My dentist already took my X-ray and said I need root canal treatment. Do I need to have another consultation at the specialist's office?
Yes! While your dentist is probably right, we must verify that the tooth indeed requires endodontic treatment for both medical and legal reasons. We are responsible for making sure that treatment on the correct tooth is warranted. We take our own digital radiographs at various different angles. Radiographs alone are not sufficient for diagnosis. Early stages of pulp degeneration and some small abscess are not visible on the X-rays. Hence the importance of a specialist consultation where all the necessary tests are performed to make a definitive diagnosis.
My dentist already prescribed antibiotics and pain medications. Do I continue to take them before my consultation visit with the specialist?
If you have pain, swelling, fever and/or already started the course of antibiotics that was prescribed, please continue to take them as directed. However, please do not take any pain medication or anit-inflammatory drugs, prescribed or over-the-counter, at least 8 hours prior to your appointment. These drugs can skew the test results and may prevent us from making a definitive diagnosis. Please take your other medications, just not your pain medications.
Can you complete my treatment in one-visit?
We will recommend the number of visits necessary to achieve the optimal long term success on individual basis. One-visit treatment is possible in some situations. Often two or more visits are necessary to achieve the quality that is our standard. Quality in endodontics takes time to deliver, so please allow us to use our expertise and professional judgement to determine what is best for you.
Will the treatment be painful?
We will take every measure to ensure that your procedure is in no way uncomfortable or painful. If treatment is needed, we will inject a small amount of local anesthetics to gently numb a concentrated area of your mouth. For most patients, the feeling of numbness usually subsides after 2-3 hours.
I'm really anxious about having root canal. Can you put me to sleep?
We understand your anxiety about having endodontic therapy. At your consultation appointment, Dr Chien will explain the procedure in details, and you are welcome to ask questions that you may have. Most of our anxious patients feel much more at ease after the consultation and are able to have the treatment done in a relaxed manner. For the very dental-phobic adult patient, they may be presented with an option to have Oral Conscious Sedation for their endodontic therapy. This treatment modality does not put you to sleep - although many of the patients eventually do - but simply to take the edge off so you are much more relaxed for the procedure. Patients receiving Oral Conscious Sedation are not allowed to drive, and must have another person to drive them to and from the office.
Will I need to return to your office for follow-ups after the procedure is finished?
Yes, for most root canal treatments, we recommend that patients return to the office 1 year after the procedure was finished. Our office will send a reminder notice to you when you are due for a recall appointment.
What can I expect after having a root canal?
Please do not eat or chew until the normal sensation of your mouth is returned. Chewing or eating while part of your mouth is still numb may cause accidental damage to the cheek or tongue and this can be very painful once the anesthesia wears off.
While most of the patients report of a great relief of pain after endodontic therapy, it is normal to have post-operative discomfort for a few days after the treatment. The post-operative pain may get a bit worse before getting better if you already have severe pain and/or swelling before the treatment. We will prescribe necessary medications for you and usually you will be fine after a few days. Should you have more concerns, please feel free to contact us.