FAQ

Learn more about endodontics and get answers to your questions.

We are a dental specialty practice dedicated to the endodontic care of patients in the south Jersey vicinity. We are root canal specialists. Working closely together with your general dentist and other dental specialists, we will complement your oral heath team, demonstrating the importance and lifelong benefits of preserving your natural dentition. Our mission is to provide all our patients endodontic treatment of the highest technical, biological and ethical standards, in a safe and respectful and compassionate environment.

Endodontics Is the branch of dentistry concerned with the etiology, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions that affect the dental pulp, roots, and periradicular tissues (tissues and structures that surround the tooth’s root-end).

An Endodontist is dental specialist that has completed 4 years of dental school along with an additional 2 or more years of specialty training in endodontics. In other words, an Endodontist is a root canal specialist. Many are the reasons as why a root canal treatment should be performed by an Endodontist.

Scheduling an appointment is simple, just call us at (856) 520-8212. Our front office staff will ask a few questions regarding pain level, presence of swelling, and current health/medication history. This information will help us to not only schedule the appropriate amount of time for your visit, but also prepares us to address the physical and emotional needs you may have at the time of you visit. We will always make every effort to schedule your appointment as promptly as possible. If you have pain or an emergency situation, every attempt will be made to see you that day. If you have been advised by your physician or dentist to use antibiotic premedication because of hip, knee, cardiac or other prosthesis, or if you have surgical repaired congenital heart defect, rheumatic heart disease, please make sure you are on the appropriate antibiotic on the day of your appointment. If there is a question, please call our office prior to your appointment.

Your initial appointment will consist of a consultation. It will include the review of your medical history, clinical and radiographic examination, explaining your diagnosis and treatment options. Most times, endodontic treatment can be performed the same day as this consultation. If you are experiencing any pain, treatment can be instituted immediately. Our office will maintain your referring dentist informed at all times. At the time of your consultation, please assist us by providing the following information: * Your referral slip and any X-rays if applicable * A list of medications you are presently taking * If you have dental insurance, bring the necessary information. This will save time and allow us to help you process any claims. IMPORTANT: All patients under the age of 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the consultation visit.

Once the diagnosis has been made and the treatment options discussed, profound local anesthesia is achieved. The tooth is then isolated with a dental dam, and under the high magnification and illumination provided by the Operative Microscope, the Endodontist will proceed to access the canals and remove the inflamed or infected soft tissue located inside the root canals. The cleaning and shaping of the root canals is completed through the alternating use of flexible endodontic files of different diameters, and rinsing with disinfectant irrigation solutions. The emptied, disinfected root canals are then sealed and the access that was created to get to the root canals is closed with a temporary filling, completing with this the root canal treatment. At this appointment you will be referred back to your dentist who will replace the temporary filling with a permanent restoration that will protect and restore your tooth’s complete function. Even though most endodontic treatments can be completed in one appointment, your tooth condition may require additional visits to be completed in order to offer you an optimal outcome.

Your tooth and surrounding tissues may be slightly tender for few days as a result of the previous condition of your tooth and manipulation during treatment. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm. Please avoid chewing food on the affected side until your endodontic therapy is completed and your tooth is covered with a permanent restoration provided by your restorative dentist. You may continue your regular dental hygiene regimen. Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled, or should swelling develop, please contact this office immediately. The office telephone is answered day and night. If you need to call after hours, please have your pharmacy number available.

Endodontic treatment has now been completed. The root canal system has been permanently sealed. However, the outer surface is sealed with a temporary restoration. A follow-up restoration MUST be placed to protect your tooth against fracture and decay. Please telephone your restorative dentist for an appointment. A complete report of treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. Included in your treatment is a follow–up examinations to evaluate the progress of healing. This appointment will require only a few minutes and no additional fee will be charged for the visits. Please call for an appointment when you receive our reminder.

For your convenience we accept cash, checks and all major credit cards. We also accept CareCredit and Chase Health Advance financing options. Payment is due at the time service is rendered unless other arrangements have been made in advance. We participate with Delta Dental, Horizon BCBS traditional, Aetna, and Assurant. If you have any other dental insurance, we will be happy to process your claim for reimbursement provided you furnish us with all of your insurance information. In this case, payment is expected at the time of service and your dental insurance will reimburse you directly. Most insurance companies will respond within four to six weeks. Please remember you are fully responsible for all fees charged by this office regardless of your insurance coverage.