First Visit
First Visit
Your initial appointment will consist of a consultation explaining your diagnosis and treatment options. During the consultation visit, we will review & discuss your concerns. In addition, all the necessary diagnostic x-rays will be taken to assist us for your treatment.
Occasionally, treatment can be performed the same day as the consultation. However, a complex medical history or treatment plan, will require an evaluation and a second appointment to provide treatment on another day. Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your consultation.
Occasionally, treatment can be performed the same day as the consultation. However, a complex medical history or treatment plan, will require an evaluation and a second appointment to provide treatment on another day. Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your consultation.
- Please complete all forms to be accepted at the time of you first visit in person or emailed to us at [email protected]
- Your referral slip and any X-rays if applicable
- A list of medications you are presently taking
- If you have medical or dental insurance, please bring the necessary insurance card information. This will save time and allow us to help you process any claims.
FAQs
What is Endodontics?
Endodontics is a branch of dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association involving treatment of the pulp (root canal) and surrounding tissues of the tooth.
What is a root canal & why do I need a Root Canal Treatment?
When you look at your tooth in the mirror, what you see is the crown. The rest of the tooth, the portion hidden beneath the gum line, is called the root. The tooth has three layers: first layer is called Enamel (which covers the crown part) or Cementum (for the root part), second layer is called dentin & the innermost is the pulp. The dark channel inside the root is called the “root canal”. These minute canals (primary and branches of the same) contain specialized a soft tissue called pulp which consists of blood vessels and nerves that supply the tooth.
When bacteria are introduced into the pulp as a result of tooth decay, periodontal disease, tooth fracture, repeated dental procedures, faulty crowns, crack or a chip and other non dental problems, it can severely damage the pulp. When that happens, the problem cannot be fixed just with a filling. It now needs root canal treatment where an endodontic specialist removes the diseased pulp to save the tooth and prevent further infection and inflammation. After successful endodontic treatment, the tooth has to be permanently restored and now the tooth performs normally.
Can I just get my tooth extracted?
Extraction is definitely an option. However, when possible the best option is always to save your own natural tooth. No man made substitute can replace a missing natural tooth is as good as your own tooth! Efficient chewing, and normal biting force and sensation are advantages of root canal treatment.
I’m worried about x-rays. Should I be?
No. While x-rays will be necessary during your endodontics treatment, we use an advanced non-film computerized system, called digital radiography, that produces radiation levels up to 90 percent lower than those of already low dose conventional dental x-ray machinery. These digital images can be optimized, archived, printed and sent to co-therapists via e-mail or cd.
Are root canals painful?
It is a myth that root canal treatments are the most painful procedures in dentistry. We employ several combination of anesthetic types & techniques to strive to make every treatment virtually pain free for our patients. While there may be some discomfort after treatment, this can be controlled with pain medications. Follow your endodontist’s instructions carefully. Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your endodontic treatment is completed. However, if you have severe pain or pressure or pain that lasts more than a few days, call your endodontist.
Endodontics is a branch of dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association involving treatment of the pulp (root canal) and surrounding tissues of the tooth.
What is a root canal & why do I need a Root Canal Treatment?
When you look at your tooth in the mirror, what you see is the crown. The rest of the tooth, the portion hidden beneath the gum line, is called the root. The tooth has three layers: first layer is called Enamel (which covers the crown part) or Cementum (for the root part), second layer is called dentin & the innermost is the pulp. The dark channel inside the root is called the “root canal”. These minute canals (primary and branches of the same) contain specialized a soft tissue called pulp which consists of blood vessels and nerves that supply the tooth.
When bacteria are introduced into the pulp as a result of tooth decay, periodontal disease, tooth fracture, repeated dental procedures, faulty crowns, crack or a chip and other non dental problems, it can severely damage the pulp. When that happens, the problem cannot be fixed just with a filling. It now needs root canal treatment where an endodontic specialist removes the diseased pulp to save the tooth and prevent further infection and inflammation. After successful endodontic treatment, the tooth has to be permanently restored and now the tooth performs normally.
Can I just get my tooth extracted?
