Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam?
Simply call our office and we will be happy to schedule an appointment for you. When you call to schedule your appointment, our front office staff will request some basic information from you.
What will happen at the initial examination appointment?
Upon arriving, each patient will be seen by the staff and doctor who will provide an initial exam. We will take the necessary X-rays and perform a clinical test which will allow us to make a proper diagnosis. The doctor will then explain our findings and go over treatment options.
How long will it take to complete treatment?
Treatment time obviously depends on each patient’s specific problem. In general, treatment is usually completed in a single visit. The “average” time frame is approximately 90 minutes.
Does a Root Canal hurt?
Generally, root canals do not “hurt.” After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol will ease the discomfort.
Can I return to work or school the day I have my procedure?
Yes. There is no reason to miss school or work because of an endodontic appointment.
Do you give shots?
Yes, but we try to minimize the number and our doctor are highly trained to help ease the discomfort associated with any injections.
What is an emergency appointment?
Sometimes tooth pain can’t wait. Our office will attempt to accommodate all patients with emergency situations.
Is a root canal painful?
Many endodontic procedures are performed to relieve the pain of toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection. Today, Endodontists understand a great deal about pain management. With modern techniques and anesthetics, the vast majority of patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure. For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. Over-the-counter medications, such as Advil® or Tylenol®, are usually enough to manage this sensitivity. In some cases, prescription medications may be necessary and are available from your endodontist. 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. Of course, if you experience pressure or pain that lasts more than a few days, call your endodontist.
Do root canal treatment causes illness.
Information you may find on the Internet or elsewhere, claiming that if you receive a root canal treatment you’re more likely to become ill or contract a disease in the future simply isn’t true. This false claim was based on long-debunked and poorly designed research conducted nearly a century ago, long before modern medicine understood the causes of many diseases. There is no valid, scientific evidence linking root canal treatment to disease elsewhere in the body.