So often, patients arrive nervous about getting a root canal. Almost universally, when we are finished treatment and we set them up, they say, that wasn’t so bad. It didn’t hurt, either.

The root canal procedure is a very technical treatment that requires a lot of experience. We are able to provide an efficient, comfortable experience for the patient. We have an advanced, paperless office, where we use low radiation digital radiography.

We use the best microscopes that the industry provides, which allow us to see the treatment field with great detail, drive magnification. And we have the latest technology to affect the field of endodontics, which is the Cone Beam CT, which allows us to image an area of the mouth in three dimensions, and allow us to better understand what the problem might be and what treatment would be recommended.

My front desk has a lot of experience helping patients understand the cost of treatment and how their dental insurance might relate to that. My chair side assistants are wonderful. They have a lot of experience in helping the patients feel comfortable.

I believe I work with the best dentists in our area. And they have trusted their patients to our care, I believe, because of our ability to communicate with them and their patients the quality of care that we provide, and the consistent, positive feedback they get from our patients.

We invite our patients to explore our website, to see and know more about the services we provide, and then come on over and allow us to provide a positive endodontic experience and a quality treatment that they’ll want to talk about.

Please be sure to bring the following with you to your appointment:

• The referral slip and any x-rays from your dentist’s office.
• A list of medications you are presently taking.
• Any necessary dental insurance information if you have insurance.
• Drivers License or Photo ID.

After initial contact with our office, we will email you a welcome letter that will allow you to login to our secure website and enter your information.

• Upon arriving in our office we will take your photo (for your digital chart), and ask you to confirm and digitally sign the forms you reviewed on-line.
• You will be seated and your blood pressure and diagnostic radiographs will be taken.
• The time necessary to deliver thorough root canal treatment is variable and difficult to predict for each patient. We will make every attempt to keep your waiting to a minimum. Please be patient as we deliver quality care to all patients.
• Dr. Shelley will discuss what brought you in, conduct an oral cancer screening, locate the source of your current concern, show you photographs and radiographs and discuss their significance.
• Treatment options and recommendations will be given.
• If time has been set aside for treatment, then you will be given adequate local anesthesia to numb the area.
• Your tooth will be isolated with a rubber dam (latex or non-latex barrier), and treatment will be rendered.
• Some cases take more than one visit depending on the specific circumstances of your situation.
• After treatment, your case and prognosis will be reviewed and post-operative instructions will be given.

The following is important information to keep in mind following your treatment:

• A root canal treated tooth will not have any hot or cold sensitivity, but could be tender to touching or biting for a few days, possibly up to a month.
• You will be given written and verbal instructions on how to minimize any discomfort by taking ibuprofen, Tylenol, or another prescribed pain reliever.
• If you have swelling or a reaction to any medications, please call us immediately.
• Please wait for anesthetic to wear off before chewing so that you do not bite your cheek or tongue. This usually takes 2-3 hours from the time it is given.
• In many cases you will be asked to return to your general dentist within three weeks for further restorative treatment like a permanent filling or crown. Until then, please avoid chewing on the root canal treated tooth. Please do not delay in seeing your general dentist for follow-up care; doing so may cause failure of the root canal treatment necessitating root canal re-treatment or removal of the tooth.
• We will ask you to return in 6-12 months for a quick visit in which we take a radiograph to evaluate the healing that has taken place. This visit only takes a couple minutes and there is no charge.

Root canal treatment may vary between $800 and $1500 depending on the tooth and particular circumstances.  Generally your portion is due in full at the time of treatment unless other arrangements have been made.  We accept all major credit and debit cards.  We also offer CareCredit for patients needing to finance their root canal treatment.

We are in-network providers for patients who have Delta Premier, Aetna, Cigna, and Anthem Blue Cross (100, 200, and 300 plans).  We accept all traditional insurance plans and also provide CareCredit options for patients having difficulty paying for treatment.  Even if a patient is coming to us out of network, their insurance may cover at in-network percentages; please call and we can let you know.

Dental insurance is designed to share in your dental care costs.  It will not cover the total cost of your treatment.  Most insurance plans will cover between 20 to 80 percent of endodontic treatment.  We will do our best to accurately estimate your insurance coverage however every policy has exclusions & policy provisions we cannot be aware of. Your “estimated” out of pocket portion will be collected at the time your treatment is started. Any remaining balance after the insurance pays its portion is the patient’s responsibility.

For patients who are anxious about dental treatment, we offer an oral sedative instead of nitrous oxide gas. If you think you may need this kind of care, please let us know so that we can schedule a consultation prior to your treatment appointment. In addition, please review the information below.

Instructions for anxiolysis oral sedation with Halcion (triazolam):

1. Please read and sign the consent form indicating that you understand all the instructions and agree to follow them.
2. Take the recommended dosage 1 hour prior to your appointment.
3. Do not take with alcohol or other sedatives.
4. Do not operate machinery or drive while taking the medication for a period of at least 12 hours, and do not plan to make any important business decisions just prior to taking the medication.
5. You must have someone drive you to and from your appointment – no exceptions.
6. You cannot take this medication if you are pregnant.
7. Please have your driver notify our receptionist when you have arrived so that we can offer assistance if necessary.
8. If you feel you are having an adverse reaction please contact our office or emergency services.
9. We will escort you back to your vehicle.  We ask that your escort assists you after you arrive at your destination and remain with you for at least four hours to assure your well-being.

Download the Consent Form

Our office is located at:

8585 Huron St.
Thornton, CO 80260
Phone: 303-427-2769

Below are directions to our office.  For an interactive map, you may click on the “Map/Directions” tab above.

From the North:
Take I-25 South to Thornton Parkway (Exit 220) and continue right until Huron St.  Turn left (south) on Huron St. and continue to Milky Way.  Turn right on Milky Way, then immediately left into our parking lot.  Our building is located on the southwest corner of Milky Way and Huron St.   It is a two story brown building, and we are located on the first floor.

From the South:
Take I-25 North to 84^th Ave (exit 219).  Turn left (west) and continue on 84^th Ave to Huron St.  Turn left onto Huron St. and continue to Milky Way, turn left onto Milky Way then immediately left into our parking lot. Please watch for police who ticket unsuspecting drivers exceeding the speed limit in the school zone on Huron St. Our building is located on the southwest corner of Milky Way and Huron St.   It is a two story brown building, and we are located on the first floor.

From Boulder:
Take the Pecos St. exit and turn left (north) onto Pecos St. and continue north until 84^th Ave.  Turn right (east) on 84^th Ave.  and continue until Huron St. Turn left on Huron St. and continue until Milky Way. Please watch for police who ticket unsuspecting drivers exceeding the speed limit in the school zone on Huron St. Turn left (west) onto Milky Way and make an immediate left into our parking lot.  Our building is located on the southwest corner of Milky Way and Huron St.   It is a two story brown building, and we are located on the first floor.

Download These Directions

Registration takes around 10 minutes. Pre-registering makes things nice and smooth for you when you come in for treatment. Please note: You’ll be directed to an external site that is encrypted for your security.

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