Good to know
Frequently asked questions
The questions patients ask us most, answered plainly. If yours is not here, call the office and we will talk it through with you.
The basics
About endodontics and our practice
What is an endodontist?
An endodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on diagnosing tooth pain and performing root canal therapy and related procedures to save natural teeth. Endodontists complete two or more years of advanced training after dental school and use technology such as operating microscopes and 3D imaging to treat the inside of the tooth with precision. Learn more about our specialty practice.
What makes Ocean Endodontics different from a general dentist?
As an endodontic specialty practice, we use an operating microscope for every endodontic procedure and cone beam 3D imaging when appropriate. This combination supports precise diagnosis and treatment of complex endodontic problems.
Can I be seen quickly if I am in pain?
Yes. We reserve time each day for urgent visits and do our best to see patients in significant pain the same day whenever possible. Call our office at (415) 741-3636 as early as you can so we can prioritize your care.
Where should I park?
There is a free parking lot located through the building breezeway, plus metered and free street parking nearby. The office is also well connected by Muni and public transit.
Do endodontists only do root canals?
Root canal therapy is the most common treatment, but endodontists also perform retreatment of previous root canals, microsurgery called apicoectomy, cracked tooth management, and emergency care for dental trauma. This specialty training allows us to handle complex cases and preserve natural teeth whenever possible. Browse our full list of endodontic services.
How do I know if I should see an endodontist?
If you have severe or lingering tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold that does not go away, swelling, or you have been told you may need a root canal, an endodontist can help. Many patients are referred by their general dentist, but you are welcome to contact us directly. Our guide to the signs you may need an endodontist covers the most common symptoms.
Where is Ocean Endodontics located?
Our office is at 2645 Ocean Ave, Suite 203, San Francisco, CA 94132, near City College of San Francisco and Lake Merced. We serve nearby neighborhoods including Ingleside, West Portal, Parkmerced, St. Francis Wood, Balboa Terrace, and Daly City.
Will my treatment be painful?
Modern endodontic care is designed to relieve pain, not cause it. We take time to fully numb the area, and many patients tell us the procedure felt easier than they expected. Nitrous oxide and, for appropriate patients, oral conscious sedation are available to help you stay comfortable and relaxed.
Insurance & payment
Cost, coverage, and billing
What we can tell you up front about coverage, fees, and billing.
Do you take my insurance?
We work with many dental insurance plans and will verify your specific benefits before your visit. Call us with your plan details and our team will help you understand your coverage.
What if I don’t have insurance?
You are still welcome here. We’ll review fees up front and discuss flexible payment options so you can make an informed decision about your care.
Will you tell me the cost before treatment?
Yes. We review the estimated cost and your expected responsibility before treatment begins, so you are never caught off guard.
By treatment
Questions about specific treatments
Each answer links back to the full page for that treatment.
Root Canal Therapy
Does a root canal hurt?
The procedure itself is designed to relieve pain. Once the tooth is numb, most patients feel only pressure and vibration, and many describe it as similar to having a filling placed.
How long does a root canal take?
Most root canals are completed in a single visit. The length of the appointment depends on the tooth and the number of canals, and more complex cases are sometimes completed in two visits. We will let you know what to plan for when we schedule you.
Do I still need to see my regular dentist afterward?
In many cases, yes. Your general dentist will place a permanent crown or restoration after the root canal to protect the tooth and restore full function.
Endodontic Retreatment
Why did my root canal fail?
Common reasons include very narrow or curved canals, new decay, a leaking crown or filling, or additional canals that were difficult to detect originally. Retreatment addresses these causes directly.
Is retreatment better than an implant?
When a tooth can be predictably saved, keeping your natural tooth is usually the most conservative option. We will give you an honest assessment so you can weigh retreatment against extraction and replacement.
Apicoectomy (Endodontic Microsurgery)
Is an apicoectomy the same as an extraction?
No. An apicoectomy is a tooth-saving microsurgery that removes only the infected root tip, allowing you to keep the natural tooth. Extraction removes the entire tooth.
How long is recovery?
