When Do You Need A Root Canal?
Some of the signs to look for that may indicate a need for a root canal treatment include, tenderness to touch or chewing, prolonged sensitivity to cold or heat, swelling, drainage, tenderness in the lymph nodes, tooth discoloration, and tenderness in the nearby bone and gum tissues. Sometimes, however, you may not experience any of the above but a root canal is still indicated.
How safe are dental X-rays?
Exposure to all sources of radiation — including the sun, minerals in the soil, appliances in your home, and dental X-rays — can damage the body’s tissues and cells, and can lead to the development of cancer in some instances. Fortunately, the dose of radiation you are exposed to during the taking of X-rays is extremely small.
Advances in dentistry over the years have lead to the low radiation levels emitted by today’s X-rays. Some of the improvements are new X-ray machines that limit the radiation beam to the small area being X-rayed, higher speed X-ray films that require shorter exposure time compared with older film speeds to get the same results, and the use of film holders that keep the film in place in the mouth (which prevents the film from slipping and the need for repeat X-rays and additional radiation exposure). Also, the use of lead-lined, full-body aprons protects the body from stray radiation (though this is almost non-existent with the modern dental X-ray machines). In addition, federal law requires that X-ray machines be checked for accuracy and safety every two years. Some states require more frequent checks.
Even with these advancements in safety, it should be kept in mind, however, that the effects of radiation are added together over a lifetime. So every little bit of radiation you receive from all sources counts.
Tips For Saving Your Teeth
- If you are given a choice between root canal treatment or tooth extraction, always choose root canal treatment. Dentistry has yet to produce a denture, bridge or dental implants that looks, feels and functions as well as a natural tooth.
- At North Cobb Endodontics we offer tremendous flexibility in accommodating emergency cases so your pain can be relieved quickly.
- If your dentist recommends tooth extraction, ask whether root canal treatment is an option.
- If your dentist says that an endodontic procedure is not an option, ask why, and request a referral to North Cobb Endodontics. With advanced training in root canal procedures, here at North Cobb Endodontics we specialize in saving your teeth. We are experts at diagnosing and relieving tooth pain, and use advanced equipment to treat patients quickly and comfortably.
Endodontists specialize in the dental pulp and nerves of the teeth. While they have a dental degree that family dentists also have, endodontists complete at least two additional years of specialized, post-doctoral training.
North Cobb Endodontics works with many insurance companies and even offers our own payment plan through Care Credit.
Will you file my Dental Insurance?
Yes, we will verify your dental benefits. This is never a guarantee of coverage or payment but it does help to estimate the cost of your dental care. We will file your claim to your dental provider on the day of service and ask that you pay your deductible and co-payment. Once we receive your Explanation of Benefits and insurance check, we will post this to your account. If there is still any amounts due, a statement will be emailed to you for payment. Remember, we can only estimate what your insurance company will pay.
Do you accept payment plans?
Payments need to be made on the date of service, with the following exceptions. If you have a procedure such as a crown or bridge or partials or dentures, the front office may allow your payments to be split between the two visits. All co-payments and deductibles must be met first. We offer CARE CREDIT to our patients in order to finance larger procedures. Currently, we do not offer in-house payment plans.
We are in-network with Aetna PPO, Aetna Medicare PPO, and Principal PPO. We are in-network with some Guardian, Ameritas, Meritain, and Sunlife plans. Please call our office to find out.