YOU'VE GOT QUESTIONS..
WHAT IS ENDODONTIC TREATMENT?
Endodontic treatment (also referred to as endodontic therapy or root canal therapy) is the process of removing infected pulp from a tooth to prevent further tooth decay. It often means the difference between a patient being able to keep their tooth and needing to have it extracted.
​
​PROTECTING YOUR OVERALL HEALTH
Endodontic treatment focuses on saving your teeth. Dr. Kotz always recommends that, if possible, we save a patient’s tooth rather than extracting it and replacing it with an implant. Not only are root canals less costly than implants, but root canals do not have the risk of bone loss that can occur with a dental implant.
​
DR. KOTZ HAS THE EXPERIENCE TO SAVE YOUR TOOTH​
Dr. Kotz specializes in root canals and all other endodontic treatments. Alongside advanced technology implemented in our office, he has perfected the techniques used in saving your teeth and increases the success rate of such treatments. For more information on endodontic treatment, please see root canal therapy.
WHY HAVE I BEEN REFERRED?
Patients are referred to Tri-County Endodontics for complex cases. The difference between Dr. Kotz and a general dentist is additional years of training and study in the field of dentistry. Your general dentist may identify challenging elements of your case and refer you to Tri-County Endodontics in order to ensure the best possible outcome. The most common reasons for a patient to be referred to Tri-County Endodontics include molar teeth or difficult canal anatomy, an elusive pain diagnosis, problems with teeth that have already had root canal treatment, fractures, pediatrics, and trauma to a tooth. Many dentists refer patients who needs endodontic treatment to Dr. Kotz, and it may be helpful to recognize that general dentists make these referrals with the best interest of their patients in mind.
WHAT DO I DO BEFORE TREATMENT?
There are a few things you can do to prepare for your root canal appointment:
​
-
If your general dentist provided you with x-rays and/or a referral slip, please bring them with you!
-
Make sure that you have your current insurance information.
-
Take any antibiotic premedication your physician or general dentist has recommended based on other medical conditions.
-
Eat regular meals before the appointment.
And last but not least, in the days and hours leading up to your appointment, relax and beconfident that you’ll be in good hands!
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM MY FIRST VISIT?
AT YOUR FIRST ENDODONTIC APPOINTMENT
Your first visit here at Tri County Endodontics will lay the foundation for your future treatment. It will consist of a thorough review of your medical and dental history, as well as an evaluation of your symptoms. During your visit Dr. Kotz will review existing x-rays and possibly request additional x-rays and 3D imaging in order to make an accurate diagnosis. Based on Dr. Kotz’s findings, you will receive a treatment plan recommendation.
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU
Please bring your referral slip with you if you were referred by your general dentist, as well as a list of medications you're currently prescribed and taking. You can also fill out your Patient Forms online ahead of time by clicking on this link!
​
YOU'RE ON YOUR WAY TO A HEALTHY SMILE
Dr. Kotz will want to help you feel comfortable about his recommendation and answer all of your questions. Some treatments can begin the same day as your consultation, although a complex medical history or treatment plan may require a further evaluation and follow up appointments. We’ll make sure to accommodate your schedule.
​
WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER TREATMENT?
POST TREATMENT CARE INSTRUCTIONS
After your treatment, Dr. Kotz will give you instructions for proper pain management and dental care during the recovery process leading up to your followup visit. It is critical to follow these guidelines, particularly if you have a temporary filling or crown. Wait until the numbing medication wears off before eating, and avoid using the treated tooth for chewing until it has been fully restored. Continue to brush and floss daily as usual.​
​
MANAGING POST-OPERATION SYMPTOMS
As the numbing medication from the procedure wears off, you may feel some tenderness for a few days while everything heals, along with some soreness in your jaw that prevents you from keeping your mouth open for extended periods. These are temporary symptoms that typically respond well to over-the-counter medication, but your doctor may prescribe you stronger medication. Be sure to follow all medication instructions carefully, and be aware that narcotics can cause drowsiness so exercise caution when driving or operating other machinery.
​​
WHEN TO CONTACT US
Everyone’s post-operation experience will be slightly different, and the tooth that received treatment will feel different from your other teeth for some time. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, contact us immediately:
​
-
Severe pain or pressure lasting longer than a few days
-
Visible swelling inside or outside your mouth
-
Allergic reaction to medication (including itching, hives, or a rash)
-
An uneven feeling to your bite
-
A return of symptoms from before treatment
-
The temporary filling or crown falling out
​
HOW DOES TRI-COUNTY ENDODONTICS
HANDLE PAYMENT?
SIMPLE PAYMENT SOLUTIONS
Here at Tri-County Endodontics it is our mission to provide you with affordable, high-quality treatment. In order to help accomplish this, we accept payments by cash, check, all major credit cards, CareCredit and Sunbit financing. We are committed to providing the most reasonable cost to our valued patients. Payment for services is due at the time of treatment unless we have made prior arrangements.
​​
FINANCING OPTIONS
If you are interested in financing your endodontic treatment instead of paying up front, we accept third party financing through CareCredit and Sunbit. CareCredit and Sunbit provide our patients with many choices for financing. An application for CareCredit can be found here on their website, or you can pick up an application from our office during your visit. For our Sunbit financing option, please click here or give us a call for more information. If you have questions or concerns about the cost of your procedure or setting up a payment plan, please reach out to us at (843) 225-9002 or message us.
DOES TRI-COUNTY ENDODONTICS
ACCEPT MY INSURANCE?
Here at Tri-County Endodontics, we accept most insurance and PPO plans, but it's best if you contact us to check if yours is on the list. We do everything in our power to provide you with the finest care and the most convenient financial options. To accomplish this, we’ll help you file your insurance claim so you can maximize your insurance reimbursement for procedures that are covered by your insurance provider. Please speak with your insurance provider prior to your appointment to find out their policies. If you experience any problems receiving reimbursement from your insurance company, we will be happy to provide any required information.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ENDODONTICS?
There's so much information we want to share with you about the field of endodontics, and we're here to help answer any questions you may have! Click the button below to read up on our favorite branch of dental medicine and view the most common questions we receive regarding our services.