You finally made it to your dentist’s office after dealing with a nagging toothache. You sit down in the exam chair, and after a series of dental x-rays and a consult, your general dentist informs you that he isn’t going to be fixing the problem with your tooth. Instead, he refers you to an endodontic office. When that happens, you’re probably wondering what to expect from your first endodontic appointment. Today you’ll learn everything you need to know about what an endodontist is and get an idea of what will happen at your first appointment.

What is an Endodontist?

Endodontics is a specialized field of dentistry. In fact, less than three percent of all dentists complete the additional education required to become an endodontist. An endodontist is a highly trained dental specialist that focuses on caring for complex tooth problems that primarily affect the tooth pulp inside of teeth. While dentists receive four years of education and training, endodontists complete an additional two or more years of advanced training.

While most dentists can perform root canal therapy, endodontists have more extensive training. They use advanced techniques to treat the dental pulp and root tissues. Our team of endodontists at Endodontic Specialists of Colorado focus on relieving your toothache while saving your natural tooth, whenever possible.

Your First Appointment at an Endodontic Office

Not all tooth pain requires endodontic care. That’s why we take the time to get to know you and diagnose the underlying cause to address your primary concern.

Rest assured that you’ll always be warmly welcomed at Endodontic Specialists of Colorado. When you arrive, an assistant will review your completed forms, take x-rays of your teeth, and gather preliminary diagnostic information. Your doctor will then review your x-rays and paperwork and talk with you about your symptoms prior to examining the tooth in question along with adjacent teeth

Following your exam, we will discuss treatment options – including the benefits, risks, and prognoses associated with each choice – allowing you to make an informed decision on how to proceed. If electing for treatment, it may start immediately (if desired) depending on the severity of the issue, or be scheduled for a later date. Your comfort is our goal. If you have questions about sleep dentistry or pain management, please ask us about our sedation dentistry options.

Before, during, and after treatment, x-rays are taken to show progression and outcome of treatment, and to communicate with your referring dental office to ensure the best possible care. Using state-of-the art, research-backed technology, we always strive to complete endodontic treatments in one appointment when possible, though occasionally additional appointments or follow-up evaluations are needed.

Here are a a few other appointment reminders as you prepare for your first endodontic appointment with us:

• Patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• Avoid taking anti-inflammatory pain reliever medications (e.g. Advil, Ibuprofen, Aleve, Naprosyn, Naproxen) on the day of your appointment, unless directed by one of our endodontists.
• If you require medication prior to dental cleanings (i.e antibiotics for pre-medication such as heart or joint conditions), please contact your prescribing physician for medication and take them prior to your endodontic visit.

Please bring the following documents with you:

• Referral form (or our filled out brochure/appointment card) and contact information from your referring dental office.
• Photo ID (driver’s license or passport), dental insurance and medical insurance ID cards.
• List of all medications and supplements, current dosage, and reason for use, any history of bisphosphonate medications, copy of your most recent INR if you are taking blood thinner medications such as Warfarin (Coumadin) and HbA1C readings for diabetes.

It’s normal to feel nervous about dental treatment, but knowing what to expect from your first appointment can help. Regardless of your course of treatment, your endodontist will carefully explain every step of the process and make sure you’re comfortable along the way.

Our team here at Endodontic Specialists of Colorado is proud to serve our community with two locations in Colorado Springs and Pueblo. We believe everyone deserves a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime. Contact us today to schedule your evaluation at either of our endodontic office locations!