Lowcountry Endodontics of Beaufort

Exclusive Endodontics in Beaufort, South Carolina

Lowcountry Endodontics of Beaufort is a practice dedicated exclusively to endodontics, led by Dr. Erich P. Heitman, D.M.D. The center provides root canal treatment and diagnostic consultations in Beaufort, South Carolina, and presents itself as a space where patient comfort and the standard of care are top priorities.

Dr. Erich P. Heitman

Originally from Montrose, Michigan, Dr. Heitman earned his B.A. in Biology from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, in 1995. He then received a scholarship from the United States Army to study dentistry at the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine at Boston University, where he graduated with honors in 2000.

After completing his studies, he served in the U.S. Army Dental Corps, with tours in Korea and Fort Myer, Virginia. He then completed the Army's endodontic residency program at Fort Gordon, Georgia, graduating in 2007. He continued his service at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the Pentagon Tri-Service Dental Clinic, and Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He was honorably discharged in December 2011, and in March 2012 he joined Lowcountry Endodontics of Beaufort.

Dr. Heitman was elected into Kappa Omicron Pi, a dental honors society, and is a member of the South Carolina Dental Association and the American Dental Association. He is a specialist member of the American Association of Endodontists and has published articles in the Journal of Endodontics.

Office Technology

The office is equipped with technology that the practice itself describes as state of the art. Available resources include:

• Microscopes designed specifically for endodontics, with magnification and fiber-optic illumination, and a high-resolution video camera that allows the assistant to follow the procedure on a monitor.
• Schick digital radiography in each treatment room, with an intraoral sensor that replaces conventional film and reduces radiation exposure by up to 90%.
• Digital microvideography, which allows images of the treated area to be recorded to explain the procedure to the patient, send them to the referring dentist, and store them in the clinical record.

Consultation and Treatment Options

The initial consultation consists of a complete examination performed by Dr. Heitman, who explains the diagnosis and treatment alternatives. Depending on the type of treatment required and the time available, it may be completed the same day as the consultation. The office serves both patients referred by their dentist and those who come for a direct consultation.

Patient Information

The office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The practice notes that patients are usually seen at their appointment time and rarely with more than a ten-minute delay. Patients are asked to notify the office as soon as possible in case of a delay so the schedule can be adjusted.

Patients are advised to bring a list of all medications they are taking and to report any changes in their health status. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. If the patient has a hip, knee, or heart prosthesis, or if their physician has instructed them to take antibiotic premedication for any reason, they must take the appropriate antibiotic as directed. The office provides specific antibiotic premedication instructions, which include amoxicillin 500 mg (four capsules one hour before the appointment) and, for patients allergic to penicillin, clindamycin (Cleocin) 150 mg (four capsules one hour before).

Fees and Payment Options

Fees vary depending on the type of tooth and the complexity of the treatment. Payment is expected at the end of treatment, which is usually completed in one or two appointments. Fees are the same for all patients, whether or not they have dental insurance. The office accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover, as well as CareCredit, an interest-free payment plan if the balance is paid within 6 to 12 months.

The practice clarifies that professional services are provided to the patient and that full payment is the patient's responsibility, not the insurance company's. The insurer reimburses a portion of the fee according to the contract between the employer and the company. The office offers free assistance with insurance paperwork to facilitate reimbursement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Treatment

The cost of root canal treatment depends on the difficulty: some teeth have one canal and others have four; some roots are straight and others have one or more curves; some canals are open and others are closed by calcification. In general, the practice notes that the fee for endodontic treatment and the final restoration, if needed, is less than that of tooth extraction and replacement with an artificial tooth.

Regarding X-rays, the office uses filmless digital radiography, with radiation levels up to 90% lower than those of conventional low-dose dental equipment. Regarding antibiotic premedication, it is indicated only in specific situations, such as artificial joint prostheses (knee or hip replacement), artificial heart valves, or organ transplants.

Location and Contact

409 Carteret Street, Beaufort, SC 29902 · Phone: (843) 525-1334 · Hours: Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.