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The goal of root canal therapy is to remove irritants, tissue remnants, and bacteria from the root canal space.  When the root canal space is not properly cleaned, the surrounding bone can become irritated and become tender and swollen.  Root canal spaces are traditionally cleaned mechanically and chemically. Canals are mechanically enlarged with dental drills…

Are you looking for a Cigna PPO Endodontist?  Cigna Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) is a type of dental health plan that offers a larger network so you have more dentists and dental offices to choose from. Your out-of-pocket costs are usually higher with a PPO plan than with an HMO or EPO plan. Paying a…

There are 2 steps for successful calcified root canal treatment: Find all of the canals in the tooth. Clean all of the canals you find. Theoretically, successful calcified root canal treatment is that easy.  Many dentists find it so hard to complete these two steps and provide the successful root canal treatment that their patients…

Most of the time, a root canal is a relatively simple procedure that results in a mild to moderate amount of discomfort after treatment. The most common symptom is tenderness around the tooth for a few days after treatment.  You can minimize your tenderness after treatment by not chewing on the tooth and taking anti-inflammatory…

Many Americans want to visit the dentist, but they do not or cannot. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 64.4 percent of adults aged 18 to 64 visited a dentist at least once in 2016.The American Dental Association (ADA) reports that “cost and low perceived need are the top reasons why adults indicate they…

Did you know that temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain can mimic root canal pain? You have a TMJ on each side of your jawbone, which act as hinges that connect your jaw to your skull.  Your TMJ work together when you chew, speak or swallow by controlling the lower jaw as it moves forward, backward and side…

If you have a toothache, you may ask yourself, "Do I need a Root Canal?".  Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal, becomes inflamed or infected with bacteria. There are many reasons why you might need root canal treatment, including: deep tooth decay, faulty fillings, tooth cracks,…

Do you have pain when biting down or sensitivity to cold liquids? You may need a root canal to help save your tooth and avoid expensive implants.  It is important to have an evaluation by your dentist, but there are 6 signs that you may  need a root canal.Not all teeth that require root canal…

You can learn more about how nitrous oxide sedation can help restore your smile with a Free Sedation Consult. At your consultation, we’ll likely suggest several options that can give you the results you want, as well as discuss the pros and cons of each. In the end, it’s all about making you feel comfortable…

Choosing an In-NetworkEndodontist to complete your root canal is an important decisionthat can have significant financial implications.  It is very important to understand the difference between dentaloffices that are an "In-Network" with your dental insurance companyand a dental office that only "Accepts" your insurance.  This simple difference can increase your out-of-pocket expensesby hundreds of dollars.“In-Network…

I am proud to be a Medicaid endodontist.  My decision to accept Medicaid was made while I was in residency for my endodontic training.  I had just come out of the military and I was back on a student budget.  I had 4 small children and it was difficult to make ends meet.  It seemed…

If you're afraid of going to the dentist for a root canal, you're not alone. It has been estimated that 9% to 15% of Americans avoid seeing the dentist because of anxiety and fear. Delaying root canal treatment can lead to pain, infection and potential extraction of your tooth. However, there's a way of overcoming…