At your first appointment in our office we will take any necessary radiographs (x-rays). A comprehensive examination will be completed, including an oral cancer screening.  We will review your referral form and any radiograpahs taken by your general dentist.  Your health and pain history will also be thoroughly reviewed. Dr.  Bradford or Dr. Beasley will  then explain your diagnosis and discuss your treatment options. 

Please feel free to ask any questions during your visit. It is our commitment to you to provide the highest level of care through the use of skills, education and mutual understanding. We value your participation.

Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your consultation.

• Completed patient registration, medical history and pain history through our website.   If you are unable to complete this prior to your appointment, please be sure to bring a list of medications you are presently taking.
• Your referral slip and any X-rays if applicable.
• If you have insurance, bring your insurance card. This will save time and allow us to help you process your claim.

IMPORTANT: All patients under the age of 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all appointments.

Endodontic treatment will be performed using local anesthesia. There are usually no restrictions after the procedure concerning driving or returning to work.

Continue all medications for blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems and any other conditions as recommended by your physician. If there is a question, please call our office prior to your appointment.

Please eat a full breakfast or lunch as applicable.

If you have been advised by your physician or dentist to use antibiotic premedication because of a heart condition, hip, knee, cardiac or other prosthesis, or if you have rheumatic heart disease, please make sure you are on the appropriate antibiotic on the day of your appointment. If there is a question, please call our office prior to your appointment.

We will provide you with either Ibuprofen or Tylenol prior to your treatment to help in reducing inflammation and post-treatment discomfort.

Our goal is to treat our patients as we would want to be treated. Sometimes that simply means a friendly smile and a warm blanket.  We know that many patients have a very high level of dental fear and anxiety when it comes to root canal treatment or any other dental treatment for that matter.  Our team is dedicated to ensuring your treatment is as comfortable and anxiety free as possible. 

We offer oral conscious sedation to reduce the anxiety and fear associated with treatment.  Oral sedation requires the patient to take a medication in the office one hour before their scheduled appointment time.  This medication will cause the patient to become deeply relaxed.  During treatment, patients are not unconscious, but mentally detached from the treament procedures.  If you feel you would be interested in oral sedation, ask a team member at the time of your initial consultation.

Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be slightly tender for several days as a result of manipulation during treatment and previous condition of your tooth. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm. Avoid chewing food on the affected side until your endodontic therapy is completed and your tooth is covered with a protective restoration provided by your general dentist. You may continue your regular dental hygiene regimen. Discomfort may be alleviated by taking ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed on your post-treatment instructions.  Please contact us if you have misplaced your instruction sheet.

Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above listed medications, or should swelling develop, please contact us.  If you need to call after hours, please have your pharmacy number available.

Swelling and bruising the next day or even several days after treatment  may occur.  This is often normal and will resolve itself in 3 to 5 days.  Please contact us if you experience any of these symptoms so we can help resolve them as quickly as possible.

In order to minimize the swelling, place an ice pack over the area , keeping the ice pack on for 10 minutes and taking it off for 10 minutes.

Please telephone your general dentist for an appointment. Our office will forward a report of treatment to your general dentist. Included with your treatment in our office is a follow-up examination to evaluate the progress of healing. This appointment is at no additional charge and will require only a few minutes. A reminder will be sent to schedule this appointment.