Diagnosis of Tooth Pain

Dental pain can range from a mild sensation to your worst nightmare. The nerves in your teeth are each connected to a main nerve branch. The main nerve branches from upper and lower jaw both meet in front of your ears. Pain from a single tooth can radiate to your ear, or other parts of your head and neck. Very often it can be impossible for you to tell which tooth is giving you trouble.

Sometimes it takes serious “detective” work on the dentist’s part to locate the offending tooth. Any information you are able to provide us is helpful. It is also in your best interest to call the office as soon as you become aware of a problem developing. Waiting can only make it worse. We are here to help, and the sooner we can examine you, the sooner we can help, and ideally head off a severe episode of pain and suffering.

Additional Information About Your Endodontic Treatment

Keeping you comfortable during all phases of treatment is a priority for us. We use modern anesthetic medications and techniques to ensure your comfort.

We perform all procedures using local anesthesia. If you need it, we can also provide nitrous oxide anesthesia and/or prescribe oral sedation. If necessary, we can arrange during your pre-operative consultation and examination to have a dental anesthesiologist administer intravenous sedation during your treatment.

You’ll be able to drive and return to your usual activities after you’ve had routine treatment performed with local anesthesia and/or nitrous oxide. If you receive oral or intravenous sedation, you’ll need to have someone drive you to and from your appointment. You’ll be able to resume normal activities within 24 hours.

What should I bring to my initial appointment?

Please assist us by providing the following at your initial appointment:

• Your referral slip and any x-rays your referring doctor has provided.
• A list of medications you are presently taking including the dose.

If you have dental insurance, please bring the necessary completed forms if you would like us to assist you in filing.

Will you need to take additional x-rays?

If your dentist has taken x-rays, you may ask that office to forward them to us, or pick them up and bring them in yourself. We may need to take additional films at our office for diagnosis and treatment.

X-rays are an essential part of quality endodontic treatment. We use an advanced non-film computerized system, called "Radiovisography" or "Digital Radiography". Digital radiography produces radiation levels of up to 90% less than those of already low dose, conventional dental x-ray machinery. These digital images can be optimized, archived, printed and sent to other practitioners via mail, e-mail or diskette.

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