Patient Information
What should you expect?
A typical visit to an endodontist begins with completing paperwork, which includes your medical history and consent forms. It is advisable to bring a list of all the medications (over-the-counter and prescription) that you regularly take or have taken within the past month.
Once the forms are complete, an assistant will review and chart your symptoms, the referring dentist's information, and history of the tooth pain before taking x-rays of your teeth. A comprehensive examination to diagnose the cause of your facial pain and pupal injury is done to determine if the tooth is a good candidate for endodontic therapy. We will thoroughly discuss the treatment options as they pertain to your tooth and answer any questions you may have. Your endodontist will make you aware of the benefits, options, and risks involved in order for you to understand how endodontic treatment is a way of saving your tooth.
When you decide to receive treatment, the procedure typically will begin at your appointment. You will receive local anesthesia to numb the area to prevent any sensations during the procedure. You will also be given a choice of sedation options to assist you with your treatment. You have the option of utilizing nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to assist with any uneasiness you may feel regarding treatment. We also offer oral sedation for patients who may be a little more anxious. There are usually no restrictions after the procedure concerning driving or returning to work unless you are given sedation. Patients utilizing a sedation option must have a licensed driver to transport them to and from their appointment.
We strive to communicate clearly so that you are comfortable and know what to expect when you visit our office for treatment. The security and privacy of your personal data is one of our primary concerns and we have taken every precaution to protect it. Our staff works diligently to make sure that patients receive exceptional care from their first visit through treatment and post-treatment care.
What to expect following today’s appointment:
- Although your treatment is now complete, it is not unusual to have some residual tenderness to pressure. This is not abnormal. Your tooth may feel “bruised” or tender when biting, or if pressure is applied by your tongue. Sometimes a tooth will ache or throb initially. If this does not improve with time and/or analgesics (Motrin, Advil, Tylenol, or Asprin) contact the office.
- The injection site(s), jaw muscles, and jaw joints will feel sore from the procedure. You may also experience jaw stiffness. The analgesics mentioned above will help this, too.
- Postoperative discomfort can last up to a week or two, but should steadily improve with time.
- Compared to other teeth, your endodontically treated tooth may always feel “different” when tapped or when biting pressure is applied. However, if your tooth is functional, without sign of active infection, and the radiograph indicates signs of healing, then your tooth falls within the range of normal endodontic outcome.
What to do after today’s appointment:
CONGRATULATIONS! Your endodontic treatment has been completed.
You are now ready for the final restoration and should contact your dentist within the next two weeks to arrange your next appointment. Take your first dose of analgesic (Motrin, Advil, Tylenol, or Aspirin) before the anesthetic wears off and continue to take the analgesic as directed. It is recommended that you use one of these medications for 3 days following the procedure. Take any medication prescribed by the doctor (antibiotic, analgesic, steroid) as directed. Avoid chewing on the tooth until you see your dentist for the final restoration.