About Endodontics
- What is endodontics?
- Endodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of the dental pulp — the soft tissue of nerves and blood vessels inside your tooth. When that tissue becomes infected or damaged, an endodontist removes it, cleans the canal system, and seals the tooth to prevent further infection. Our goal is to save your natural tooth.
- What is the difference between an endodontist and a general dentist?
- General dentists perform a wide range of dental procedures. Endodontists complete two or more additional years of specialist training after dental school, focusing exclusively on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the dental pulp and surrounding tissue. Complex root canal cases, retreatment, and microsurgery are our specialty.
- Why should I see an endodontist rather than my general dentist for a root canal?
- General dentists are trained to perform root canal treatment and handle many cases effectively. However, for complex anatomy, retreatment of a previous root canal, suspected cracks, or cases where a standard x-ray does not give a complete picture, an endodontic specialist has both the additional training and the specific equipment — including surgical microscopes and CBCT 3D imaging — to see and treat what others may miss.
Before Your Visit
- Do I need a referral?
- No. You are welcome to contact us directly at any of our four East Bay locations. Most of our patients are referred by their general dentist, and we always send a full clinical report back to your dentist after treatment — but a referral is not required to request an appointment.
- What should I bring to my first appointment?
- Please bring your referral slip from your dentist (if you have one), your insurance card, and a list of all medications you are currently taking.
- Is a parent or guardian required for children?
- Yes. A parent or legal guardian must be present at every visit, including the consultation and any treatment, for all patients under 18 years of age. Children under 12 are seen only in a few exceptional cases.
- What happens at my first appointment?
- Your doctor will review your x-rays, examine the tooth, explain the diagnosis in plain language, and walk you through your treatment options. You will have time to ask questions. A written cost estimate will be provided before any treatment begins. In straightforward cases, treatment can sometimes be completed the same day. Complex cases may require a second appointment.
During Treatment
- Will a root canal hurt?
- The tooth is fully anesthetized before treatment begins. Most patients are surprised by how manageable the experience is — the discomfort they feared rarely matches what they feel in the chair. The procedure itself should cause no pain. Some soreness afterward is normal and typically resolves within a few days.
- Are x-rays safe?
- Yes. We use digital x-ray technology, which keeps radiation as low as possible. X-rays are necessary for accurate diagnosis — we cannot safely assess your tooth and the surrounding bone without them.
- What is GentleWave?
- GentleWave is an advanced cleaning system that uses Multisonic Ultracleaning® technology — sound waves and fluid energy — to clean the full root canal system, including lateral canals and microscopic spaces that mechanical files cannot reach. GentleWave and our EdgePro Endodontic Laser are both part of our standard of care — not an upgrade, not an add-on. Learn more about GentleWave
- What is the EdgePro Endodontic Laser?
- The EdgePro Endodontic Laser disinfects the root canal system. Once the canal has been shaped, the laser pulses energy into the irrigating solution already inside the tooth, creating rapid pressure waves that carry that solution into the lateral branches, fins, and dentinal tubules a needle cannot reach, breaking apart the bacterial biofilm living there. That matters most in the apical third — the last few millimeters at the root tip, where canals are hardest to clean and where treatment most often fails. In peer-reviewed laboratory testing, erbium laser-activated irrigation of the kind the EdgePro delivers removed 99.9% of biofilm in that region, against 88.7% for ultrasonic activation and 75.1% for conventional syringe irrigation (Journal of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, 2024). Your doctor will tell you before treatment whether your tooth's anatomy calls for it. Learn more about the EdgePro laser
- Does a cracked tooth always need a root canal?
- No — it depends on how far the crack has progressed. A fractured cusp that has not reached the pulp typically needs only a crown. A crack that has reached or damaged the pulp does require root canal treatment. CBCT imaging tells us exactly which situation you are in before any treatment begins. About cracked teeth
After Treatment
- What happens after my root canal is finished?
- We send a full clinical report to your general dentist. You should contact their office to arrange a follow-up restoration — typically a crown — within a few weeks of completing treatment with us. Your dentist will advise on the appropriate type of restoration to protect the tooth.
- Do I need a crown after a root canal?
- In most cases, yes. A crown protects the tooth from fracture, which is more likely after the pulp has been removed. Your general dentist will confirm what restoration is appropriate for your specific tooth once treatment is complete.
- Can a treated tooth cause problems in the future?
- Endodontic treatment has a high success rate and most treated teeth go on to function normally for many years. Occasionally, infection can recur — often because of complicated anatomy, new decay, or a restoration that may be aging. If that happens, retreatment or endodontic microsurgery may be an option. Call us any time you have concerns about a tooth we've treated. About retreatment
Insurance & Payment
- Do you accept insurance?
- Yes. Endospecialists is an in-network provider with most major dental insurance plans. Being in-network means your fees are typically covered at a higher percentage than if you were treated by an out-of-network provider. We check your benefits before your appointment so you know your estimated patient portion before treatment begins. Insurance & financial information
- What payment methods do you accept?
- We accept Cash, Zelle and all major credit cards. Your copay is collected prior to treatment.
- What if my insurance does not cover the full cost?
- The portion your plan does not pay is your responsibility, and you will receive a written estimate before treatment begins. If your carrier pays less than estimated, we will send you a statement for the balance. If they pay more, you will receive a refund.
Call us. We would rather you ask.
Same-day access · Four East Bay locations · No referral required