Patient Information

Thank you for your interest in Stephen J. Langan, DMD, PLLC, a dental practice dedicated exclusively to endodontic care.

Dr. Langan is a specialist member of the American Association of Endodontists and a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics. We look forward to being of service to you. Our expert team, led by respected endodontic specialist Dr. Langan, includes an experienced endodontic staff. We provide the highest standard of professional care in a friendly, comfortable environment. We hope that the information provided here answers many of your questions about endodontic treatment. If you would like additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Stephen J. Langan, DMD, PLLC Office Phone Number 518-477-5155.

This section offers information from the administrative side of the practice, including:

• What to Expect on Your First Visit
• Scheduling
• Financial Policy
• Insurance
• FAQ

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Why Choose an Endodontist

Reason 1: Experience

On average, endodontists perform nearly 25 root canal treatments a week, while general dentists perform less than two.

Reason 2: Efficiency

Because they limit their practice solely to endodontic treatment, endodontists are efficient and precise. This equates to positive experiences and faster healing.

Reason 3: Availability

Most endodontists offer tremendous flexibility in accommodating emergency cases, so delays in treatment are kept to a minimum and patients can be relieved of dental pain quickly.

Reason 4: Advanced Technology

Many endodontists use state-of-the-art technology such as operating microscopes, digital imaging, ultrasonic instrumentation and fiber optics, to treat their patients quickly and comfortably.

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Endodontic FAQ

What is endodontics?

Endodontics is a branch of dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association involving treatment of the pulp (root canal) and surrounding tissues of the tooth. When you look at your tooth in the mirror, what you see is the crown. The rest of the tooth, the portion that is hidden beneath the gum line, is called the root.

Though the outer portion of the root is a hard tissue called dentin, the inside channel or “root canal” contains a pulp of soft tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. Bacteria that are introduced into the pulp as a result of tooth decay, periodontal disease, tooth fracture, or other problems, can severely damage the pulp.

When this happens, an endodontic specialist removes the diseased pulp to save the tooth and prevent further infection and inflammation. After successful endodontic treatment, the tooth continues to perform normally.

I’m worried about x-rays. Should I be?

No. While x-rays will be necessary during your endodontics treatment, we use an advanced non-film computerized system, called digital radiography, that produces radiation levels up to 75 percent lower than those of already low-dose conventional dental x-ray machinery.

These digital images can be optimized, archived, printed, and sent to cotherapists via e-mail or diskette. We also offer cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) capability to help with diagnosing and treating more complex cases.

What about infection?

Again, there’s no need for concern. We adhere to the most rigorous standards of infection control advocated by OSHA, the Centers for Disease Control and the American Dental Association. We utilize autoclave sterilization and barrier techniques to eliminate any risk of infection.

What happens after treatment?

When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your general dentist. You should contact their office for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of completion at our office. Your general dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth.

It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond.

What new technologies are being used?

Operating Microscopes:

In addition to digital radiography, we utilize special operating microscopes. Magnification and fiber optic illumination are helpful in aiding the doctor to see tiny details inside your tooth.