Unparalleled Care

What to Expect

We start with a limited diagnostic examination including necessary radiographs (x-rays). In consultation with your general dentist, we will determine if your tooth is a good candidate for endodontic therapy and explain your treatment options.

If you are interested in receiving any anxiety reducing agents, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedatives, please inform our staff.  We gladly provide nitrous oxide to our patients upon request, but should you be interested in oral sedatives, this must be arranged beforehand through your medical doctor, your general dentist, or through our office following an appropriate consultation.

The next step is usually non-surgical treatment to remove the injured pulp and cleanse and seal the canal system. This therapy normally involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. We will inform you as soon as possible if we determine that your tooth is not suitable for root canal treatment or the prognosis changes any time during the course of treatment. In most cases after endodontic treatment, you will be comfortable returning immediately to your normal routine.

Generally, non-surgical treatment is all that is needed to save a tooth with an injured pulp. Occasionally, endodontic microsurgery is required when routine endodontic treatment does not result in healing.

It is often necessary to return to your family dentist to receive an appropriate restoration (a cap or a crown), which will serve as protection for the tooth.  Should you neglect to return for the proper restoration, there is an increased risk of failure of endodontic therapy, tooth fracture, and/or premature loss of the tooth.

Common Questions

What is root canal therapy?
Root Canal Therapy (Endodontics) involves the removal of all inflammation and infection from the root canal system. During the treatment, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed. Any abscesses which may be present can also be drained at this time. The root canal is then cleaned, and the tooth may be temporized to allow any symptoms to resolve before a permanent crown is applied. Permanent crowns are recommended on all back teeth that have been endodontically treated.

Why is root canal therapy needed?The nerve may become damaged by bacteria associated with past or present decay, by a traumatic blow, or by bacterial leakage through cracks. Root canal therapy allows you to keep the natural tooth in a healthy state rather than substituting it with an artificial tooth.

Will the treatment be painful?We will take every measure to ensure that your procedure is in no way uncomfortable or painful. If treatment is needed, we will inject a small amount of anesthetic to gently numb a concentrated area of your mouth. For most patients, the feeling of numbness usually subsides after 2-3 hours.

Will I need x-rays?We will take x-rays during your visit. If you have x-rays from your general dentist, please bring them with you. Our doctors utilize the latest in digital x-ray technology. Digital x-rays allow the doctors to quickly and reliably determine the course of treatment you may require. Also, digital x-rays reduce your radiation exposure significantly, by 50-85%.

How long does root canal treatment take?Root Canal treatment can usually be completed in one visit. In some cases, a second visit is required. Please allow 2 hours for your office visit.

What do I do after my root canal treatment?You will be given instructions by the staff after your treatment. If you are given pain and/or antibiotic medications, please take as directed. It is often necessary to return to your family dentist to receive an appropriate restoration (a cap or a crown), which will serve as protection for the tooth. Should you neglect to return for the proper restoration, there is an increased risk of failure of endodontic therapy, tooth fracture, and/or premature loss of the tooth.

Will I need to return to your office for follow-ups after the procedure is finished?Yes, for most root canal treatments, we recommend that patients return to the office 6-12 months after the procedure was finished. You will be given a schedule for your check-up appointment at the completion of your treatment.

What if the tooth is still uncomfortable?It is normal to experience soreness for 1 to 2 weeks following treatment. We recommend 3 ibuprofen (600mg) or 2 Extra Strength Tylenol or acetaminophen (1000mg) to relieve your soreness. Should you have discomfort that you can’t control with ordinary pain relievers, or you notice any facial swelling, immediately call our office or your endodontist’s emergency line.

What if my original root canal is re-infected?Root canal treatment is usually very successful. However, if there should be a recurrence of infection, the treatment can be repeated or other treatments can be rendered as deemed appropriate by the endodontist.

What if I don’t have the root canal treatment?The alternative to root canal therapy is the removal of the tooth. Once the pulp is destroyed, it cannot heal, and it is not recommended to leave the infected tooth in the mouth. The risks of doing so are emergency pain and/or swelling ranging from minor to necessary of hospitalization. While some people would prefer an extraction, it is usually advisable to keep the natural teeth if possible.

Do you have methods of dealing with dental anxiety?The doctors and staff at Central Minnesota Endodontics are here for you with a friendly chairside manner. Also, if you are interested in receiving any anxiety reducing agents, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedatives, please inform our staff. We gladly provide nitrous oxide to our patients upon request, but should you be interested in oral sedatives, this must be arranged beforehand through your medical doctor, your general dentist, or through our office following an appropriate consultation.

Do I need to take an antibiotic before treatment?Patients with heart problems or joint replacements may be accustomed to taking an antibiotic before their dental appointments. However, recent changes in the guidelines may no longer require this. Please consult with your physician to determine whether or not you require an antibiotic before dental appointments.
The American Dental Association’s brief explanation of the most recent premedication guidelines can be found here.

Payment

Endodontic fees are based on the complexity of the procedure. You will be advised of the fee for each procedure prior to treatment. Payment is due in full at the time of service.

We honor a 5% savings to our patients who pay in full with cash or check. We also accept Visa, MasterCard, DiscoverCard, and American Express.

For your convenience, we also work with CareCredit. CareCredit is a finance company that offers low fixed interest payment plans. Please see www.carecredit.com for more information.

Insurance

We are currently a provider of:

• Delta Dental Premier, Options and Preferred
• Delta USA
• HealthPartners

As a courtesy service to you, we will submit to most dental insurance providers, with the exception of medical assistance programs since we are not a medical assistance provider.

If you do have dental insurance, please speak with our patient coordinator about your payment due at the time of service.

Be advised that insurance companies routinely indicate that coverage verification does not guarantee payment. While we try our best to estimate your out-of-pocket expense, actual payment is determined by the insurance company once they process the claim.