Your First Visit
Most people arrive a little tense. Either something hurts, or they have been told they need a root canal and have spent a few days imagining it. Knowing what really happens takes some of that away. Here, you'll find everything you need to know before your visit.
What happens at your first appointment
The first visit is mostly a consultation. We ask what has been going on, assess the tooth, and take the images we need to see what is happening inside it.
Then, Dr. Strother explains what she found and what your options are. Treatment can often be done the same day, which saves you a second trip.
If your medical history is complicated or the tooth needs a more involved plan, we may schedule a second appointment rather than rush it.
What to bring
You can fill out the patient medical form before you come in.
Download the Patient Form Anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian with them at the consultation.Things to tell us before you come in
Let us know if any of these apply to you. None of them are a problem; we just need to know.
About imaging and radiation
Our X-rays are digital, which means a lower dose than traditional film while giving a sharper image to work from. Most first visits also include a CBCT scan, a 3D image of a small, targeted area of your jaw rather than your whole head. It shows cracks, extra canals, and the true extent of an injury, none of which reliably appear on a flat X-ray.
If you've already had a CBCT scan somewhere else, bring it. We may still take our own, because most scans from other offices cover the full mouth. Ours is a limited-field-of-view scan, a highly detailed image of just one or two teeth. It uses much less radiation than a large scan and shows more detail, which leads to a better diagnosis.
If you have questions about it, ask when you are in the chair. You will get a straight answer.
Paying for treatment
You will know what treatment costs before you agree to it.No surprises after the fact.
We accept cash, check, and credit card, and payments can be made over the phone.
Common questions
How long does the first appointment take?
Can I drive myself home afterward?
Can I eat before my appointment?
Will I need more than one visit?
What if a problem comes up after hours?
Refer a patient in two minutes
Download the fillable form below, complete it, and send it along with your patient; we'll handle scheduling and report back after treatment.
Patients seeking a second opinion about a root canal or a tooth extraction are welcome to call directly.
A note about insurance
We are currently transitioning into network with every insurance provider previously accepted here. Since statuses change often, please call our friendly team before your appointment so we can verify your benefits. We'll handle the insurance details on our end to keep your out-of-pocket costs clear, transparent, and predictable.
We accept cash, check, and credit card, and you'll know the cost before you agree to treatment.
If a tooth is bothering you, we are here for you
Call us during office hours to talk to a member of our team. If you have a referral slip from your dentist, have it handy. If not, that's fine too.
Our office in North Bethesda
Finding our office
We're in a two-building complex. Our entrance is on the ground floor at the rear of the building. The building sits on a hillside, so the floor you see when you drive up is the second floor, not the ground floor.
To reach us, take the exterior stairs between the two buildings, or use the accessible ramp on the south side of the buildings, closest to the Tilden Lane entrance. If stairs are hard for you, look for the ramp.
If you get turned around, call us and we'll guide you in.
Rock Creek Endodontics
Phone: (301) 493-4496
Email: hello@rockcreekendo.com
Fax: (301) 493-4165
Hours
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
We see patients in English, Hebrew, and Spanish.