7628 Auburn Blvd, Citrus Heights, CA 95610
Ph : (916) 586 8746
Fax : (916) 723 6334
E-mail: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions About Endodontic Care
Have questions about root canal therapy, endodontic retreatment, or what to expect at Citrus Heights Endodontics? We have answered the most common questions below. If you do not find what you are looking for, our team is always happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Endodontic Care
Have questions about root canal therapy, endodontic retreatment, or what to expect at Citrus Heights Endodontics? We have answered the most common questions below. If you do not find what you are looking for, our team is always happy to help.
About Endodontic Care
Q: What is an endodontist?
An endodontist is a dental specialist who has completed advanced training beyond dental school, focusing exclusively on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the inside of the tooth. This includes the dental pulp, the root canals, and the surrounding bone. Dr. Jyotsna Sundar completed a Master of Science in Endodontics in addition to her dental degree, making her a focused specialist in this area of care.
Q: What does an endodontist treat?
Endodontists treat conditions that originate inside the tooth or at the root tip. The most common treatments include root canal therapy, endodontic retreatment for previously treated teeth that have not healed properly, and dental trauma involving cracked, displaced, or knocked out teeth. Endodontists also diagnose the source of tooth pain that may be difficult to identify, and manage infections that have developed at the root of a tooth.
Q: When do I need a root canal?
You may need a root canal when the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected or inflamed. This can happen as a result of deep decay, a crack or chip in the tooth, a faulty crown, or repeated dental procedures on the same tooth. Common signs include persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to heat or cold that lingers, swelling in the gums, tooth discoloration, or a painful bump near the affected tooth. The only way to know for certain is to have the tooth evaluated by a specialist.
Q: Is a root canal painful?
This is one of the most common concerns patients have, and understandably so. The truth is that root canal therapy with modern techniques and proper anesthesia is typically no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed. Most patients are genuinely surprised by how manageable the procedure feels. Dr. Sundar takes great care to ensure the area is fully numb before beginning, and the team at Citrus Heights Endodontics is experienced in keeping patients calm and comfortable throughout. Any mild soreness following the procedure usually resolves on its own within a few days.
Q: How long does root canal treatment take?
The length of a root canal appointment depends on the complexity of the tooth and the case. Dr. Sundar will give you a clearer estimate after reviewing your X-rays and examining the tooth at your consultation. (Practice confirmation needed before publishing specific timeframes.)
Q: Do I need a referral to see an endodontist in Citrus Heights, or can I book directly?
Both work. Many patients are referred by their general dentist across Citrus Heights and the greater Sacramento County area, but you can also contact us directly if you're experiencing tooth pain and think you may need a specialist.
Endodontic Retreatment
Q: What is endodontic retreatment?
Endodontic retreatment is a specialist procedure performed when a tooth that previously received root canal therapy has not healed as expected or has developed a new infection over time. During retreatment, Dr. Sundar carefully reopens the tooth, removes the existing root canal filling material, re-cleans and reshapes the canal system, and reseals the tooth. The goal is the same as the original root canal: eliminate the infection, relieve pain, and preserve the natural tooth.
Q: When is retreatment needed?
Retreatment may be needed if you experience pain returning in a previously treated tooth, notice new swelling or sensitivity around an old root canal site, or if a follow up X-ray shows a new infection or shadow at the root tip. In some cases a tooth that never fully healed after the original treatment may also benefit from retreatment. Each situation is different and Dr. Sundar will assess your specific case thoroughly before recommending any course of action.
Q: How is retreatment different from my first root canal?
Retreatment follows a similar process to a first root canal, but Dr. Sundar first has to reopen the tooth and remove the previous filling material before she can access and clean the canal system again. Because there's already existing treatment inside the tooth, it typically requires more careful evaluation to fully address the source of reinfection.
Q: Is retreatment as effective as a first-time root canal?
Retreatment can be a highly effective way to save a tooth that didn't heal properly the first time. Success depends on the specific case — including why the original treatment didn't hold — which is why Dr. Sundar evaluates each tooth individually before recommending retreatment.
Q: Where can I get endodontic retreatment near Citrus Heights?
Citrus Heights Endodontics, located at 7628 Auburn Blvd in Citrus Heights, CA, provides endodontic retreatment for patients throughout Sacramento County, including Roseville, Fair Oaks, Orangevale, and Carmichael. You can be seen directly or via referral from your general dentist.
Q: Will I need another appointment for imaging or evaluation before retreatment begins?
In most cases, Dr. Sundar reviews updated X-rays and examines the tooth closely before starting retreatment, so she can confirm it's the right approach for your specific situation. This evaluation helps set realistic expectations before any treatment begins.
Dental Trauma
Q: What should I do after a dental injury?
If you have suffered a dental injury, it is important to seek specialist care as soon as possible. Time is a critical factor, particularly when a tooth has been knocked out or displaced. Handle a knocked out tooth by the crown only, never the root. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with clean water. Try to reinsert it into the socket if possible, or store it in milk while you travel to our office. For cracked, chipped, or displaced teeth, avoid chewing on that side and contact us immediately. Even if the tooth does not hurt right away, internal damage may not be immediately obvious and early assessment can prevent much more serious complications later.
Q: What counts as a dental emergency?
Dental trauma covers a range of situations — a knocked-out tooth, a cracked or fractured tooth, a tooth pushed out of position, or an injury to the soft tissue around the teeth. If you're unsure whether your situation qualifies, it's safer to call and describe what happened so our team can advise you.
