Orchard Endodontics offers several appointment types, depending on the urgency of your need. We are an emergency-based practice—patients in extreme pain will be seen as soon as possible. For those with less urgent endodontic needs, it is often better to schedule an evaluation appointment in advance. Oftentimes our doctors are able to complete your evaluation and start treatment in the same visit.

We take very specific x-rays of teeth not typically taken at your dentist’s office. These images are necessary to determine what type of treatment you may need. In order to provide the highest quality of care, our doctors may also recommend a 3D image called a Cone Beam Computed Tomography image (CBCT).  You can read more about this technology, and how it can save you time and radiation exposure, on our technology tab.  Dental radiation exposure is minimal; however, our doctors always strive to take the fewest number of images necessary to provide you with the best possible treatment.

Every patient and procedure is different, however, recovery from a root canal generally only takes a few days to a week. You may feel soreness in the teeth or surrounding gum tissues in the days following a root canal procedure, especially when biting or pressing on the treated area. Most patients find that their soreness responds well to over-the-counter pain medications. In some cases, a prescription for pain may be required. Be sure to carefully follow the directions on any medications you take to avoid potentially harmful side effects.

Every treatment plan is unique and each patient responds differently to procedures. Some root canals are very predictable and are completed in one appointment. Due to the complexity of some cases, your procedure may require multiple visits. The good news is that the fee is the same, regardless of the number of visits needed. Our doctors always have your best interest at heart and will make treatment decisions that give your tooth the best long-term prognosis. 

In most instances, our doctors can make a small access opening in the biting surface, preserving the existing crown.   When your treatment is complete, you will leave with a temporary filling in this opening and will return to your dentist to have that area repaired.  We use special equipment to avoid damage to crowns. However, in rare instances, crowns can chip or fracture during treatment.  We constantly communicate with your dentist so that they are aware of our progress and when they will be needed.

Often, we want to let some time pass before the tooth is sealed permanently.  This allows us to ensure that there are no lingering symptoms and also lets the root canal filling completely set up.  Your dentist also knows your case history and can provide the ideal restoration. If you have received a root canal, that tooth will probably need a crown for long-term success.   We defer to your dentist’s judgment on how to finalize the treatment

Just like other types of dentistry, procedure costs vary based on the current condition of the tooth, the type of tooth requiring treatment, and previous treatment completed on the tooth.  One of our doctors will do a thorough evaluation for you and determine your treatment options.  At this point, we will give you an estimate of your treatment costs. 

We work with most insurance companies. Our team at the front desk will be happy to verify that we accept your specific plan.

Our team will help you to understand your dental insurance plan and how to estimate your copay. We can also determine what may qualify as a covered benefit.

We work with CareCredit to offer patients short-term financing options that often have no interest if paid in full by the due date.  Please feel free to ask one of our team members for more information about this great option.

We accept payment by cash, check, and major credit cards. You can get more information about insurance and payment at our financial policy page.

You will be numb when you leave our office and we advise that you do not eat or drink anything until that sensation is gone.  The temporary filling needs about 45 minutes to set up; this often correlates with the numbness subsiding.  After that, we ask that you do not chew anything hard or sticky on the treated side until you see your dentist for the permanent restoration. We do not perform sedation in the office, so most patients drive themselves home.  Some patients, such as those taking anti-anxiolytic medications prescribed by their physician, should have a driver with them. Most patients can go to work after a procedure.  Numbness can present some challenges, such as difficulty speaking. However, this normally subsides about an hour after your treatment.

Unfortunately, teeth do not live an easy life!  Our teeth touch when we eat, swallow, speak, and even when we smile!  In addition to direct wear and tear, acid from the foods we eat can contribute to the breakdown of enamel and dentin over the course of a tooth’s existence.  Many people will have at least one root canal in their life. In fact, the American Association of Endodontists estimates that over 41,000 root canals are performed every day in the United States!

Mild pain and discomfort are common after a root canal. However, it is possible you might experience a more serious concern. If you experience severe pain for more than a few days, even after taking the recommended medication, or if you have swelling or allergic reactions, please call or text the direct emergency phone number that you were given for the doctor.  If your temporary restoration becomes loose or falls out, you should call our office at 586-739-3636. If the office is closed, please leave a message in the general mailbox or press 9 after you call to leave an emergency message. One of our doctors will generally return your call within one business day. If you are experiencing a true medical emergency, including severe allergic reaction or trouble swallowing or breathing, call 911 or head to your nearest emergency room.