Your first visit
Your first appointment with our office is generally a consultation. Make sure to show up for your appointment 10 minutes early to fill out necessary paperwork. To help you fill out these forms properly, remember to bring your insurance card, subscriber information, and a referral from your general dentist. Bring a list of medications you are taking and any allergies that you may have.
During your consultation, we review the existing condition to create a personalized treatment plan for you. Unfortunately, not all teeth can be saved by root canal treatment. If the root canals are not accessible, the root is severely fractured, or the tooth doesn’t have adequate bone support, then there is a possibility that the tooth cannot be restored.
Clinical testing will be done on the affected tooth to arrive at a diagnosis. This process starts with a digital x-ray of the tooth. The tooth is then tested for pain to bite, palpation, percussion, cold, and heat sensitivity. The doctor will assess the mobility of the tooth and the health of the surrounding gum tissue. It is highly important NOT TO TAKE PAIN MEDICATIONS PRIOR TO YOUR APPOINTMENT. Taking pain medications will mask your symptoms; therefore, making your clinical tests invalid.
Once a diagnosis is made by the doctor, a treatment plan will be presented to you by a professional treatment coordinator. A quote will be given to you explaining your insurance benefits and financial responsibilities. Then an appointment will be made for your root canal treatment.
Your appointment
When you call our office, a friendly voice will be able to guide you through scheduling your appointment. With our flexible office hours, you will find it easy to make an appointment if you have an emergency. If you are experiencing a lot of pain, let our staff know. We will make sure you are seen by our doctor as soon as possible.
When you come for your appointment, here is a list of questions that we will ask you to prepare prior to your visit:
Who is your dental insurance provider?
Who is the primary subscriber on you dental insurance?
What is the primary subscriber’s date of birth?
What is the primary subscriber’s identification number?
Who is your general dentist?
What is your general dentist’s telephone number?
Do you have any medical conditions that require you to take an antibiotic prior to being treated by a dentist?
Root canal treatment post-operative instructions
1. You may experience moderate pain and sensitivity to pressure on your tooth. Also, you may feel gum soreness for a few days after your treatment. The healing process may take several days, but the pain and discomfort should subside gradually.
2. Take any medication that was prescribed for you according to instructions.
3. Usually a temporary filling has been placed on your tooth. Do not bite down on the tooth for one hour and while you are numb. Also, until the permanent restoration is placed, be very gentle with the tooth. Try to chew with the opposite side.
4. Continue your brushing and flossing.
5. Follow up with the placement of your permanent restoration as you have been advised. Any unnecessary delay in placement of the final restoration may damage the tooth permanently.
6. Call our office if you are in severe pain or experience swelling, or if you have any questions.
1. Apply an ice pack to your face next to the surgery area (on for 20 minutes and off for 20 minutes) for the next 5 to 6 hours to help decrease postoperative swelling. Swelling is usually greatest the day after surgery and may be at its worse to 2 or 3 days after surgery.
2. Take all medications as directed. Approximately 45 minutes should be allowed for you to feel the effect of pain medication.
3. Clean your mouth as usual (brushing, flossing, etc.) in all areas except the surgical site. Modify cleaning procedures of the teeth in the area of the surgical site to keep from disturbing the area. Do not rinse vigorously during the first 24 hours following surgery. Continue using the prescribed mouth rinse twice a day until after you return to have the sutures removed.
4. Minor oozing of blood from the surgical site may occur in the first 24 hours after surgery. This will produce a pink tinge in the saliva and is not a cause for concern. However, if bleeding is excessive, please contact our office. You may apply pressure to the area with a tea bag or moist cotton gauze.
5. Sutures have been placed and will need to be removed at your next appointment. Please do not lift or pull on your lip to examine the surgical site during the first 2 to 3 days because this may disturb the healing process.
A soft diet is recommended for the first 2 or 3 days. Try to avoid foods that are hot, spicy, or hard to chew. It is very important that you drink plenty of fluids (nonalcoholic). This will help your mouth heal.
6. Avoid cigarettes and all other tobacco products.
7. A slight increase in body temperature may occur during the first 24 hours following surgery. This is normal. Infection after endodontic surgery is not typical but can occur. If an infection develops, it usually occurs 2 to 3 days after the surgery. Signs of an infection include sudden increase in pain or swelling, feverish feeling, sore glands in the neck area, and a general flulike feeling. If you think an infection has developed, please contact our office immediately.
