We will take every measure to ensure that your procedure is in no way uncomfortable or painful. Every tooth is different and the amount of anesthetic required for a particular tooth depends on the location of the tooth and the amount of inflammation and or infection present at the time of treatment.  Dr. Baur takes extra precautions prior to initiating any treatment to make certain that patients are comfortable and that the tooth and the surrounding tissues are completely anesthetized.  If you have had difficulty getting numb in the past, please let us know.  In certain situations, Dr. Baur may prescribe a mild sedative at the consultation appointment to be taken 1 hr prior to the initiation of treatment.

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.

There are many situations that do not require endodontic treatment or where this may be one of several different options.  A consultation is the beginning process of any procedure.  A clinical and radiographic exam will be performed to determine if endodontic treatment is needed, if it is the best option, and if there are any treatment considerations that may need to be discussed prior to treatment.  Dr. Baur prefers to display the x-ray on patient monitors during the initial consultation to explain and discuss the clinical and radiographic findings with the patient and answer any questions about the recommended treatment or alternative options.

We recommend that patients take over the counter ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin or generic Ibuprofen) for the first 2-3 days after the procedure.  Dr. Baur recommends that patients take 3 over the counter tables for a total of 600mg of Ibuprofen every 6 hours during this time period.  Some patients experience no pain after an endodontic procedure.  Most patients experience some discomfort that lasts three to five days following treatment, particularly when chewing.  Few patients experience discomfort beyond this.  Much of the discomfort following endodontic treatment is dependent upon the amount of inflammation or infection prior to treatment; in other words the amount of discomfort you experienced prior to treatment.  Certain medical conditions may also affect your post-operative healing process.  Please be thorough when filling out your medical and pain history.

Avoid biting or chewing on the tooth until your restorative dentist has placed a definitive restoration.  To relieve mild discomfort, use an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen.  Dr. Baur recommends 600mg ibuprofen every 6 hours for the first 2-3 days.  Regular over the counter tablets of Ibuprofen, Advil and Motrin are typically 200mg; so 3 tablets of Advil or Motrin every 6 hours.  If you still have discomfort after taking the ibuprofen, Dr. Baur typically prescribes a stronger pain medication that you can take on an as needed basis.  In addition to the pain medication, Dr. Baur may prescribe an antibiotic if the tooth was infected.  If you were prescribed an antibiotic by Dr. Baur, it is important that you take it as directed and finish the prescription.  If you continue to have discomfort or have any questions about the healing, do not hesitated to give our office a call.

The temporary restoration placed in your tooth is only designed to last 2-4 weeks.  A final report detailing the procedure will have been sent to your referring dentist’s office within a few days after completion of treatment.  It is important that you call and schedule an appointment with your restorative dentist to avoid root canal failure.  If the temporary leaks the tooth may become re-infected and require additional treatment.  If you bit on something hard before the tooth is protected with a definitive restoration by your dentist, the tooth can crack or fracture, possibly leading to extraction.  Your restorative dentist will discuss the most appropriate restoration with you to protect your endodontically treated tooth.  Typically a full coverage crown is recommended after endodontic treatment.

Yes.  While we do not offer IV sedation, Dr. Baur can prescribe a mild oral sedative that you can take one hour prior to your dental appointment.  If you feel an oral sedative is necessary for your procedure please schedule a consultation appointment with our office so that Dr. Baur can evaluate the tooth, discuss the procedure and provide you with a prescription for the appropriate oral sedative.  Please keep in mind that on the day of your appointment if you do take an oral sedative, you will need a driver to bring you to the office and drive you home after the procedure.  Under no circumstances should you drive while under the influence of an oral sedative.

X-rays emailed from your referring dentist’s office are always appreciated and we will import these images into your patient record.  However, new x-rays are required medically and legally in order to make a proper diagnosis.  Often times a specific type or angle of x-ray is necessary to appropriately diagnose your tooth and determine the best treatment option.  Many insurance carriers require x-rays documenting treatment before they will issue reimbursements.  Our office typically will take the following x-rays:

• Pre-op x-rays to make the proper diagnosis and determine the best treatment option
• Treatment x-rays to make certain that the tooth is being appropriately and completely treated
• Final x-rays to make certain the treatment is complete and of the highest quality