Dr. Nico Louw BChD MSc PhD, Specialist Endodontist, with extensive and valuable experience, of fulltime clinical endodontics and academic activity in the specialty. 

Endodontist information for patients.

  

SPECIALIST ENDODONTIST in the SOUTHWEST

Information Regarding Endodontic Referrals

Due to the valuable support of the dentists in the Southwest, Dr. Nico Louw, Specialist Endodontist in Mid-Devon for the past four years, has decided to devote ALL his time in the West Country. Three practices will now utilise Nico's extensive and valuable experience. He has worked as fulltime specialist endodontist in the UK since 2001 and has decades of academic experience in the specialty.

These practices are in Bodmin, Cullompton and Plymouth.

	GEORGE HOUSE DENTAL PRACTICE 11 St. Nicholas Street BODMIN PL31 1AB TEL/FAX: 01208 78466 MOBILE: 07803 304 4904 E-MAIL:bodmindental@aol.com Webpages : www.bodmindental.co.uk www.endosouthwest.co.uk
	SOUTHWEST DENTAL SPECIALIST REFERRAL CENTRE, 2 Higher Street CULLOMPTON EX15 1AJ  Tel. 01884 33317 Fax. 01884 35184
	MANNAMEAD DENTAL 7 LOCKYER ROAD PLYMOUTH PL3 4RL Tel. 01752 662 929

 
The practices are well-equipped for advanced Endodontic services, including:

1. Micro-techniques using a Surgical Microscope with the required accessories

2. The latest Nickel Titanium canal preparation equipment, materials and techniques

3. Advanced diagnosis with minimum radiation by using Schick electronic imaging

4. Accurate working length determination with electronic apex location, verified with electronically analysed "Schick" images.

5. Predictable three-dimensional root canal sealing methods obtained by utilizing the scientifically proven System B and Obtura II equipment.

We hope that you and your patients will continue to benefit from the services provided. We would also be most grateful for any feedback, negative or positive, concerning the treatment performed or anything else you would like to be discussed. Emergencies for all three practices will be given urgent attention, irrespective of which practice initiated the treatment. Patients will be seen on a referral basis for Endodontic treatment and will be required to return to you for any further treatment.

FEES

Due to the enhanced procedures provided and the level of complexity of most of the referred cases, treatment is VERY time consuming. The following guidelines on fees are given so you can discuss this with prospective patients.

In order to give your patients the advantage of predictable endodontic treatment the first time around, treatment on previously UNTREATED TEETH will be provided at competitive rates. (Teeth with existing crowns may be considered as retreatments, even if the root canals were not previously treated, as the pulps are often obliterated by placing cores.)

1. Incisors. Canines and premolars: £300 - £350

2. Molars: £400 - £450

In the case of RETREATMENTS

3. Incisors. Canines and premolars: £400 - £500

4. Molars: £500 - £600

The higher figures in any range would relate to removal of obstructions (composite, silver points, broken instruments etc). Such higher charges will be explained to the patient at the consultation visit!

5. Consultations will be charged at £70. If treatment, based on this consultation, DOES follow later the fee will be discounted from the treatment fee.

6. If treatment is aborted due to unforeseen circumstances the charge will be based on the time spent but not exceeding £120

7. A written estimate will be given after a preliminary consultation visit. However, if the patient accepts a verbal estimate and sufficient time was appointed, treatment can be initiated during the same visit.

8. Charges include all required intra-oral radiographs.

Please discuss the financial implications with your patient. Patients often travel long distances and if they, then, have to learn on arrival that they cannot afford the treatment it is embarrassing and costly for everybody concerned.

If you wish to refer urgently or need to discuss a case, please call Nico directly on his mobile phone (07803 044 904). In all other cases give as as much information as possible so contact can be made with the patient and a suitable appointment arranged a.s.a.p. Nico's E-mail is also checked on a daily basis at endosouthwest@aol.com.

SPECIALIST ENDODONTIC PRACTICE

The service will be provided by dr. Nico Louw, a registered specialist endodontist, and will include:-

1. diagnosis of oral and facial pain,

2. conservative treatment of compromised pulps and roots,

3. root canal therapy of single and multi-rooted teeth,

4. re-treatment of failed endodontic cases;

5. preparation for and provision of posts and cores where the referring dentist so requests.

Policy of the Practice

The practice will respect the rights of the referring dentist at all times and will render no service to a patient which is not specifically requested in writing by the dentist. After completion of the requested treatment the patient will be expected to return to the referring dentist and a report of the treatment will be sent to the dentist.

The price-structure of the practice is specifically designed to act as an incentive for dentists to refer cases to the specialist practice before getting involved in a situation which may prove to be problematic. By doing this, we feel that we can save the dentist the embarrassment and costly sequelae of a failed case.

All treatment in the practice will be evidence-based and related to the latest internationally accepted principles. The endodontist will always be willing to share his knowledge with his colleagues on an individual basis or by lectures/workshops involving groups.

The Endodontist