Southlake Endodontics specialists answer questions that are frequently asked (FAQs) by patients suffering from orofacial tooth pain.
Do you accept referrals?
We welcome referrals from other dentists and from patients who send their family members, neighbors and friends to us. We appreciate your confidence.
How do you ensure my safety during treatment?
For your safety and peace of mind, our office maintains a strict operating protocol. Southlake Endodontics exceeds the highest standards of infection control advocated by OSHA, the Centers for Disease Control and the American Dental Association. We use the latest barrier techniques and autoclave sterilization to eliminate any risk of cross-contamination.
Each member of our staff is certified in CPR. Additionally, our doctors and staff attend numerous continuing education courses each year. Our office is equipped with state of the art patient monitoring equipment. We are also one of the few dental offices equipped with an AED (Automated External Defibrillator).
I really do not like visiting the dentist. Is there anything you can do to help me relax?
We understand that many patients feel nervous when they hear the words “root canal” or endodontic therapy. But you’ll be glad to know that today’s dental techniques have made this treatment more comfortable than it ever was before.
We can provide some medications to help you relax during your treatment. We also offer both oral and IV sedation (with a dental anesthesiologist present) and nitrous oxide.
If you’re stressed about your visit, please let us know. We’ll do everything possible to help you feel comfortable.
I’m worried about X-rays. Should I be?
No. While X-rays will be necessary during your endodontic treatment, we use an advanced non-film computerized system, called digital radiography, which produces radiation levels up to 90 percent lower than those of already low dose conventional dental X-ray machinery. These digital images can be optimized, archived, printed and sent to co-therapists via e-mail.
What happens after treatment?
When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. You should contact his or her office for a permanent restoration within a few weeks of completion at our office. Your restorative dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond.
What do I do if I have an emergency?
Our office phone is answered at all times. If you have an endodontic emergency after normal office hours, please call 817-488-3636. Follow the instructions provided in the message. We’ll return your call as soon as possible.
After hours and weekend office visits are strictly limited to emergency care only. Emergency care is designed to alleviate acute discomfort. Please note that an emergency fee will be added to the treatment fee if treatment is provided after hours.
My child has had an accident and knocked out a tooth. What should I do?
If the tooth is clean, replant it in its socket if at all possible. If the tooth is not clean—if it has debris on it, for example—rinse if off with milk and try to replant it.
If you are unable to replant the tooth, store it in a container of milk (not yogurt).
Call your dentist (or our office at 817-488-3636 if your dentist is not available) and get in to see him/her as soon as possible; the quicker, the better.
What makes your practice different from any other I could visit?
We are one of the very few dental practices where each doctor works on only one patient at a time. You’ll find a very relaxed atmosphere in our office, and we take a lot of time to ensure that we’re communicating effectively with you. At the same time, we’re very high tech and cutting edge, so you may see some exciting procedures that you don’t find elsewhere.
We also make an effort to keep in close contact with your referring doctor or dentist. We know your time is valuable, so we work hard to coordinate your visits to our office and to theirs.
We place an exceptionally high priority on mastering the art of endodontics through continuing education. We are not only educators but we are also students of the field of endodontics.
What new technologies does your office use?
Operating Microscopes:
In addition to digital radiography, we utilize special operating microscopes. Magnification and fiber optic illumination are helpful in aiding the doctor to see tiny details inside your tooth.
Apex Locators:
A computerized device that determines the tooth’s length without the need of additional x-rays.
Ultrasonics:
A high frequency instrument used to conservatively remove obstructions and clean the inside of your tooth.
