Endodontists are dentists who specialize in maintaining teeth through endodontic therapy — procedures, involving the soft inner tissue of the teeth, called the pulp. Some teeth can be especially difficult to diagnose and treat. That’s why you were referred to an endodontic specialist.
Below is a list of questions we frequently encounter. If you don't see your question here, please contact our office directly at (419) 885-4691 or via email at office [at] carterendo.com.
What should I do on the day of my first visit?
Eating normally and taking any medications as you normally do is recommended. We ask that you bring your referral slip and a list of any medications you are taking with you to our office. Depending on the exact problem you have, we may or may not perform treatment at your first visit.
How long will it take?
Because of the wide range of cases we see, it is impossible to predict how long treatment will take before we see you. At your initial visit, we will clearly outline our expected treatment time with you.
Can root canals go bad?
Like any medical procedure, there are some cases that do not resolve after endodontic treatment. We frequently perform surgical and nonsurgical procedures to resolve these problems.
Will I have pain during treatment?
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.
Will I be in pain following treatment?
Very often there is little to no discomfort after treatment. In the event that there is discomfort, taking over the counter analgesics such as Tylenol or Motrin are often effective. In extreme cases, we may prescribe pain medication for you to take.
Do I need another appointment with my general dentist?
Yes. Because we are a referral based practice, it is imperative that you return to your general dentist for a follow up visit. Upon completion of your treatment in our office, your records will be sent to your general dentist for their review.
How soon can I eat?
You should not eat or drink anything hot until the anesthetic has worn off from your visit. Failure to abide by this rule may result in severe damage to your oral soft tissues.
Do you take my insurance?
We are participating providers with Delta Dental and we accept most major dental insurances. Please call our office for specific information.