Know your visit,

before your visit.

Consultations

Consultations begin by filling out medical history via our lobby computer. To expedite this process you can fill out these forms at home HERE. We then with a discussion regarding your dental history and symptoms you might be experiencing, such as pain or sensitivity. Then, I will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, utilizing digital imaging in X-rays and Cone Beam Computed Tomography to analyze the status of your teeth.

This imaging, partnered with endodontist tests to temperature and percussion, allow me to diagnose and discuss potential treatment options with the patient. I am happy to answer any questions you have regarding the case and next steps!

Procedures

A local anesthetic will be given.  A sheet of latex called the "rubber dam" (or nonlatex if necessary) will be placed around the tooth to isolate it, hence keeping it clean and dry during treatment.  The treatment consists of three or four basic steps, but the number of visits will depend on your particular case.  Some treatments take 2-3 visits but occasionally 4 appointments are needed.

In any case, it depends on the degree of infection/inflammation and degree of treatment difficulty.  To me, it's more important to do it the very best we can then to meet a specific time criteria.  Let's look at the basic steps for nonsurgical endodontic therapy.

There are, of course, no guarantees.  Root canal or endodontic therapy has a very high degree of success. We will discuss with you the prognosis before any endodontic procedure to help you make an informed decision. 

Post-Treatment

WHAT TO DO FOLLOWING TREATMENT:

  1. Do not eat anything or drink hot beverages until the anesthetic has entirely worn off.

  2. Do not chew or bite on the treated tooth until a restoration has been placed by your General Dentist, if applicable.

  3. Take medications as directed to maintain comfort.

  4. Contact General Dentist as directed to receive the final restoration/crown.

  5. Apply a warm compress to the affected area if soreness continues.

  6. If the tooth was restored with a temporary filling material, it is not unusual for a thin layer to wear off between appointments. If you fill that the entire filling has come out, please contact our office.

  7. Contact our office if: pain has not subsided or worsened within 3 days of treatment, a visible swelling inside/outside the mouth appears, your bite feels uneven, or you are believed to be having an allergic reaction to medication.

  8. Return to this office for recall appointment as directed.

WHAT TO EXPECT FOLLOWING TREATMENT:

It is normal to feel tenderness in the area over the next few days given the natural healing process. Your jaw may feel tender from keeping it open for an extended period. These symptoms are generally responsive to over-the-counter pain medication. Please follow our instructions as to correct usage. If you ever feel any severe pain, please contact our office.

Post-Surgery

WHAT TO DO FOLLOWING SURGERY:

  1. Avoid strenous activities for the remainder of the day.

  2. Avoid any unnecessary lifting.

  3. Apply an ice bag to the face over the surgical site alternating every ten minutes. Continue applications for six hours on the day of surgery only to minimize swelling and discoloration. Do not use ice after the first day.

  4. During the first day use foods that will not require vigorous chewing. DO NOT RINSE MOUTH ON DAY OF SURGERY.

  5. There should not be much bleeding from the surgical site. If you experience significant bleeding, place a moistened tea bag between the incision and your cheek. Rest with your head elevated for 20 minutes with slight to moderate pressure over the area. Remove the tea bag and confirm that the bleeding has stopped. If not, repeat with a new tea bag. If the bleeding persists, call the office or the doctor’s emergency number immediately.

  6. Brush your teeth in the treated area, excluding the gums. Do NOT use dental floss or a water irrigation device.

  7. Starting the day after surgery, gently rinse the treated area with warm salt water after meals. Use one-half teaspoon of salt in a large glass of warm water.

  8. Return to the office for suture removal as directed.

  9. If you were given an antibiotic, complete it as provided.

WHAT TO EXPECT FOLLOWING SURGERY:

Some discomfort will usually be present, although severe pain seldom occurs. If given anti-inflammatory medication, take as directed. Use of one motrin or tylenol twice a day prior to suture removal will help avoid discomfort. There may be some swelling and discoloration present for 3-5 days following surgery.  This is a normal part of the healing process. There is often a temporary loss of feeling in the surgical site. The operated tooth may feel loose for a time. If you ever feel any severe pain, please contact our office.

A Look Into Our Office