Most patients return to normal activities after a few days. Minor swelling and tenderness is expected and normal after treatment, which can typically be managed with simple measures and over-the-counter pain relievers.
Diagnosis & Pain Management
Why does my dentist want me to see an endodontist for a diagnosis?
Endodontists have advanced training and imaging focused on the inside of the tooth, which makes them well suited to solve pain that is difficult to pin down.
What if the pain is not from my tooth?
If your pain is coming from something other than the tooth pulp, we will tell you honestly and help direct you to the right care rather than treating unnecessarily.
Cracked Tooth Treatment
Why can’t my dentist see the crack on an X-ray?
Many cracks run in a direction that does not show up on standard films. Bite testing, magnification, and 3D imaging are often needed to find and assess them.
Can every cracked tooth be saved?
Not always. Shallow cracks are often very treatable, while cracks that extend deep below the gum and bone may not be. We will always give you an honest assessment.
Emergency Endodontic Treatment
Can you see me the same day?
We reserve time each business day for emergencies and do our best to see patients in significant pain the same day. Call (415) 741-3636 as early as you can so we can prioritize you.
What should I do for a knocked-out tooth?
Handle the tooth by the crown, gently rinse it if dirty without scrubbing, and if possible replant it promptly. If it cannot be replanted, keep it moist in milk or an appropriate tooth-preservation medium. Then call us immediately. Time is critical for saving a permanent tooth. Note: a knocked-out primary (baby) tooth should not be replanted.
What counts as a 911 emergency?
Difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or rapidly spreading facial swelling are medical emergencies. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
Dental Trauma Management
My tooth was knocked out. What do I do right now?
Pick the tooth up by the crown, gently rinse it if it is dirty without scrubbing, and if possible replant it promptly. If it cannot be replanted, keep it moist in milk or an appropriate tooth-preservation medium and call us immediately. Minutes matter. Do not replant a knocked-out primary (baby) tooth.
Can a knocked-out tooth really be saved?
Often, yes, especially when it is reimplanted quickly and kept moist. The sooner you are seen, the better the outlook for the tooth.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Will I be asleep?
No. Nitrous oxide relaxes you while you remain awake and able to respond. It is a light form of sedation, not general anesthesia.
Can I drive myself home?
In most cases, yes, after the nitrous oxide has been discontinued and you have recovered appropriately. We will confirm this with you before you leave.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Will I be unconscious?
No. Oral conscious sedation relaxes you deeply while you remain conscious and able to respond. It is not general anesthesia.
Do I need someone to drive me?
Yes. Because the medication takes time to wear off, you will need a responsible adult to drive you to and from the appointment and should plan to rest for the day.
Internal Bleaching
Why won’t whitening strips fix my dark tooth?
Strips and gels whiten the outer enamel, but a tooth that darkens after a root canal is discolored from the inside. Internal bleaching treats the discoloration at its source.
Is internal bleaching safe?
Yes. It uses a controlled whitening agent placed inside a tooth whose pulp tissue was already removed during root canal treatment, making it a conservative, comfortable way to restore a natural shade.
Post and Core Build-Up
Does every root canal treated tooth need a post?
No. A post is only needed when too little natural tooth structure remains to hold a crown securely. When a tooth still has sound structure, a post adds risk without adding benefit, so we do not place one.
Is the post the same thing as the crown?
No. The post and core rebuild the inside of the tooth to create a foundation. The crown is the outer restoration that covers and protects the tooth, and it is usually placed by your general dentist afterward.
Is a post and core permanent?
The post and core are intended to stay in the tooth long term, but they are designed to support a crown, not to be chewed on directly. The tooth should be crowned promptly to protect it.
Botox for Bruxism
Is this a cosmetic treatment?
No. Here, Botox is used therapeutically to relax the jaw muscles involved in grinding and clenching, with the goal of easing jaw pain and helping protect the teeth.
How long does it last?
Improvement typically begins within about 10 to 14 days, reaches its full effect at around three to four weeks, and generally lasts about three months. Treatment can be repeated to maintain relief as directed.
Still have a question? Call us at (415) 741-3636, email [email protected], or read more in our Education Center.
This website is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Ready to get out of pain?
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