About Endodontics
Procedures and Services
Initial Consultation
Endodontic Therapy
General Instructions
After Completion of Endodontic Therapy
Follow-up Treatment
About EndodonticsThere are various reasons you may need to see an endodontist, but in all cases, we are trying to save your tooth. Endodontic therapy is an alternative to extraction and replacement with artificial teeth, previously the norm when a tooth's soft inner tissue was damaged. Typically, you would seek the care of an endodontist if the pulp of your tooth has become inflamed due to decay or disease, or when the pulp has been injured due to trauma (cracked or knocked-out teeth fall into this category.)
Because the pulp has lost its ability to heal itself, endodontic therapy should be started as soon as a diagnosis has been made, at which time most teeth can be saved. Otherwise, serious conditions such as severe toothache, abscess development, or even tooth loss may to occur.
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Dr. Waldron will personally explain all recommended procedures and will keep you fully informed about every aspect of your treatment. Since our practice is limited to Endodontics, procedures that are not part of our core services will be referred to your general dentist or specialist. You will be provided will all the needed information and any referrals. Service we provide you may include:
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Your initial appointment will consist of a consultation explaining your diagnosis and treatment options. If your tooth has had root canal therapy done previously and your dentist believes retreatment may be necessary, we will only do a consultation at your initial appointment. Otherwise, treatment can usually be done the same day as the consultation.
Please provide the following information at the time of your consultation:
IMPORTANT
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The next step is usually non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. The injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleansed and sealed. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases. We will inform you as soon as possible if we determine that your tooth is not suitable for treatment or the prognosis changes. Most patients are able to return to their usual daily routine after treatment.
Generally, non-surgical treatment is only endodontic procedure needed to save teeth with an injured pulp. Occasionally, this non-surgical procedure will not be sufficient to allow healing and we will recommend endodontic surgery. Endodontic surgery can be used to locate fractures or hidden canals that do not appear on x-rays but still cause pain.
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Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be slightly tender for several weeks 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 not chew food on the affected side until your endodontic therapy is completed and you tooth is covered with a protective restoration provided by your restorative dentist. You should continue your regular dental hygiene regimen. Discomfort may be alleviated by taking ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), aspirin, 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 us immediately. The office telephone (651) 768-8180 will provide directions to contact Dr. Waldron after hours. If you need to call after hours, please have your pharmacy phone number available.
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Endodontic Treatment
Endodontic treatment has now been completed. The root canal system has been permanently sealed. However, the outer biting surface is sealed with a temporary restoration. A permanent restoration must be placed to protect your tooth against fracture and reinfection. Please telephone your family dentist for an appointment. A complete report of your endodontic treatment will be sent to your family dentist. Included in your treatment is a follow-up examination to evaluate the progress of healing. For most cases this is done one year later. This appointment will require only a few minutes and no additional fee will be charged for this check-up visit. You will receive a postcard requesting you to contact our office to set up the appointment.
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Upon completion of your endodontic therapy, a temporary filling will be placed in the access opening. You must contact your dentist to schedule an appointment to have a permanent restoration placed.
Following Endodontic treatment, a one year post-operative evaluation is typical. We will mail you a postcard asking you to return to our clinic for a new x-ray to evaluate long-term healing. There is no additional fee for this service.
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