Patient Resources
You’re in good hands.
Your experience at Advanced Endodontics is as important to us as your outcome.
Because you are visiting our site, it is likely that your general dentist referred you to our practice for potential Endodontic care. As a matter of fact, 100% of our patients are sent to us by their dentist. Following is some useful information and answers to most-asked questions:
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Your initial appointment will consist of a consultation explaining your diagnosis and treatment options. Often, treatment can be done the same day as the consultation. However, a more complex medical history or treatment plan will require an evaluation and a second appointment to provide treatment on another day.
Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your consultation:
• Please fill out your online information form for us. You can access it here
• Your referral slip and any X-rays if applicable.
• A list of medications you are presently taking.
• If you have medical or dental insurance, bring the necessary completed forms. This will save time and allow us to help you process any claims.
IMPORTANT: A parent or guardian must accompany all patients under 18 at the consultation visit.
Please alert the office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern prior to surgery (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves and prosthetic joints, or if you are on any medication (i.e. heart medications, anticoagulant therapy, etc.) or require medication prior to dental cleanings (i.e. antibiotics, for pre-med.)
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If your previous dentist has taken recent x-rays (within 6-months), you may request that they forward them to our office. Our endodontists will take their own x-rays of your tooth that is specific for root canal treatments, including 3D imaging.
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Once your 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 and all x-rays taken at our office will be sent to your restorative dentist. Please call for an appointment during the following month.
BE CAREFUL CHEWING:
Your tooth is more prone to fracture immediately after endodontic treatment. You should chew on the other side until your restorative dentist has placed a core build-up and a protective restoration, usually a crown. If your tooth’s strength is seriously compromised, we will work with your restorative dentist to determine the appropriate restoration to best protect your tooth.
EXPECT SOME TENDERNESS:
Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be slightly tender for several days as a result of manipulation during treatment and previous condition of your tooth. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm. Do not chew food on the affected side until your endodontic therapy is completed and your tooth is covered with a protective restoration provided by your restorative dentist. You may continue your regular dental hygiene regimen. Discomfort may be alleviated by taking ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Alcohol intake is not advised while taking any of these medications. Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above listed medications, 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. If you have any questions, please call our office at 502-412-3309
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Lower teeth and nerve injury. There is a slight possibility that nerve injury can occur during root canal surgery to the lower posterior teeth. Our Endodontists are trained to assess this possibility prior to treatment and will advise you accordingly. For lower posterior teeth, the root tips may be near a nerve that supplies feeling to the lip, chin and gums. Our endodontists are trained to design your surgery to minimize the chances of damaging this nerve. Rarely, this nerve can become irritated during the process of surgery. In these cases, when the local anesthesia wears off, you may experience tingling, altered sensation or, in rare cases a complete lack of feeling in the affected tissues. Should this occur, it is usually temporary and will resolve over a period of days, weeks or months. In rare cases, these changes can be permanent and/or painful.
Upper teeth and sinus communication. The upper teeth are situated near your sinuses, and root canal surgery can result in a communication between your mouth and the adjacent sinus. Should this complication occur, it will usually heal spontaneously. We will give you special instructions if this is apparent at the time of surgery. We prefer that you don’t blow your nose for two to three days after surgery. If you have to sneeze, you should sneeze with an open mouth into a tissue. You should not create any pressure in the sinus area. If you sense a complication after surgery, please contact us.
Post-operative infections. Post-operative infections occasionally occur. This usually requires just an office visit and examination. Many times, placing you on an antibiotic for one week will take care of the infection Occasionally, other follow-up procedures will be needed.
If you have any questions, please call our office at 502-412-3309
INSURANCE
We make every effort to provide you with most convenient financial options. We work hand-in-hand with you to maximize your insurance reimbursement for covered procedures. If you have any problems or questions, please ask our staff. They are well informed and up-to-date. They can be reached by phone at 502-412-3309.
We also offer Care Credit for qualified patients. This way, you can pay for your Endo care with convenient monthly payments WITH NO INTEREST.
Please bring your insurance information with you to the consultation so that we can expedite reimbursement.
Please call if you have any questions or concerns regarding your initial visit.
Financial Policy
Patient Billing
For your convenience, we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and, as mentioned under “Insurance,” Care Credit. We deliver the finest care at the most reasonable cost to our patients.
Payment is due at the time service is rendered unless other arrangements have been made in advance. If you have questions regarding your account, please contact us at 502-412-3309. Many times, a simple telephone call will clear any misunderstandings.
Please remember you are fully responsible for all fees charged by this office regardless of your insurance coverage. A few general rules about dental insurance:
We will send you a monthly statement while awaiting word from your insurance company.
Most insurance companies will respond within four to six weeks.
Please call our office if your statement does not reflect your insurance payment within that time frame.
Any remaining balance after your insurance has paid is your responsibility. Your prompt remittance is appreciated.
We can make arrangements for a monthly payment plan but this must be done prior to the actual procedure.
What’s your next step?
We want your experience at Advanced Endodontics to be as easy as 1-2-3.
Call us. Our staff will happily answer any and all questions.
Schedule a convenient appointment for an in-person assessment. If your situation is typical, we can do the procedure the same day.
Fill out our Input form before your appointment. Your information is so important to us. Click here for the 5-minute online form