies depending on the tooth and the difficulty of treatment. Re-treatment of a previous root canal is more complicated than a tooth that has never received root canal treatment. Your procedure may be covered in part by your dental insurance provider. Please check with your provider before your first visit to our office. Eastern Shore Endodontics offers interest free financing through CareCredit for a term of six months; you may apply online to finance your procedure.
In most instances your insurance will cover a percentage of the cost and you will be responsible for the remainder of the bill. Our office will contact your insurance company so we can provide you with an estimate before your treatment. If you choose nitrous oxide (laughing gas) it will not be covered by insurance. It is not possible to know in advance the exact amount your insurance company will pay; however, the expert staff at Eastern Shore Endodontics will be able to give you the most accurate estimate possible.
We can normally patients can be seen within 1-2 weeks. Depending on the severity of the paitent’s issue, we may be able to see you sooner.