Frequently Asked Questions

What is an endodontist?

An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in diagnosing and treating tooth pain, with a primary focus on saving your natural teeth through root canal therapy. After completing four years of dental school, endodontists undergo an additional two to three years of advanced specialty training in an accredited post-doctoral residency program. They specialize exclusively in procedures involving the dental pulp — the soft inner tissue of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels. In fact, less than 3% of all dentists are endodontists.

What is the difference between a general dentist and an endodontist?

While all endodontists are dentists, general dentists perform a wide range of services including cleanings, fillings, crowns, and cosmetic treatments. Endodontists limit their practices solely to endodontic treatments. Because we specialize, we perform these complex procedures every day:

• Higher Volume: A general dentist might perform two root canals a week; Dr. Eric Feuer performs dozens.
• Advanced Technology: Our clinic is equipped with surgical operating microscopes, 3D cone beam CT (CBCT) imaging, and specialized tools designed for root canal anatomy.
• Complex Diagnostics: We specialize in diagnosing unexplained tooth pain, cracked teeth, and traumatic dental injuries that general dentists refer to us.

Does a root canal hurt?

This is the most common concern patients have, but the short answer is no. Modern root canal treatment is designed to relieve pain, not cause it. With state-of-the-art local anesthetics, the procedure is as comfortable as receiving a routine dental filling. Dr. Eric Feuer is highly experienced in pain management techniques. Most patients report feeling no discomfort during their appointment, and many are surprised at how comfortable and straightforward the experience actually is.

What should I expect after my root canal?

For the first few days following your treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive or tender, especially when chewing. This is a normal part of the healing process as the surrounding tissues recover. In most cases, any post-treatment discomfort can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). We will provide you with detailed, written post-op instructions and are always available to answer questions.

How long does a root canal take?

In most cases, root canal therapy can be completed in a single visit lasting about 60 to 90 minutes. However, depending on the complexity of your tooth's root canal system or the presence of a severe infection, a second appointment may be necessary to ensure the tooth is fully cleaned and disinfected before sealing it.

Can I drive or return to work after the procedure?

Yes. Since local anesthesia is used to numb only the area around the treated tooth, you will be fully alert and able to drive yourself home or return to work immediately following your appointment.

How much does a root canal cost in Burlington, VT?

The cost of root canal treatment depends on the specific tooth being treated and the complexity of the case. Front teeth have a single root canal and are generally less expensive to treat, whereas molars have multiple canals, making the procedure more complex and costly. During your consultation, we will examine your tooth, discuss the recommended treatment plan, and provide you with a detailed estimate of the costs before any treatment begins.

Will my dental insurance cover a root canal?

Most dental insurance plans provide coverage for endodontic procedures, typically covering 50% to 80% of the cost after your deductible is met. At Green Mountain Endodontics, we work with a wide range of insurance providers. Our front office team will assist you by submitting claims on your behalf and pre-authorizing your treatment to help maximize your benefits and minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.

What is a 3D CBCT scan, and why do I need one?

CBCT stands for Cone Beam Computed Tomography. Unlike traditional flat 2D X-rays, a CBCT scan provides a detailed 3D image of your teeth, jawbone, nerves, and surrounding structures. This technology is invaluable for:

• Identifying hidden or calcified root canals that might be missed on 2D images.
• Checking the extent of an infection in the bone.
• Detecting root fractures or resorption.
• Planning precise endodontic surgeries.

The radiation exposure from a dental CBCT scan is extremely low — significantly less than a medical CT scan.

Why do you use a surgical microscope?

Root canals are tiny, complex tunnels inside your tooth root, often smaller than a human hair. Dr. Eric Feuer utilizes high-powered dental operating microscopes to magnify the treatment area up to 20 times. With intense LED illumination and high magnification, we can locate extra canals, identify structural cracks, and clean the root canal system with microscopic precision, dramatically increasing the long-term success rate of your treatment.

What happens if I don't get a root canal?

Ignoring an infected or damaged tooth pulp can lead to serious complications, including:

• Severe, throbbing toothaches.
• Spreading infection or abscesses in your jawbone, face, or neck.
• Bone loss around the root of the tooth.
• Eventually, the tooth will degrade to the point where it cannot be saved and must be extracted.

What is the alternative to a root canal?

The only alternative to root canal therapy is extracting the tooth. However, keeping your natural tooth is always the best option. Extracting a tooth requires replacing it with a dental bridge, implant, or partial denture to prevent your other teeth from shifting and to preserve your chewing function. These replacement options are almost always more expensive, require more visits, and take longer than saving your natural tooth with a root canal.

What is root canal retreatment?

With proper care, a tooth treated with a root canal can last a lifetime. However, occasionally, a treated tooth fails to heal or becomes painful months or even years after treatment. This can happen due to narrow or curved canals that weren't fully cleaned during the initial procedure, new decay or a cracked crown that exposes the filling material to bacteria, or delayed placement of a crown or permanent restoration after the root canal. In these cases, an endodontic retreatment can be performed. Dr. Eric Feuer will remove the previous filling material, re-clean and disinfect the canals, and seal the tooth again to give it a second chance to heal.