Endodontic FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions For Patients

 

Do I need a referral to see an endodontist at Valley Endodontics?

No referral is needed. You are welcome to contact us directly to schedule an appointment. We accept patients who call us directly as well as patients referred by their general dentist.

 

Do you offer same-day or emergency appointments?

Yes. We offer same-day and emergency appointments for patients experiencing severe tooth pain, dental abscesses, or acute dental emergencies. Please call our office at 914-962-2001 and we will do our best to see you as soon as possible.

 

What if I have a dental emergency after hours?

If you are experiencing a dental emergency after hours, please call our office at 914-962-2001 and follow the prompts to be connected to one of our doctors on call. We have a doctor available after hours for urgent endodontic emergencies.

 

Is a root canal painful?

Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the procedure is. Our goal is to relieve your pain, not cause it. We use advanced techniques and modern local anesthesia to ensure a gentle, as painless as possible experience. Most patients report feeling little to no discomfort during treatment.

 

I am anxious about my root canal. What comfort measures do you offer?

We understand that dental anxiety is very common, and our entire team is trained to help you feel calm and at ease. We take extra time to explain every step of your procedure before we begin, use gentle technique and effective local anesthesia, and encourage you to communicate openly with us throughout. Our goal is to make your experience as stress-free as possible.

 

Why did my tooth pain stop suddenly — do I still need a root canal?

Yes, in most cases you still need treatment. Tooth pain related to endodontic infection often comes in two waves. When the nerve inside the tooth dies, the pain may temporarily stop — but the underlying infection remains and will typically return, often more severely, within weeks to months. A tooth that has stopped hurting does not mean it has healed. Please call our office so we can evaluate and advise you on the best course of action.

 

How long does a root canal take?

Most root canal treatments are completed in one to two appointments, each lasting approximately 60 to 90 minutes. Complex cases or retreatments may require additional time. We will give you a clear estimate at your consultation.

 

What happens after my root canal treatment?

After your root canal, a temporary filling is placed to protect the tooth. We recommend returning to your general dentist within 30 days for a permanent crown or restoration. This final step is essential to fully protect the treated tooth. Valley Endodontics will follow up with you to confirm your tooth is healing correctly.

 

How successful is root canal treatment?

Root canal therapy has been reported to be up to 95% successful. Many factors influence outcome including the patient's overall health, bone support, and continued follow-up care with a general dentist. While no procedure can be guaranteed, our team uses the most advanced techniques and technology available to ensure the best possible prognosis for every patient.

 

Can you save a tooth that needs a root canal?

In most cases, yes. Root canal treatment is specifically designed to save a natural tooth that would otherwise require extraction. Saving your natural tooth is always our first priority — nothing looks, feels, or functions as well as your own tooth.

 

Are there alternatives to root canal treatment?

The primary alternative to root canal treatment is tooth extraction. While extraction eliminates the infection, it results in the loss of the natural tooth, which can affect chewing, adjacent teeth, and jawbone over time. Saving your natural tooth through endodontic treatment is almost always the better long-term outcome for your oral health, function, and appearance. Our doctors will discuss all options with you so you can make an informed decision.

 

Why would my tooth hurt after I already had a crown placed?

Teeth that have received crowns due to deep decay or significant tooth loss may sometimes require root canal treatment after some time. This is not uncommon and does not mean your dentist did anything wrong. As dental professionals, we cannot always predict how a tooth will respond biologically. If your crowned tooth is causing pain or sensitivity, please call us — we can evaluate whether endodontic treatment is needed.

 

What is the difference between a root canal and endodontic retreatment?

A root canal is the initial treatment to remove infected or inflamed pulp tissue inside a tooth. Retreatment is performed when a previously treated tooth does not heal properly or becomes reinfected. Our specialists handle both procedures with the same level of precision and care.

 

Do you treat children?

Yes. We treat patients of all ages including children. If your child has a damaged or infected tooth, their dentist may recommend endodontic treatment. We work closely with referring pediatric and general dentists to tailor care to each child's needs and make the experience as comfortable as possible.

 

What technology do you use for root canal treatment?

We use CBCT cone beam 3D imaging and surgical operating microscopes to ensure precise, accurate diagnosis and treatment. This technology allows us to identify issues that standard X-rays may miss and deliver treatment of the highest quality.

 

Do you accept dental insurance?

We work with many dental insurance plans. Please call our office to confirm your specific coverage before your appointment.

 

What areas do you serve?

We serve patients throughout Westchester County including Briarcliff Manor, Pleasantville, Ossining, White Plains, Scarsdale, Mount Kisco, Tarrytown, Yorktown, and surrounding communities.

 

Frequently Asked Questions For Referring Doctors

How do general dentists refer patients to Valley Endodontics?

Referring doctors can call our office directly at 914-962-2001. We prioritize same-day accommodation for urgent referrals and provide timely communication back to the referring office following treatment. No formal referral form is required — a phone call is sufficient.

 

How quickly can Valley Endodontics see an emergency referral?

We make every effort to see emergency referrals the same day. Please call our office directly at 914-962-2001 and we will work to accommodate your patient as soon as possible.

 

Do you have after-hours or on-call coverage for urgent referrals?

Yes. We have a doctor on call after hours for urgent endodontic emergencies. Referring doctors and patients can call 914-962-2001 and follow the prompts to be connected to the on-call doctor. We understand that dental emergencies do not keep office hours.

 

What can my patient expect at their first appointment?

Upon arrival your patient will be greeted by our team and seated promptly. We will take any necessary radiographs, review medical history, and the treating endodontist will examine the tooth and adjacent teeth before discussing diagnosis, treatment options, benefits, and risks. If the patient elects to proceed with treatment, it may begin that same day depending on the severity and complexity of the case.

 

What is your typical wait time for an urgent referral patient?

For urgent and emergency referrals we work to see patients the same day whenever possible. For non-emergency referrals our typical wait time is minimal. Please call our office directly for current availability and we will do our best to accommodate your patient's schedule.

 

Do you send treatment notes back to the referring dentist?

Yes. We communicate treatment outcomes, findings, and post-operative recommendations back to the referring dentist following every appointment. Keeping our referring colleagues informed is a priority.

 

What technology does Valley Endodontics use for complex cases?

We use CBCT cone beam 3D imaging, surgical operating microscopes, digital radiography, ultrasonics, bioceramics, and transillumination — giving us the diagnostic precision to handle complex and challenging referral cases including calcified canals, root resorption, and cracked tooth diagnosis.

 

Do you treat pediatric endodontic referrals?

Yes. We accept pediatric referrals and treat patients of all ages. We work closely with referring pediatric and general dentists to tailor treatment to each child's needs. Please call our office to discuss the specific case prior to referral if needed.

 

Do patients need a formal referral form to be seen at Valley Endodontics?

No formal referral form is required. A phone call from the referring office is sufficient. We make the referral process as simple and efficient as possible for both the referring practice and the patient.