What is root canal therapy?
Unless people have had a root canal, many do not know what endodontics is. Often a person learns about Endodontics when he/she experiences pain, has difficulty eating or chewing, has hot or cold sensitivity, or swelling of the gum. It is typically a visit to the dentist that confirms a root canal problem.

Endodontic treatment is commonly known as root canal therapy. This treatment is performed by the removal of dying or infected pulp tissues inside the tooth. The procedure helps alleviate pain and prevent infection from occurring or spreading. After
treatment has been performed, a crown or other restoration is necessary to protect and restore the tooth to its full function.

Root canal therapy is recommended to save a tooth that would otherwise be extracted. If Endodontic problems are detected early and treated before an infection occurs, healing is usually faster. In severe cases (where tooth ache is "full blown"), Endodontic treatment can be uncomfortable. Ideally, treating a tooth that needs root canal therapy at a calm stage produces better results.

Who performs root canal therapy?
General dentists treat root canals, but with the more difficult cases, treatment may be referred to an endodontist, who is a dentist with specialized training. (To be an endodontist requires two to three years of a board certified, residency program after dental school.)

Patients always ask. . .will it hurt?
In the past, the term "root canal" was all too often associated with the words "discomfort" and "pain!" Today, most guests report that the root canal procedure is comprable to having a cavity filled. In order to make the treatment as easy on you as possible, Dr. Macaraeg will do everything necessary to locally anesthetize the area to be treated. He will always test the area before beginning treatment to ensure that you stay as comfortable as possible. We are frequently told that the endodontic or root canal treatment was much easier than the patient had anticipated.

What is an Endodontist?
Endodontists are dentists with two to three additional years of advanced specialty education in diagnosis and root canal treatment after receiving their D.D.S. degree. Because they practice endodontics exclusively, they treat these types of problems every day. They use their special training and experience in treating difficult cases, such as teeth with narrow or blocked canals; or unusual anatomy. Endodontists may use advanced technology, such as operating microscopes and digital imaging to perform these special services.

How many visits are required for this treatment?
About 85% of non-surgical procedures can be completed in one appointment, but depending on the complexity of the procedure, some may require an additional visit. Surgical treatments can be completed in one appointment, with a post operative visit three to five days later to check the healing of the surgical area. Dr. Macareg strongly encourages guests to return for a complimentary follow up visit on the treated tooth six months after their completed endodontic therapy. At this visit, Dr. Macaraeg will take another x-ray of your tooth to check that the area is healing correctly.

What if endodontic treatment will not work for my tooth?
Endodontic therapy (root canal therapy) has a 93% success rate. However, if your tooth is not amenable to endodontic therapy or the chance of success is unfavorable, Dr. Macaraeg will inform you at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment.

What should I do if I have an emergency when the office is closed?
You will always be able to reach us in case of an emergency. After hours, when you leave an emergency message, Dr. Macaraeg will be paged. You can be assured that your emergencies will be responded to as soon as possible. If you are not an existing patient of Dr. Macaraeg, please contact your family dentist or the local emergency room for emergency situations as Dr. Macaraeg cannot recommend any treatment if you are not a current patient.

Are there any special instructions before my root canal?
If your case indicates that special instructions are needed due to a medical condition, Dr. Macaraeg will be sure to inform you of those before your treatment. In most cases, you can treat your root canal appointment as you would any other dental appointment - you may eat before the appointment, you will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine.

My tooth is feeling much better after taking the antibiotics. Should I cancel my appointment?
Unfortunately, though antibiotics are great at controlling an infection and the symptoms that accompany it, they will not be able to remove the source of the infection. A root canal treatment is necessary to remove that source. The good news is that the best time to have an endodontic treatment is when the tooth is in a calm state. The treatment and healing will be easier on you if your pre treatment pain level is low.

What should I do if I need to cancel my appointment?
Out of respect for all patients, we reqire 48 hour cancellation notice. We do not accept emailed cancellations, but you may contact our office at 303-795-9699.

Do you accept referrals?
Yes, we welcome all referrals. We view referrals as the highest possible compliment!

What payment options do you provide?
We accept cash, personal checks, Care Credit, American Express, Discover, and VISA or Mastercard. We also offer convenient financing programs that offer 3 months interest-free payment plans or extended financing with a low fixed interest rate.