Patient Information

New Patients and Forms

We are specialist members of the American Association of Endodontists. We look forward to being of service to you. Our expert team, led by respected endodontic specialist Dr. Smith, includes an experienced staff. We provide the highest standard of professional care in a friendly, comfortable environment. We hope that the information provided here answers many of your questions about endodontic treatment. If you would like additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (205) 933-8544.

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Scheduling

We will schedule your appointment as promptly as possible so that we can get your issues resolved. If you have pain or it is an emergency situation, please let us know so that we can get you in that day.

We try our best to stay on schedule to minimize your waiting. Due to the fact that our practice provides surgical services, various circumstances may lengthen the time allocated for a procedure. Emergency cases can also arise and can cause delays. We appreciate your understanding and patience in this.

In order to facilitate being seen promptly at your designated appointment time, please print and fill out all registration paperwork prior to your appointment, and bring them with you at the time of your appointment.

Your First Visit

Your initial appointment will consist of a consultation explaining your diagnosis and treatment options. Occasionally, treatment can be done the same day as the consultation. However, a 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:

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 joints, rheumatic fever, etc.) or if you are on any medication (i.e. heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.) or require medication prior to dental cleanings (i.e antibiotics, for pre-med.)

X-Rays

If your previous dentist has taken recent x-rays (within 6-months), you may request that they forward them to our office. If there is not enough time, please pick them up and bring them to our office. Typically, additional films are necessary, and they can be taken at our office.

Financial Policy

For your convenience we accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Care Credit. We deliver the finest care at the most reasonable cost to our patients, therefore 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 (205) 933-8544 . Many times, a simple telephone call will clear any misunderstandings.

You can obtain pre-approval for dental treatment from Care Credit prior to your treatment appointment on the Care Credit website: www.carecredit.com. If you know of other dental services you may need at the time of your application, please include the costs associated with the treatment planned, so as to obtain total approval prior to commencing treatment. You will find that helpful in “streamlining” your care from a financial standpoint. Care Credit can also fund medical and veterinary costs.

Please remember you are fully responsible for all fees charged by this office regardless of your insurance coverage.

Insurance Information

At Advanced Endodontics, PC we make every effort to provide you with the finest care and the most convenient financial options. To accomplish this 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 205-933-8544.

Please call if you have any questions or concerns regarding your initial visit.

Please bring your insurance information with you to the consultation so that we can expedite reimbursement.

New Patient Video

Insurance We Accept

Frequently Asked Questions

What is endodontics?

Endodontics is a branch of dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association involving treatment of the pulp (root canal) and surrounding tissues of the tooth. When you look at your tooth in the mirror, what you see is the crown. The rest of the tooth, the portion hidden beneath the gum line, is called the root. Though the outer portion of the root is a hard tissue called dentin, the inside channel or “root canal” contains a pulp of soft tissue, blood vessels and nerves. Bacteria that are introduced into the pulp as a result of tooth decay, periodontal disease, tooth fracture or other problems, can severely damage the pulp. When that happens, an endodontic specialist removes the diseased pulp to save the tooth and prevent further infection and inflammation. After successful endodontic treatment, the tooth continues to perform normally.

I’m worried about x-rays. Should I be?

No. While x-rays will be necessary during your endodontic treatment, we use an advanced non-film computerized system, called digital radiography. This technology produces radiation levels significantly lower than those of already low dose conventional dental x-ray machinery. These digital images can be optimized, archived, printed and sent to other providers electronically. For more information about the digital radiography system used in our office click the link below:

What about infection?

Again, there’s no need for concern. We adhere to the most rigorous standards of infection control advocated by OSHA, the Centers for Disease Control and the American Dental Association. We utilize autoclave sterilization and barrier techniques to eliminate any risk of infection.

What happens after treatment?

When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative/general dentist. You should contact his or her office for a follow-up restoration (filling and/or crown) within a few weeks of completion at our office. This appointment is vital to the recovery and longevity of your tooth. The quality of your root canal is only as good as the restorative seal that is placed on the crown of the tooth. Your restorative/general dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur please call our office.

What are Surgical Operating Microscopes?

In addition to digital radiography, we utilize special surgical operating microscopes. These microscopes provide magnification and fiber optic illumination which are helpful in aiding the doctor to see tiny details inside your tooth. The microscope is instrumental in locating extra canals, identifying cracks and fractures, negotiating calcified canals, and in the removal of posts and other objects found within the root canal system. For more information regarding the microscopes used in our office click the link below:

http://www.zeiss.com/meditec/en_de/products—solutions/dentistry/dental-microscopes/opmi-pico.html

What is Micro Computed Cone Beam Tomography?

Cone beam imaging, while a relatively new technology to dentistry, has already radically transformed the way that we as dentists can gather information. The results provide us with the ability to diagnose and treatment plan in a manner that previously could not even be imagined. The transformation from interpreting two-dimensional information to diagnosing from 3-D imaging, which allows for visualization of all structures in any given field, is a quantum leap, and has forever altered the way we practice dentistry.

For more information about the digital radiography system used in our office click the link below:

http://www.carestreamdental.com/us/en/3dimaging/9000#Features