Your First Office Visit
On your initial visit you will complete paperwork, which will include your medical history and consent forms. If you have dental insurance, it will be verified before or at the time of your appointment. A pre-treatment estimate will be available for you before or during your first visit.
Prepare for your visit with a list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you take, information on your medical history including any prior dental health issues, the contact information from your referring dentist, and a filled-out referral from, when available.
Take all your medications, including antibiotic premedication if advised, as recommended by your physician, for blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems and any other conditions. Please eat a full breakfast or lunch as appropriate.
Completed forms will be reviewed by an assistant who will take radiographs (x-rays) of your teeth before the endodontist sees you. Your endodontist will review your radiographs and paperwork and talk with you about your symptoms before examining the tooth in question along with adjacent teeth. Once the exam and any required tests are completed you will discuss treatment options and the benefits and risks associated with each so that you can make an informed decision on how to proceed.
If you decide to receive treatment, it will be scheduled or may start immediately depending upon the severity of the problem with your tooth or if you already scheduled treatment on the same appointment. Several visits may be necessary to complete the prescribed treatment. Once the procedure is completed radiographs will be taken again to determine the success of the treatment. Before, during and after your procedure you should feel free to address questions or concerns with your endodontist and the office staff. There are usually no restrictions after the procedure concerning driving or returning to work.