Extraction is definitely an option. However, when possible the best option is always to save your own natural tooth. No man made substitute can replace a missing natural tooth is as good as your own tooth! Efficient chewing, and normal biting force and sensation are advantages of root canal treatment.
I’m worried about x-rays. Should I be?
No. While x-rays will be necessary during your endodontics treatment, we use an advanced non-film computerized system, called digital radiography, that produces radiation levels up to 90 percent lower than those of already low dose conventional dental x-ray machinery. These digital images can be optimized, archived, printed and sent to co-therapists via e-mail or cd.
Are root canals painful?
It is a myth that root canal treatments are the most painful procedures in dentistry. We employ several combination of anesthetic types & techniques to strive to make every treatment virtually pain free for our patients. While there may be some discomfort after treatment, this can be controlled with pain medications. Follow your endodontist’s instructions carefully. Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your endodontic treatment is completed. However, if you have severe pain or pressure or pain that lasts more than a few days, call your endodontist.
Post Treatment Care
It is normal to feel some tenderness in the area for a few days after your root canal treatment as your body undergoes the natural healing process. You may also feel some tenderness in your jaw from keeping it open for an extended period of time. These symptoms are temporary and usually respond very well to over-the-counter pain medications. It is important for you to follow the instructions on how to take these medications. Remember that narcotic medications, if prescribed, may make you drowsy, and caution should be exercised in operating dangerous machinery or driving a car after taking them.
Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your root canal treatment has been completed. However, if you have severe pain or pressure that lasts more than a few days, contact your endodontist.
Guidelines for Post-Treatment Care
Taking Care of Your Tooth
Root canal treatment is only one step in returning your tooth to full function. A proper final restoration of the tooth is extremely important in ensuring long-term success.
Contact your dentist as soon as possible to arrange your next appointment. If your tooth is being treated in more than one visit by an endodontist, do not return to your dentist for the final restoration until the root canal treatment is completed.
What the Future Holds
The tooth that has had appropriate endodontic treatment followed by a proper restoration can last as long as your other natural teeth. After the tooth has been restored, you need only practice good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, regular checkups and cleanings.
Your dentist or endodontist may periodically x-ray the tooth to ensure that healing has occurred. Occasionally, a tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment does not heal or pain continues. At times, the tooth may become painful or diseased months or even years after successful treatment. Often when this occurs, repeating the endodontic procedure can save the tooth.
Information from the American Association of Endodontists
Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your root canal treatment has been completed. However, if you have severe pain or pressure that lasts more than a few days, contact your endodontist.
Guidelines for Post-Treatment Care
- Do not eat anything until the numbness in your mouth wears off. This will prevent you from biting your cheek or tongue.
- Do not chew or bite on the treated tooth until you have had it restored by your dentist.
- Be sure to brush and floss your teeth as you normally would.
- If the opening in your tooth was restored with a temporary filling material, it is not unusual for a thin layer to wear off in-between appointments. However, if you think the entire filling has come out, contact your endodontist.
- Contact your endodontist right away if you develop any of the following:
- a visible swelling inside or outside of your mouth;
- an allergic reaction to medication, including rash, hives or itching (nausea is not an allergic reaction);
- a return of original symptoms; or
- your bite feels uneven.
Taking Care of Your Tooth
Root canal treatment is only one step in returning your tooth to full function. A proper final restoration of the tooth is extremely important in ensuring long-term success.
Contact your dentist as soon as possible to arrange your next appointment. If your tooth is being treated in more than one visit by an endodontist, do not return to your dentist for the final restoration until the root canal treatment is completed.
What the Future Holds
The tooth that has had appropriate endodontic treatment followed by a proper restoration can last as long as your other natural teeth. After the tooth has been restored, you need only practice good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, regular checkups and cleanings.
Your dentist or endodontist may periodically x-ray the tooth to ensure that healing has occurred. Occasionally, a tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment does not heal or pain continues. At times, the tooth may become painful or diseased months or even years after successful treatment. Often when this occurs, repeating the endodontic procedure can save the tooth.
Information from the American Association of Endodontists
Root Canal Safety