Introduction
Consultation
Your visit will begin with a comprehensive examination and consultation. We will do an oral examination and take diagnostic digital radiographs to determine if a root canal treatment is needed and if there are special treatment considerations in your case. We will answer any questions you have at this appointment. We will then schedule an appointment time for your treatment.
Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your consultation:
- Your referral slip and any X-rays if applicable.
- A list of medications you are presently taking.
- If you have dental insurance, please bring all the necessary documentation. This will save time and allow us to help you process any claims.
IMPORTANT: A parent or guardian must accompany all patients under 18 at the consultation visit. Please alert the office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern prior to surgery (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves, and joints, rheumatic fever, etc.) or if you are on any medication (i.e. heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.) or require medication prior to dental cleanings (i.e antibiotics, for pre-med.)
Treatment
A local anesthetic is given and a rubber dam is placed to isolate your tooth. Then an opening is painlessly made through the top of the tooth. Instruments clean out and shape the inside of the root(s) of your tooth. Then your tooth is sealed by placing a rubber-type material called gutta-percha inside the canals. If the tooth has had a previous root canal treatment that is failing, we may be seeing you to retreat the tooth. Retreatment involves removing the old leaking material and then replacing it with new gutta-percha.
We try our best to stay on schedule to minimize your waiting however as we provide many types of endodontic services, various circumstances may lengthen the time allocated for a procedure. Emergency cases can also arise and cause delays. We appreciate your understanding and patience.
Follow-up Treatment
When your root canal treatment has been completed, it is important for you to contact your general dentist to provide a permanent restoration (usually a crown) for your tooth.
Our office will also want to examine your tooth periodically to see how it is healing. There is no additional cost for this follow-up with our office.