We Take Medicaid/Medicare
Depending on the recommended treatment, we offer same-day appointments that typically last between 1 to 2 hours.
Yes, you should be able to drive after a root canal procedure, as the medications used will not impair your cognitive abilities.
However, if you have been prescribed anxiolytics (anti-anxiety medications), you will need a responsible escort. This person should transport you to and from our office, stay during the procedure, and assist you for the rest of the day.
Please ensure all consent forms for conscious sedation are signed before your appointment.
Yes, you can eat your usual diet before endodontic treatment without any restrictions.
However, if you are undergoing treatment with conscious sedation, IV sedation, or general anesthesia, you should follow the specific instructions provided by your doctor or dental anesthesiologist.
For children who will be receiving nitrous oxide, it is recommended to have a light meal before the appointment, such as a piece or two of toast and water.
The root canal procedure itself typically causes minimal pain or discomfort, aside from some soreness from the injection. Any pain or sensitivity to cold that you experienced before the procedure should improve right away. However, if you had pain or discomfort from biting, chewing, tapping, or applying pressure to the tooth, this may continue for several days to a few weeks after the procedure. This is because the tissues around the tooth may be inflamed and bruised, and it takes time for the inflammation to heal.
We need to take new radiographs on the day of your examination to ensure accurate diagnostic documentation and to keep our records up-to-date.
A CBCT scan is a specialized type of radiograph that provides a three-dimensional view of the tooth. It helps the doctor identify the number of root canal systems, examine the bone and surrounding structures, understand the tooth's anatomical complexity, and plan the most effective treatment.
Often, retreatment is needed because microleakage over time has allowed microorganisms and bacteria to enter the tooth.
Once bacteria enter the tooth, they begin to multiply and spread into the tissues around the root tips. The body’s immune system responds by triggering an inflammatory reaction to protect healthy tissues from the bacteria and their toxins. Initially, some healthy bone may be resorbed to create a fibrous barrier aimed at containing the infection. If left untreated, this can lead to additional bone loss, abscesses, and infections in the jawbone, potentially resulting in the loss of the tooth.
If our doctors have recommended endodontic treatment, it is best to proceed as soon as possible. Delaying the treatment can lead to further deterioration of the tooth, additional bone loss, and increased looseness, which could eventually make the tooth irreparable.
We recommend starting the process for a new crown within 1 to 2 weeks. However, in some cases, such as with highly compromised teeth that need close monitoring, you may need to wait longer. For teeth in visible areas or those requiring immediate protection, prompt temporization within 24 hours or as soon as possible may be necessary.
A temporary restoration is designed to last one to two weeks, and we recommend replacing it with a permanent restoration as soon as possible.
The endodontist who performed your treatment will determine the timing for your recall appointment and will inform you and the assistant at the end of your visit if it's needed. Typically, this follow-up is scheduled for 6 to 12 months, though it may be adjusted based on the endodontist's recommendations and your specific case.
After a root canal treatment, there are several reasons why you might still experience discomfort. Depending on your symptoms before the procedure, you may continue to feel similar pain, which can sometimes be intensified by the treatment. It is common for symptoms to persist for several days to weeks before gradually improving.
Extracting a tooth can lead to several negative consequences, including issues with surrounding teeth, overall oral health, and chewing function. Replacing a missing tooth is generally much more expensive than undergoing a root canal. For example, the cost of an implant with a crown typically ranges from $3,000 to $5,000, making it a more costly option compared to saving the tooth with a root canal.
- Nearby teeth may start to shift position.
- Teeth above or below the extracted tooth might over-erupt and protrude from the jaw.
- Surrounding teeth may receive less bony support.
- Adjacent teeth may become more vulnerable to gingivitis (gum inflammation) or periodontitis (inflammation of the periodontal ligament and bone).
- Redness (rubor)
- Pain (dolor)
- Swelling (tumor)
- Warmth (calor)
- Loss of function (functio laesa)
Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory medication that helps reduce pain by blocking the body's production of chemicals that trigger pain. If you have no allergies or medical conditions that contraindicate its use, a highly effective approach for managing oral pain is to alternate ibuprofen and acetaminophen every three hours, following our post-op instructions.