Q: Can a knocked-out tooth actually be saved?
In many cases, yes — especially if it's handled correctly (by the crown, not the root) and you're seen quickly. The likelihood of saving the tooth depends on factors like how it was stored before your visit and how much time has passed, which is why fast action matters more than anything else.
Q: Is a cracked or chipped tooth as urgent as a knocked-out tooth?
Not always to the same degree, but it still needs prompt attention. A crack can extend below the visible surface and affect the tooth's inner structure even if it doesn't hurt immediately, so it's best not to wait and see.
Q: Where can I get emergency dental trauma care near Citrus Heights?
Citrus Heights Endodontics, located at 7628 Auburn Blvd, Citrus Heights, CA, provides urgent dental trauma care for patients throughout Sacramento County, including Roseville, Fair Oaks, Orangevale, and Carmichael. If you're dealing with a dental injury, call (916) 586-8746 right away for guidance before you arrive.
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Insurance and Scheduling
Q: Which dental insurance plans is Citrus Heights Endodontics in-network with?
We're in-network with most major carriers, including Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem, United Healthcare, Guardian, and GEHA, among others. Since coverage and plan details vary, we recommend calling our office at (916) 586-8746 so our team can verify your specific benefits before your visit.
Q: Do you accept dental insurance?
Yes. Citrus Heights Endodontics accepts most major dental insurance plans. We work with Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Humana, Guardian, and many more. We encourage you to contact our office before your visit so we can help verify your specific coverage. For the full list of accepted plans, visit our Insurance page.
Q: Do I need a referral to schedule an appointment?
(This answer is pending confirmation from the practice. This question will be answered once the office confirms their referral policy.)
Q: Do you offer emergency appointments?
(This answer is pending confirmation from the practice. If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, swelling, or a dental injury, please call our office directly at (916) 586-8746 and our team will advise you on next steps.)
Q: What should I bring to my first visit?
(This answer is pending confirmation from the practice. In the meantime, please visit our New Patients page for general guidance or call our office and we will be happy to walk you through what to bring.)
Q: How much does a root canal cost?
(The cost of root canal therapy varies depending on the tooth involved, the complexity of the case, and your insurance coverage. Detailed pricing information will be available on our dedicated cost page coming soon. In the meantime, please contact our office at (916) 586-8746 and we will be happy to discuss your specific situation.)
FAQ Section — Citrus Heights Endodontics
Q: What are Citrus Heights Endodontics' office hours?
We're open Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and closed Friday and weekends. Because dental pain doesn't wait for a convenient time, we recommend calling ahead at (916) 586-8746 if you're dealing with a same-week issue so we can get you on the schedule as quickly as possible.
Q: Where is your office located, and is it easy to find?
Citrus Heights Endodontics is located at 7628 Auburn Blvd, Citrus Heights, CA 95610, in Sacramento County. The office is easy to reach from Auburn Boulevard and is a short drive for patients throughout the Sacramento area.
Q: Where did Dr. Jyotsna Sundar receive her dental education and specialty training?
Dr. Sundar earned her DMD from the University of Pennsylvania, where she was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society for academic excellence. She completed her advanced specialty training in Endodontics at Temple University in Philadelphia, and pursued additional advanced general dentistry training (AEGD) at the University of the Pacific. Before specializing, she practiced general dentistry at a federally qualified health center in Sacramento — experience that shaped her patient-first approach to care today.
Q: What areas near Citrus Heights do you serve?
While our office is based in Citrus Heights, CA, we regularly see patients from across Sacramento County, including Sacramento, Roseville, Fair Oaks, Orangevale, and Carmichael. Many patients travel a bit further specifically for specialized endodontic care they can't get from a general dentist.
Is Dr. Sundar a licensed, specially trained endodontist?
Yes. Dr. Sundar holds a DMD and completed dedicated post-graduate specialty training in Endodontics, focusing exclusively on root canal therapy, retreatment, and dental trauma — rather than the broader scope of general dentistry. That specialization is why general dentists throughout the Citrus Heights and greater Sacramento area refer patients to her for complex cases.
Do you accept emergency, same-day appointments?
We do our best to accommodate urgent cases, especially dental trauma like a knocked-out, cracked, or displaced tooth, where timing matters. If you're in pain or dealing with an injury, call our Citrus Heights office directly at (916) 586-8746 and let our team know it's urgent so we can guide you on next steps.
What insurance plans does your Citrus Heights office accept?
We're in-network with most major dental insurance carriers, including Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem, United Healthcare, Guardian, and GEHA, among others. Coverage varies by plan, so we recommend calling ahead of your visit and our team will help verify your benefits.
Do I need a referral, or can I contact Citrus Heights Endodontics directly?
Either works. Many patients are referred by their general dentist in Citrus Heights or the surrounding Sacramento County area, but you're also welcome to reach out directly if you're experiencing tooth pain and think you may need a specialist. Referring doctors can also submit a referral slip directly through our website.
Still Have Questions? We Are Here to Help.
If you did not find the answer you were looking for, our team at Citrus Heights Endodontics is always happy to speak with you directly. Give us a call or request an appointment and we will make sure all of your questions are answered before your visit.
Services
Hours
Monday 8:30 am- 5:30pm
Tuesday 8:30 am- 5:30pm
Wednesday 8:30 am- 5:30pm
Thursday. 8:30 am- 5:30pm
Friday Closed
Weekend Closed
Location
7628 Auburn Blvd, Citrus Heights, CA 95610, United States
