Will the treatment be painful?
Your comfort is our number one priority. We will take every measure to ensure your procedure is comfortable.
If treatment is needed, we will deliver a sufficient amount of local anesthesia to gently numb the tooth we are treating.
Many patients are comfortable enough to fall asleep during treatment. For most people, the feeling of numbness usually subsides after a few hours. If you prefer, we can prescribe anti-anxiety medication.
Will I be able to drive after my appointment?
Yes, as long as oral sedation or IV sedation has not been administered during or immediately preceding your visit.
Most patients return to work or other routine activities following treatment in our office.
You may wish to have an escort accompany you to your appointment, though an escort is not routinely required.
What happens after endodontic treatments?
Unless otherwise specified, you must follow up with your general dentist right away to determine if a new filling or crown is necessary. This is important for the success of your treatment.
What should I expect after endodontic treatment?
Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be slightly tender for several days as a result of manipulation during treatment and the previous condition of your tooth. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm.
Do your best to avoid chewing food on the affected side until your endodontic treatment is completed and your tooth is covered with a protective permanent restoration placed by your restorative dentist. You may continue your regular dental hygiene regimen.
Discomfort may be alleviated by taking ibuprofen (Advil), and/or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed. NOTE: Alcohol intake is not advised while taking any of these medications. Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above listed medications, or should swelling develop, please contact our office immediately.
I have no pain, why am I being referred to an endodontist?
Your dentist may have observed deep decay, a bump in your gums, and/or a finding on radiographic images that is suggestive of a possibe root canal problem. An abscess may not necessarily be accompanied by pain.
What other options do I have besides getting a Root Canal?
Extraction will also effectively eliminate pain and infection. However, the missing space may result in an esthetic or functional defecit. Moreover, other teeth may gradually shift resulting in misalignment of your bite, The options to replace the missing tooth also have their relative downsides:
- An implant is a surgical procedure, requiring multiple appointments spanning six to twelve months, and is generally more expensive than preserving the natural tooth.
- A bridge requires cutting away adjacent teeth that may otherwise be healthy. Flossing becomes more challenging
- A removable denture is oftne inferior in both esthetics and function
Will I need to return to your office for follow-ups after the procedure is finished?
Yes, typically, we recommend that patients return to the office six months to one year after the procedure is finished.
Our office will contact you near the time you are due for a follow up appointment.
My permanent adult tooth got knocked out! What do I do?
It’s best to try and replant the tooth into its socket. However, only replant a tooth that is clean! If the tooth has debris, for example, rinse with milk and then attempt to replant it.
If you are unable to place the tooth back into the socket, store it in a container of milk, or water with a pinch of salt if milk is not available. Call us immediately and we will get you in the office as soon as possible.
Primary teeth (or “baby teeth”) that have been knocked out typically should not be replanted because it may cause further and permanent damage to the underlying permanent tooth that is growing inside the bone.