Endodontics

LivWell Dentistry Our Services Endodontics

LivWell Dentistry

Dentists located in San Francisco, CA & San Ramon, CA

Dr. Loo provides endodontic care to her San Francisco and San Ramon, CA area based patients from the LivWell Dentistry practice.

 

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Endodontics Q&A

What is Endodontics?

Endodontics is the practice of treating the interior of teeth, including the pulp and root of the teeth. According to the American Board of Endodontists, an endodontist specializes in the treatment of diseases and injuries to the dental pulp, root and surrounding tissues of the teeth. They complete an additional two to three years of training after dental school.  

What is Root Canal?

A root canal is a procedure that removes decay, damaged tissue, and debris from the interior of a tooth, before sealing the area with a filling. The endodontist uses special tools and techniques to treat decay and damage that affects the pulp found in the tooth interior, which extends all the way to the root. Following a root canal, the endodontist will usually install a crown to provide additional strength and protection to the tooth because a root canal removes the central portion of the tooth.

What Should I Expect During the Procedure?

A root canal is similar to a filling treatment for a cavity. Depending on the condition of the tooth, the treatment is usually completed in one or two visits. Despite their reputation, you can expect little discomfort throughout the procedure. There may be some residual tenderness which is typically treatable with over the counter pain killers. Before the procedure starts, the tooth and surrounding area are numbed with a local anesthetic. Special instruments designed specifically for root canal treatment are used to remove any decay or damaged tissue from the interior. The canal itself is sealed to prevent the filling or other material from reaching and potentially damaging the lower portion of the root. The filling material is carefully applied and shaped to protect the tooth. Finally, a temporary crown will be placed over the treated tooth until a permanent crown is ready for placement. When your crown has been created, it will be applied to your tooth using a very strong dental cement to add strength and further protection to the tooth.

Insurance

As a service to our patients, our practice accepts most dental insurance programs, including non-managed care, indemnity (traditional) and PPO out-of-network. We are not part of any managed care network. Our accounting staff will prepare all the necessary forms for your dental benefits. However, we remind you that your specific policy is an agreement between you and your insurance company. Please keep in mind that you are responsible for your total obligation should your insurance benefits result in less coverage than anticipated. Our staff will gladly submit a pre-treatment estimate to your insurance company so that you will know what your benefits will be. The fees charged for services rendered to those who are insured are the usual and customary fees charged to all our patients for similar services. Your policy may base its allowances on a fixed fee schedule, which may or may not coincide with our usual fees. You should be aware that different insurance companies vary greatly in the types of coverage available. Also, some companies take care of claims promptly while others delay payment for several months.