Have a question? We know that endodontics and implant dentistry can be somewhat unfamiliar for many patients, so below, our own Dr. Mark Barr and Dr. Avni Maru have taken the time to answer some of the most common questions we receive every day. Of course, if you have a question that hasn’t been covered here, be sure to give us a call and ask. We’re always happy to talk to you and make sure you understand everything about your dental care.
An endodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on finding, diagnosing, and treating problems that deal with the dental pulp. The dental pulp is a bit of soft tissue located within every tooth where the sensitive nerve resides. When this pulp is exposed to bacteria or trauma, it can cause an extreme amount of dental pain. To relieve this kind of pain and save the tooth, a number of endodontic procedures (root canals) can be performed. To become an endodontist, Dr. Mark Barr and Dr. Avni Maru completed years of advanced training after graduating from dental school so they're able to provide this sensitive type of dental care with ease.
This is actually a misconception! Thanks to modern-day dental techniques, including things like anesthetic and sedation, a root canal is now a safe and comfortable procedure we can use to relieve severe dental pain, not cause it.
The reason that people think the procedure itself is so painful is that it is typically used to treat extremely damaged teeth that are causing a lot of discomfort. The procedure itself is practically painless, but it often gets connected to this initial pain. In reality, after getting a root canal, most of our patients say that it was no more difficult than getting a small filling.
Root canals are primarily used to treat teeth that have developed an infection or sustained damage to the dental pulp, where the sensitive nerve of the tooth is located. When this tissue develops a problem, it can become inflamed and even die, causing a buildup of pressure and pain in a tooth that is not very pleasant to say the least! If you have a particular tooth that is quite painful or has been hurting for a long time, the pulp may be the underlying issue, and the best way to save the tooth and find relief is with a root canal.
The reason dentists and patients around the world love dental implants is because they do something no other treatment does: they restore the root and crown of a tooth. Traditional bridges and dentures only bring back the crown above the gum line, which inherently makes them less stable and more likely to break down over time. Implants, because they are firmly anchored into the jawbone with a prosthetic root, are extremely strong and stable, plus they are able to last for much longer than typical replacements (about 30 years or more).
This really depends on your particular plan, but many offer benefits for these kinds of restorative procedures. At Endodontics of Buckhead, we gladly accept a long list of dental insurance plans from many providers, and we can help you go over your policy so you know exactly what is and isn’t covered. Flexible financing is available as well right through our website. To learn more about how we can use your particular insurance plan, contact us today.
About Us Meet Your Endodontists Tour Our Office View Our Services
