Find An Endodontist Near You
Top endodontists are available in your area now. Read to learn tips and information on how to find an endodontist near you today.
An endodontist is a professional dental specialist capable of performing a wide range of basic to intensive procedures on your teeth. Multiple aspects are involved when searching for the right endodontist for your needs. For example, the type of dental insurance coverage you possess has an impact on the endodontist you visit. An endodontist must also accept your insurance and offer suitable availability and out-of-pocket costs for your budget.
While endodontists are also dentists, they do not typically handle basic dental services and processes unless they are part of a more extensive overall procedure. For example, an endodontist does not typically schedule patients for only routine checkups and cleanings. You must have a specific dental need or condition to see an endodontist. Continue reading to learn tips and information on how to find an endodontist near you today.
What Is an Endodontist?
Tooth pain and other issues with your teeth are not always easy to diagnose. Your regular dentist may or may not be able to determine what is causing your tooth-related problems. Even if a diagnosis is made, repairing the issues might be beyond his or her particular purview. An endodontist has received more education and training than your regular dentist as a prerequisite for obtaining the position. These experiences help shape endodontists into specialists at preserving your natural teeth. Endodontists are especially skilled at treating complex issues involving tooth pulp. Tooth pulp is what is referred to generally as the inside of your teeth. The most common tooth-pulp related procedure performed by an endodontist is a root canal, although other procedures and services are also provided.
Ultimately, an endodontist is certified and trained to relieve your tooth pain and save your natural tooth or teeth in the process. Endodontics as a profession is so specialized it consists of only three percent of all U.S. dentists today. This means research is required to learn what conditions qualify you for endodontic services and also locate the best endodontists near you.
What Conditions Are Treated by Endodontists?
The primary procedure performed by an endodontist in the U.S. is the root canal. A root canal is surprisingly a common dental procedure, which eliminates infection and pain in a damaged tooth. The pain and infection are typically caused by inflamed tissues in the tooth pulp. Root canals are also sometimes required when teeth are broken.
The root canal process begins with the removal of the damaged tooth pulp. Once the pulp is removed, your endodontist will thoroughly clean the inside of your tooth. Next, the tooth is refilled with gutta-percha, which is a type of rubber material created to fill, then seal the applicable tooth or teeth. A crown is subsequently attached on the end of the tooth. The primary function of the crown is to protect your tooth from new damage. Crowns also assist in restoring normal functionality and appearance to repaired teeth. This includes the ability to chew and smile as normal as you did prior to the root canal. Modern technology has allowed root canals to become almost basic (and even comfortable) procedures for many patients. Sometimes, however, a root canal procedure on its own is not enough to solve more severe issues.
When a Root Canal Is Not Enough
Occasionally a root canal is not enough to fix certain issues. In these instances, full-tooth extractions are performed. Post-extraction, implant procedures are performed to replace your natural tooth or teeth with manufactured teeth. A dental implant is a metal post, which is fixed to your jawbone. Implants are important to prevent unappealing gaps between teeth and also prevent bone loss and infections.
Alternate Procedures Performed by Endodontists
Other options might also be considered prior to having an implant procedure performed. Endodontic treatments open damaged teeth and remove the root canal chamber materials. This procedure is performed as a way to search for additional canals or newly-formed infections. Endodontic treatments further involve removing the infection then cleaning and reshaping the canal. New filling and seals are applied as well, prior to a permanent crown placed on the tooth to finalize the treatment.
Endodontic surgery allows your endodontist to discover any hidden canals not detected via x-ray. Hidden canals are examples of issues often not detectable by your normal dentist as stated above. Endodontic surgery is also performed as a way of removing calcium deposits hidden in root canals. Additional issues and conditions treated by an endodontist include:
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Tooth abscesses.
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Tooth decay.
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Broken or cracked teeth.
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Otherwise injured teeth.
Are Endodontist Services Covered by Insurance?
Certain services provided by your endodontist are covered by health insurance plans, while others often are not. Granted, this also depends on the type of insurance coverage you possess and various extenuating circumstances. Alternatives to normal dental insurance coverage options are also available and discussed in more detail below.
Typical Costs
A common root canal might cost up to $1,500 or more. Root canals on front, premolar and molar teeth all cost varied amounts. Front teeth root canals cost the least (approximately $720-$1,300). Premolar root canal procedures run approximately $720 to $1,300. Molar root canals cost between $890 and $1,500 or more. In-network services might cost less, however, although deductibles, co-insurance fees and additional expenses might also apply.
A tooth extraction costs between $75 and $200 per tooth on average. Endodontic surgery, treatment or retreatment procedures cost between $600 and $900 on average. Smaller endodontic processes (such as therapeutic pulpotomy) might cost as little as $150. Again, your insurance plan might cover more or less of these costs depending on your policy and circumstances. Extractions are typically not covered, however, as insurance companies view them as cosmetic/elective procedures.
How to Save on Endodontist Services Now
Dental insurance is the most common way to save on endodontist services. When your insurance policy does not cover enough of the costs, however, you have other options. Dental discount and dental savings plans are also available to reduce your out-of-pocket endodontist expenses.
Tips and Information on Finding the Best Endodontist Near You
Contact your dental and/or health insurance provider to inquire about which endodontists are in-network with your insurer. Typically, an insurance company representative will provide you with a list of specialists in your area and which services are covered. This is true for Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance companies alike. You might also call your regular dentist’s office and ask for recommendations. Please note: You will still need to contact your insurer or the endodontist recommended by your dentist to determine if they are in-network with your insurance provider.
Multiple online resources for finding an endodontist near you are also available. For example, Zocdoc provides information on top medical and dental professionals nationwide. Additional online resources to help find the best endodontist for your needs include:
