Questions About Root Canals
It’s never fun to have a problem with one of your teeth. Fortunately, we at Mountain View Endodontics are dedicated to getting you back to whatever you do in the most efficient and comfortable way possible. A root canal may sound ominous, but with advanced technology, cutting-edge treatment procedures and anesthesia, you’ll find that living with your bum tooth is far worse than getting it treated.
You may have questions about the procedure and what it might be like. We’re here to answer your questions and help you feel comfortable about having your root canal.
Endodontics
An endodontist, like Dr. Gibby, is a specialist in root canal related procedures – procedures that save teeth. Endodontists complete dental school and at least two more years of education dedicated to advanced training in endodontics. They perform both routine and very complex endodontic procedures including root canal treatments and endodontic surgery. Dr. Gibby is an expert in diagnosing and treating the cause of oral and facial pain. He provides the highest quality of care efficiently and comfortably through their advanced education and use of state-of-the-art technology, such as digital imaging, surgical microscopy, ultrasonic instruments, advanced disinfection technologies/procedures (GentleWave), etc.
You were referred to an endodontist because of the complex nature of the root canal treatment your tooth requires. As a root canal specialist, Dr. Gibby has specialty training and equipment to allow him to treat root canals. In short, your dentist wants you to have the best experience possible while ensuring the best outcome for your tooth, and consequently referred you to us.
The roots of your teeth can be very complex and difficult to reach. As a root canal specialist, an endodontist has specialty training and equipment that permit the cleaning of the tough-to-reach areas in the roots of your teeth. To improve the likelihood that the root canal is successful, your dentist has referred you to our office.
Becoming board certified reflects a doctor’s commitment to provide outstanding patient care and is the highest status an endodontist can achieve. Board certification is a voluntary process and is a distinction earned by fewer than 20% of endodontists in the United States. By 2019, out of approximately 12 endodontists in Weber, Davis or surrounding counties, we are aware of only 2 board certified endodontists, which includes Dr. Gibby.
First, a written examination tests knowledge in a broad range of fields including anatomy, biochemistry, pathology, immunology, microbiology, pharmacology, radiology, statistics, clinical endodontics, and related disciplines.
Second, an endodontist submits documentation of a variety of cases treated in his/her own practice that demonstrate exceptional knowledge, skills, and expertise in the field of endodontics.
Third, a team of board-certified endodontic experts questions the candidate in a mutli-stage, multi-hour oral examination about a variety of diagnosis and treatment situations. Candidates who pass this process demonstrate a high level of skill in problem solving, decision making, analysis, creativity, and evaluation.
Procedure and Recovery
Thanks to advancements in anesthetics and treatment techniques, the overwhelming majority of patients say that they are comfortable during the procedure. For the first few days after treatment, the tooth often feels sensitive, especially if pain or infection was present before the procedure. This discomfort is usually well-controlled with over-the-counter pain medications. In fact, with recent advancements in root canal disinfection techniques offered by Dr. Gibby, patients frequently report no pain at all the next day! Remember, a root canal is meant to eliminate pain and infection, not cause it!
A small hole is made in the top of your tooth to access the canals inside of your tooth. Using files, the inflamed or infected tissue is cleaned out. Using the GentleWave procedure, the canals are disinfected over an 8-9 minute cycle of constant irrigation using sound waves. The complex root anatomy is completely disinfected when using the GentleWave procedure. Your canals are then filled with a material called gutta percha which is a rubber-like material that takes place of where the infected or inflamed tissue was at inside of your tooth. Dr. Gibby will then place either a temporary or permanent filling based on your general dentist’s preference. You will then be referred back to your dentist for a crown to protect the root canal.
For the first few days after treatment, the tooth can feel sensitive, especially if pain or infection was present before the procedure. This discomfort is usually well-controlled with over-the-counter pain medications. But with recent advancements in root canal disinfection techniques offered by Dr. Gibby, patients frequently report no pain at all the next day! Remember, the root canal is meant to eliminate pain and infection, not cause it!
Remuneration
We will provide the root canal services for a patient insured by ANY insurance company. Even if we are not contracted with your specific dental plan, we are still able to maximize any out of network benefits you may have available under your plan. Because we have contracted agreements with the companies below, additional savings may accrue to patients insured by the following insurance carriers:
- Aetna PPO
- Assurant
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna PPO
- Delta Dental
- Dental Select
- Dentemax
- Principal
- Metlife
- Select Health Classic
- United Concordia
- United Healthcare
If you do not have any dental insurance, that is no problem! We offer additional discounts, depending on what form of payment you use to take care of your balance. The combined cost to preserve your natural tooth through root canal treatment, a filling, and a crown is usually less than the cost of most other treatment options. Preserving your natural tooth almost always costs less than replacing that tooth with a bridge or dental implant. Plus, you get to keep your tooth! Specialized treatments can actually often save you money. Successful healing occurs more often when endodontists perform root canal treatment, saving you the cost of additional procedures in the future.
For your convenience, we accept cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. Alternatively, we offer Care Credit Financing® which can be used at other dental and medical offices that also accept Care Credit. Care Credit is a financing option in which Dr. Gibby offers a 6 month interest free plan on your balance. To apply for Care Credit Financing®, please click here. Payment in full is due at the time services are rendered unless other written arrangements are made in advance.