What happens during Consultation visit?
Any dental procedure can be daunting for most people. We make every attempt to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
Your first appontment will generally be a comprehensive consultation and examination. At that time, we will examine the tooth and problem area, take digital x-ray images and photos then decide whether your tooth is in need of root canal therapy, and review your treatment options.
Generally, conventional root canal therapy is all that is needed. In most cases, success rates for a non-surgical root canal treatment is above 90%. Occasionally, microsurgery may be needed to save a tooth. This technique can be useful in locating root fractures and treating canals that may not be able to be accessed through standard root canal therapy. The most common microsurgical procedure is called an apicectomy.
I am very nervous / anxious about dental treatment !!!
Root canal treatments are usually very simple dental procedures. However a bad experience in past may have changed your perception towards dentistry. We offer light IV sedation to nervous patients. The sedation procedure will be carried out by an experienced medical practitioner. If you are seeking endodontic treatment under sedation, kindly inform Dr Desai about it during your consultation visit.
Please note some rules to be observed for the treatment under light sedation. The registered medical practitioner must assess your medical health to determine suitability for sedation procedure. On the day of the treatment, the patient must be accompanied by an adult.
What happens during treatment visits?
If root canal treatment is indicated, a local anesthetic is used to numb the tooth. We also offer headphones to listen to relaxing music. We will remove the infected tissue and bacteria from your tooth, clean the infection and seal the roots of the tooth. You are unlikely to have pain during this procedure. It can usually be completed in two visits depending on the required treatment.
It is unusual for patients to experience complications after conventional root canal therapy or microsurgery. However, if you do experience any problems, we are available to respond to you at any time.
Most patients return to their normal daily routine after treatment. After treatment is completed you may need to see your general dentist for a final restoration or crown. A treatment report will be sent to their office.
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 anesthesia to gently numb a concentrated area of your mouth. For most patients, the feeling of numbness usually subsides after 2-3 hours.
Is retreatment the best choice for me?
Whenever possible, it is best to save your natural tooth. Provided the tooth is adequately sealed with crown, retreated teeth can function well for years, even for a lifetime.
Advances in technology are constantly changing the way root canal treatment is performed, so Dr Desai may use new techniques that were not available when you had your first procedure. As with any dental or medical procedure, there are no guarantees. Dr Desai will discuss your options and the chances of success before beginning retreatment.
How many visits will be required for root canal treatment?
Most patients referred to our office require either non-surgical endodontic treatment or non-surgical endodontic re-treatment. These procedures are typically carried out in two visits, some two to three weeks apart, but depending on the circumstances shorter or longer time frames may be suggested. The appointment duration of one hour to ninety minutes allows our doctors to adequately diagnose your problem, and to provide you with comfortable treatment of the highest standard.
What are the alternatives to retreatment?
If nonsurgical retreatment is not an option, then endodontic surgery should be considered. This surgery involves making an incision to allow access to the tip of the root. Endodontic surgery may also be recommended in conjunction with retreatment or as an alternative. Dr Desai will discuss your options and recommend appropriate treatment.
What are the alternatives to endodontic re-treatment and/or endodontic surgery?
The only other alternative is extraction of the tooth. The extracted tooth must then be replaced with an implant, bridge or removable partial denture to restore chewing function and to prevent adjacent teeth from shifting. Because these options require extensive surgery or dental procedures on adjacent healthy teeth, they can be far more costly and time consuming than retreatment and restoration of the natural tooth.
No matter how effective tooth replacements are—nothing is as good as your own natural tooth. You’ve already made an investment in saving your tooth. The payoff for choosing retreatment could be a healthy, functioning natural tooth for many years to come.
After the root canal treatment is complete, do I need to go back to my general dentist?
Generally yes. The restoration of the tooth with a crown is required in many cases, and should not be delayed. Leaving an endodontically treated tooth with a temporary restoration for an extended period of time may allow the root canal system to be reinfected and may mean that the root canal treatment needs to be redone - or - worst case scenario - a tooth may have to be extracted, because without a crown it was not adequately protected against fracture.
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.