endodontist

Root Canal Fees: General Dentist Vs Endodontist

May 31, 2011 By Catherine Hughes 9 Comments

root canal fees This survey found the average root canal fee is $887 if treatment is performed by a general dentist and $1,500 if done by a specialist, with the majority of dentists surveyed saying they perform root canals.

Fees for different teeth vary only slightly regardless of whether performed by a generalist or a specialist.

At a general practice -

D3310 – anterior tooth: $745.00
D3320 – bicuspid tooth: $850.00
D3330 – molar: $1,013.00

At a specialist practice -

D3310 – anterior tooth: $1,300.00
D3320 – bicuspid tooth: $1,195.00
D3330 – molar: $1,268.00

Root canal therapy costs somewhat more from endodontists than from general dentists, especially on posterior teeth. Of course, an endodontist will perform a difficult root canal, while a general dentist might refer out that endodontic procedure.

Here are some dentist comments about root canals:

“I don’t do endo in my office any more. With microscopes and all the other technology available in endo offices, I feel my patients are getting a better quality service with the specialist than I can provide.” (General dentist)
“How about when the root canal needs to be extracted 4 months later and the patient demands a refund and/or free extraction?” (General dentist)
“Root canals performed by endodontists are a better alternative to tooth extraction.” (Tenessee endodontist)
“What used to take several long appointments can now be performed in one appointment, but some require more, so it’s better to refer to an endo.” (General dentist)
“I need to raise my fees.” (Texas dentist)
“About twenty years ago, the Federal Government prosecuted a small group of dentists who discussed their fees over coffee. The government considered this to be “price fixing” which is against the law. Since then, dentists have been publicly warned not to discuss their fees among themselves or face prosecution.” (California dentist)

Filed Under: Dental Surveys, The Wealthy Dentist Tagged With: dental costs, dental surveys, dentist, endodontic, endodontics, endodontist, general dentist, root canal, root canal fees, root canal therapy, root canal treatment

The Dentist-Specialist Referral Relationship (video)

July 20, 2010 By Jim Du Molin 1 Comment

Dentists say that specialists almost always refer their patients back to the original treating dentist, this survey found.

“Building a good relationship with your specialists is critical," advised a cosmetic dentist. "Open lines of communication and professionalism, along with some warm and fuzzy human contact are vital elements for strengthening this relationship. Specialist referrals are our second greatest source of new patients, after existing patient referrals.”

One dentist commented, “Oral surgeons and orthodontists are a great source of new patients, especially in a growing area.” But another disagreed, saying, "Orthodontists and oral surgeons should return the favor!"

“I enjoy the relationship with my periodontist," said one dentist. "He does the perio and I do the restorative. It's a non-threatening relationship because I'm not afraid that when I refer the patient that they will get lost."

Filed Under: The Wealthy Dentist Tagged With: dental specialist, endodontist, general dentist, orthodontist, pediatric dentist, periodontist, prosthodontist, referrals, specialists

Root Canal Dentist Uses Paper Clips in Surgery

March 28, 2010 By Julie Frey 1 Comment

A Massachusetts dentist accused of using paper clips in root canal procedures has been indicted on 13 charges.

The dentist pinched pennies by using pieces of paper clips instead of stainless steel posts – though that didn't stop him from billing Medicaid for the more expensive materials he didn't bother to use.

The charges against him include assault and battery, larceny, submitting false Medicaid claims (using other doctors' provider numbers), and illegally prescribing drugs (Hydrocodone, Combunox and Percocet).

Between 2003 and 2005, he is estimated to have submitted at least $130,000 in fraudulent Medicaid bills. But it's his use of office supplies in root canal therapy that's garnered the most attention. (This root canal treatment is definitely not endodontist-approved!) In fact, some of his root canal patients still have paper clips in their mouths.

Read more about how NOT to cure root canal pain: Charge: Paper clips used in root canals

Filed Under: Funny Dental News Tagged With: dentist, endodontist, paper clip, paper clips, root canal, root canals

Dentists Say Specialists Usually Refer Patients Back

June 10, 2008 By Julie Frey 2 Comments

Prosthodontists and Periodontists Suck; Oral Surgeons and Orthodontists Rule

Dental Survey Results This survey asked dentists how frequently their patients are referred back after being sent out for treatment by specialists. The clear majority said they always or almost always got their patients back.

Dentists reported that prosthodontists were the worst offenders when it comes to not referring patients back. There were also complaints about pediatric dentists and periodontists. Dentists were happiest with oral surgeons, orthodontists, and endodontists.

Here are some comments from dentists about specialist referrals…

“Periodontists only have incoming phone lines. They never refer back.” (Arizona dentist)
“Building a good relationship with your specialists is critical. Specialist referrals are our second greatest source of new patients, after existing patient referrals.” (Pennsylvania cosmetic dentist)
“Endodontists love to do it all, endo and restorations. They’re too greedy.” (Arizona dentist)
“The endodontists to whom I send patients are tremendous.” (Illinois dentist)
“Oral surgeons and orthodontists are a great source of new patients, especially in a growing area.” (North Carolina dentist)
“Orthodontists will not share or help with easy cases, and refer existing patients to oral surgeons, not back to us.” (Arizona dentist)
“I enjoy the relationship with my periodontist. He does the perio and I do the restorative. I’m not afraid that when I refer the patient that they will get lost.” (California dentist)
“Periodontists attempt to take over patients’ care and regular hygiene visits.” (North Carolina dentist)
“Pedodontists never, ever refer back! They are by far the worst of all specialists.” (Arkansas dentist)