For Patients

What is an Endodontist?

An Endodontist is a dentist who has undergone a minimum of 2 years of extra postgraduate training. This Specialist training allows an Endodontist to:

(1) deal with diseases of the dental pulp and supporting structures
(2) diagnose facial pain and related problems.

Your general dentist sometimes refers patients for consultation when the diagnosis is complicated or when treatment is more difficult than normal.

Aside from providing treatment, Dr. Kaufmann’s role is also that of educator. It is important that patients understand why they require treatment, what treatment involves and what they can do to ensure the best possible outcome. Dr. Kaufmann believes that a properly informed patient has the best chance of achieving the optimal result.

I Need Emergency Treatment

 Endodontic treatment can occasionally involve unscheduled emergency visits. Dr. Kaufmann schedules specific time each day to handle these emergencies. We endeavor to run on time. Unfortunately, these unforeseen interruptions can sometimes result in delays.

Every effort will be made to see you as promptly as possible. Should you find yourself in a similar situation, we hope that patients forced to wait due to your emergency will understand as well .

How Much Does it Cost?

Financial Policies

Treatment fees generally depend on the type of treatment performed, the method of treatment and the number of canals present. When scheduling an appointment on the telephone, you may be given an approximate estimate that will depend on which tooth is being treated. In some cases, a separate examination appointment may be scheduled at which time a more accurate estimate can be given you.

Patients are responsible for any costs involved in examination and treatment regardless of their insurance coverage. You will be asked to pay for the initial examination and any emergency treatment at the time of the appointment. Patients presenting with insurance coverage should alert staff as soon as possible and have all signatures and numbers with them. This will allow us to perform any preauthorizations that may be required.

In those cases in where Dr. Kaufmann chooses to accept direct assignment of insurance benefits, proof of coverage and coverage amount must be obtained before treatment will be performed. If, for any reason, the insurer does not pay within 60 days, the patient will be responsible for the entire amount. Dr. Kaufmann accepts Visa, Mastercard, Debit Cards and personal cheques.

Dental X-Ray Images

We encourage your dentist to send any information regarding your case. This can include documents, referral notes and any newer or older x-ray films. However, since Endodontic treatment can be complex, several views of the tooth may be needed to make a diagnosis. This may mean additional images at the time of arrival, regardless of any images that accompany you. Every effort will be made to limit your exposure.

Dr. Kaufmann’s office has digital X ray imaging that no longer requires the use of films. This technology substantially lowers exposure levels (in comparison to regular film images).  It  allows us to see imaging instantaneously and can show you your images in detail on a video monitor.

We display intraoral camera images on a computer monitor in front of the Dental chair. In that way, you can view them with us as we discuss your case, both during consultation and after treatment.

Parking

Patients arriving with their own vehicles should park inside the building parkade. Access to this underground heated parking lot is located on Good St. (See arrow in above map) The Entrance is gained through the automated gate in the photo below.

Underground Parking instructions

1. Drive up to the parkade door. It will open automatically.  

2. Drive forward and down the ramp to the basement and immediately  turn left.  Find a parking spot in this area.

3. Find the COMMERCIAL OFFICES  elevator (NOT Residential) which is in the ORANGE Stripe parking area, to the right of the down ramp. You will see a ticket dispenser near the door.

4. Pay for your parking using your license plate number and credit card at the  machine near the entrance door to the elevators.

5. Proceed to the elevator and push “Floor 7”.

6. Exit the elevator on Floor 7. Dr. Kaufmann’s office will be at the end of the hall on your left – Suite 710.

Please DO NOT park using street meters. They are regularly patrolled and ticketed. Please note, parking is prohibited on Portage Avenue after 3:30 p.m. Dr. Kaufmann cannot be responsible for towed cars or tickets given to patients.