Paul T McCord, DDS in Chattanooga: Endodontist Specializing in Root Canal Therapy
Paul T McCord, DDS, is an endodontist serving Chattanooga with a focus on root canal treatment and tooth preservation. As a specialist, McCord treats only the pulp and nerve tissue of teeth rather than offering general dentistry, meaning patients typically arrive through referral from their primary dentist.
What McCord's Practice Offers
An endodontist diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the interior of the tooth: the pulp chamber and root canal system. The most common procedure is root canal therapy, performed when the pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to decay, trauma, or repeated dental work. McCord also manages cracked teeth, failed previous root canals, and sometimes extractions when tooth preservation is not viable. Unlike a general dentist, he does not perform cleanings, fillings, or cosmetic work.
Services and Pricing
Root canal therapy is the mainstay of the practice. A single-rooted tooth (typically a front tooth) ranges from $700 to $1,100; a multi-rooted tooth (molars) typically runs $1,200 to $1,500. Retreatment of a previously treated tooth costs more, often $1,300 to $1,800, due to the complexity of removing old material. Diagnostic visits, imaging, and surgical extractions are billed separately. Most endodontists accept major insurance plans; the patient's out-of-pocket cost depends on their coverage and annual maximum. Verify current fees and insurance participation directly with the office, as costs shift with overhead and market conditions.
How McCord Compares to Other Chattanooga Endodontists
Chattanooga has a limited endodontic market. The main alternative is a group practice or hospital-based endodontic department affiliated with a larger dental network. A solo endodontist like McCord typically offers shorter appointment wait times and more personalized case discussion than a high-volume group, but less operational flexibility if an urgent case arises on a day the office is closed. Choose McCord if you prefer a single specialist relationship and value direct communication; choose a group practice if you need same-day emergency access or evening availability.
Who McCord Suits and Who It Does Not
McCord is the right fit for patients with a clear endodontic diagnosis (tooth with infected pulp, failed root canal, or trauma-related pulp exposure) referred by a general dentist. He is not a first point of contact; if you have tooth pain, see your primary dentist or an urgent-care provider first to confirm the diagnosis. He also does not offer cosmetic or whitening services, bleaching of discolored post-root-canal teeth, or general restorative care. Patients seeking a one-stop dental office should plan to split care between McCord and their dentist.
What the First Visit Involves
The initial appointment opens with a review of the referral details and imaging from your general dentist. McCord will take additional radiographs (often a cone-beam CT scan for complex cases) to visualize the root anatomy and any existing pathology. He will perform a battery of diagnostic tests: percussion, palpation, cold and heat sensitivity tests, and sometimes an electric pulp tester, to confirm the pulp is the source of pain. Expect the visit to last 45 minutes to an hour. If treatment is indicated, the office may schedule the actual procedure for the same day or a future appointment, depending on urgency and complexity. Bring your insurance card and any documentation from your referring dentist.
Hours, Location, and Parking
McCord operates by appointment only; walk-in emergency care is not available. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday during standard business hours; exact times and any Saturday availability should be confirmed directly. The practice is located in Chattanooga; specific street address and parking details (lot, street, accessibility) are best verified on the business listing or by phone. If you are driving from outside the area, call ahead to clarify travel time and lot capacity.
Why McCord Merits a Spot in the City Guide
An endodontist is a necessary specialist in a city of Chattanooga's size. McCord's solo practice fills a clinical need for patients with complex pulp problems and offers a personal alternative to large group endodontic services, making him a durable reference point for residents navigating tooth preservation decisions.
