What is an endodontist?
Endodontics is a discipline of dentistry that focuses on the roots and inside of the tooth. Endodontists are dentists who specialize in maintaining teeth through endodontic therapy or procedures that involve the soft inner tissue of the teeth. In addition to dental school, endodontists receive two or more years of advanced education in endodontic treatment, studying root canal techniques and procedures in greater depth. All dentists are trained in endodontic therapy, but some teeth can be very difficult to treat and diagnose. The advanced training endodontists receive makes them especially adept at diagnosing tooth pain and treating difficult cases.
What if I'm nervous?
We understand that many patients fear the discomfort of root canal treatment. Some patients may even ignore pain and avoid treatment due to dental phobias. Neglecting your oral health can lead to tooth loss, disease, and overall health problems. Don’t let nervousness or apprehension keep you from seeking the dental care you need. At Maupin Steffensen Endodontics, we offer sedation to ease you into your procedure and provide you with a soothing experience.
Sedation can give you the peace of mind you need in order to undergo endodontic treatment. Our doctors can make recommendations for the type of sedation that best suits your needs and your unique circumstances. We offer three types of sedation: nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, and IV sedation.
Will endodontic treatment be painful?
Today’s anesthetics are very advanced and take much of the worry out of endodontic treatment. We take every measure to ensure that your procedure is as comfortable as possible. Before we begin any treatment, we’ll let you know how to alert us to any discomfort you feel, and then a local anesthetic is gently injected to numb a concentrated area of your mouth. For most patients, this is sufficient pain management and the feeling of numbness usually subsides after 2-3 hours.
Will I need to return to your office for follow-up visits after my procedure?
Follow-up visits are necessary to ensure that your tooth is healing properly and does not require further treatment. For most root canal therapies, we recommend that patients return to the office one year after the procedure is completed. We will send you a reminder notice when it’s time for your next appointment.
Do you accept referrals?
Absolutely! We appreciate your confidence in us! We welcome referrals from other dentists as well as patients who want their friends and family to experience the exceptional level of care we provide.
Do you accept my insurance?
Yes we accept most dental insurances and will file the insurance on your behalf. We will work with you to maximize your insurance reimbursement for covered procedures. If you have any questions, please contact our office and our trained staff will answer any questions you might have.
How do I handle an emergency?
If you have an endodontic emergency outside of normal office hours, please contact us at 806-589-3390. Our phone is answered at all times and you can follow the instructions on the message. After hours and weekend office visits are strictly limited to emergency care for relief of acute discomfort.
How do you ensure my safety during treatment at your office?
For protection, safety, and peace of mind, Maupin Steffensen Endodontics maintains strict operating protocol. We exceed the highest standards of infection control as set forth by OSHA, the Centers for Disease Control, and the American Dental Association. We use only the most advanced barrier techniques and autoclave sterilization to eliminate your exposure to and risk of cross-contamination.
Additionally, our entire team is CPR certified and we attend several hours of continuing education courses every year. Our office is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including patient monitoring equipment and Automatic Electronic Defibrillator.
Help! My child knocked out a tooth! What should I do?
It’s best to try and replant the tooth into its socket. However, only replant a tooth that is clean! If the tooth has debris, for example, rinse with milk and then attempt to replant it. If you are unable to place the tooth back into the socket, store it in a container of milk, or water with a pinch of salt if milk is not available.
Call us immediately and we will get your child in the office as soon as possible.
What are my payment options?
We accept cash, check, and all major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.
For your convenience, we also provide financing options through CareCredit, a trusted financial services company. CareCredit offers low- and no-interest plans for qualified applicants and you are welcome to apply in our office or at CareCredit online.