Sundstrom W Brad, DMD in Chattanooga: Root Canal Treatment from a Dental Specialist

W Brad Sundstrom, DMD, is an endodontist who limits his practice to root canal therapy and related procedures, operating independently rather than as part of a larger dental group. Endodontists handle diseased or injured tooth pulp, which general dentists typically refer out; Sundstrom represents the specialist option for patients whose dentist has already identified endodontic problems or suspects them.

What Sundstrom actually does

Endodontics focuses on the interior of the tooth. When pulp becomes infected (from deep decay, trauma, or repeated dental work), pain and swelling follow, and extraction often appears to be the only solution. Root canal therapy removes the infected or inflamed pulp, disinfects the canal system, and fills it with a biocompatible material to seal the space. Sundstrom performs this work on anterior, premolar, and molar teeth, using operating microscopes to locate and treat all canals, including those that may be calcified or difficult to access. Many cases he sees arrive as emergency referrals when pain arrives outside a general dentist's office hours.

Services and root canal pricing

Root canal therapy cost varies significantly by tooth type and complexity. A single-canal anterior tooth (incisor or canine) typically falls between $800 and $1,200; a premolar with one or two canals runs $1,000 to $1,400; a molar with three or more canals ranges from $1,200 to $1,800. Retreatments (cases where a prior root canal failed) and surgical procedures command higher fees. Sundstrom's office will request radiographs and consultation fees may apply; ask about that before your first appointment. Most dental insurance plans cover endodontic treatment as a major restorative service, typically at 50 percent after deductible, though coverage limits and annual maximums vary by plan. Verify your specific benefits and deductible status with your insurance company before scheduling.

Comparing endodontists in Chattanooga

General dentists can perform simple root canals, but treatment success rates drop when anatomy is complex, calcification obscures the canal, or a prior treatment has failed. An endodontist has completed two to three additional years of specialty training beyond dental school and performs only root canal work, making them the standard referral for complicated cases. In Chattanooga, patients have multiple endodontists to choose from; many practices also offer same-day appointments for acute pain. If your dentist refers you to Sundstrom specifically, ask why. If your dentist suggests a different endodontist, confirm whether that recommendation is based on availability, your insurance network, location, or your dentist's familiarity with that provider's clinical approach. Do not skip the referral step: attempting root canal therapy without specialist input can lead to incomplete treatment and tooth loss later.

Who this practice suits and who it does not

Sundstrom's practice is appropriate for patients with diagnosed pulpal disease, failed prior root canals, or severe tooth pain for which root canal therapy is the treatment plan. It is not a destination for preventive dental care, cosmetic work, or routine cleanings. If you have dental anxiety around injections or lengthy procedures, mention this during your consultation; sedation options exist but are not universal in endodontic offices, so confirm availability ahead of time. Patients without a primary dentist sometimes call an endodontist directly, but Sundstrom's practice operates best as part of a referral pathway: your general dentist diagnoses the problem, refers you for specialist treatment, and then manages any follow-up or crown placement after the root canal is complete.

What your first visit involves

At your initial appointment, Sundstrom will review your radiographs (from your dentist or taken at his office), perform a clinical examination, and discuss the diagnosis and treatment plan. You will receive a cost estimate and an opportunity to ask questions about the procedure, recovery, and restrictions afterward. If treatment is to begin that day, you should plan for 60 to 90 minutes. Local anesthesia will be used. Some patients report sensitivity or mild discomfort for a few days after; ibuprofen and acetaminophen are standard. Do not chew on the treated tooth until a permanent restoration (usually a crown) is placed by your general dentist.

Hours, location, and logistics

Confirm office hours, phone number, and parking before your first visit; these details change and are best verified directly. Chattanooga endodontists often provide emergency lines for acute pain, so ask whether Sundstrom's practice does when you call for an appointment.

Sundstrom's standing as an endodontist in Chattanooga reflects the clinical demands of root canal therapy; the specialty exists precisely because some cases require a provider whose expertise and equipment go beyond what a general practice can offer reliably.