Common Questions
I do not want any xrays….why do I have to take xrays?
Xrays are a necessary diagnostic tool. An additional xray may be needed for a different view, angle or contrast. For your safety and to acknowledge your concern, we use an advanced non-film computerized system, called digital radiography. The radiation levels are up to 90% lower than an already low dose conventional dental xray machine.
My dentist already took an xray. Why do I have to take another?
Your general dentist may send your most recent xray to your appointment. We will also take an xray during your consultation appointment. We may also need to take a 3D conebeam image. We will only take a 3D image when necessary as it is not required in our office. Xrays are a necessary diagnostic tool. An additional xray may be needed for a different view, angle or contrast. To help you understand better, see the images below.
The first image will be straight on. This image is usually taken by your general dentist. The second image will be, at what we call, an “off angle”. This image will be taken by our office. The third image is an example of 3D. This image, if needed, will be taken with our Carestream CS 9000 conebeam.
What do I do after my treatment is completed?
Once your treatment is complete, a record of your treatment will be sent to your general dentist. You should contact their office for a follow up restoration within a few weeks of completion at our office. Your general dentist will decide what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. If you fail to return in a timely manner, your tooth may become re-infected.
What will it cost?
The cost associated with any procedure in our office varies depending on which tooth is affected. In general, endodontic treatment is much less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an artificial tooth.
Will I still experience pain after the procedure?
For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. Your teeth, tooth, mouth may be sore from the injection or being open during treatment or just from having been worked on. If your teeth hurt when you bite your teeth together, you may need to come in for a “bite adjustment”. Sensitivity can last a few days, weeks or even a few months. Be patient, but do not hesitate to call us with your questions or concerns.
Did my temporary filling come out?
The temporary cement we place is just that…temporary. It is soft and washes away in time. It may feel as though it has come out, but there may be enough left to keep saliva from contaminating the tooth. If you notice a strong medicated taste, call our office so that we can replace the cement.
Schedule an appointment to get a permanent restoration placed within 30 days.
Why didn’t the endodontist give me antibiotics?
Antibiotics are given if an infection is present. If you do not have any infection, antibiotics are not necessary.
I am nervous about having dental work. What options do you offer to help me?
Be assured, you are not alone!! Many patients feel this way. We can bring in a dental anesthesiologist to help you feel more relaxed and comfortable during your visit and put you “more asleep” for the procedure. If you would prefer, we can also prescribe medication for you to take the night or morning before your appointment, to help alleviate some of your anxiety. Please speak with the front office when scheduling your appointment, if you think you might need one of these options.
How long will my tooth last after treatment?
Root canal therapy is an effort to save your tooth. It is in how the tooth responds to treatment and the care you take to make sure the tooth is properly restored and that it is restored in a timely manner.
Will the treatment be uncomfortable?
We will do our very best to make you as comfortable as possible. From our beverage bar to personal music or noise cancellation headphones, spa pillows for your neck and eyes, a soft, warm blanket to keep you cozy and foot covers, if you’d like to kick off your shoes… to a hot towel to freshen up with after treatment.
Will I need to return to your office for follow-ups after the procedure is finished?
Depending on your treatment, the endodontist may recommend that you return to our office 3, 6 or 12 months after your procedure is finished. Our office will send a reminder notice to you when you are due to visit our office.
For Additional Information…
For additional information, we have provided below, links to the website for the American Association of Endodontists. You will find answers to many questions you may have on this site. All of the doctors of the Southern California Endodontic Group are members of the American Association of Endodontists.
http://www.aae.org/patients/patientinfo/rootcanalmyths.htm
http://www.aae.org/patients/patientinfo/faqs/
http://www.aae.org/patients/faqs