Robert F. Brandys, DDS, MSD, LTD

A consultation is performed on all patients so that we can assess your tooth, your symptoms and to determine if root canal treatment is appropriate for you. Often we perform the treatment the same day. Sometimes, treatment is more complex due to a person's medical history and/or previous work that has been done on the tooth, so we may need to schedule the actual root canal procedure for another appointment. Patients requiring surgical endodontics (apicoectomy) will always require a consultation prior to scheduling treatment.

Having a tooth extracted costs less initially, however, most people wish to have the resulting space filled. A root canal and crown are more economical than a bridge or implant, plus you get to keep your natural tooth.

Additional x-rays may be necessary for the successful diagnostic treatment of your tooth. Taking radiographs from different angles allows us to assess the number, length and shape of the roots in your tooth and to assess the extent of any previous dental work performed on that tooth.

We take a complimentary blood pressure reading as a service to our adult patients. At times, we get patients that are not under routine medical care, and by taking a blood pressure, we may be able to catch undiagnosed hypertension. Some anesthetics have an effect on blood pressure, so we like to have a baseline reading before starting treatment.

Dr. Brandys will do everything possible to minimize discomfort during your procedure. Most patients find that there is momentary discomfort while administering the local anesthetic. Afterward, there is very little sensation other than pressure. Should you experience discomfort at any point during the procedure, please make Dr. Brandys aware and he will take all steps to eliminate your discomfort. In most cases, patients find that root canal treatment is no more uncomfortable than a filling or crown appointment.

It is not uncommon for a diseased or “dead” nerve to have some residual sensation. The local anesthetic is given to ensure optimum comfort during your procedure.

There are many variables that come into play when determining how long a treatment will take (e.g., tooth position, number of roots and canals, age, medical history), but generally, plan on your appointment lasting anywhere from one to two hours.

A rubber dam is like a rain coat that is placed over your tooth to keep saliva, which is full of bacteria, out of the canal(s) once they are exposed. According to the American Association of Endodontists, using a rubber dam is the standard of care during root canal treatment in order to prevent possible aspiration of files and contamination with saliva. Dr. Brandys will not perform the procedure without one.

After the numbing wears off, you can eat what you normally eat, however, if a temporary filling has been placed in the tooth, avoid anything sticky (e.g, taffy, gummy candy) until your general dentist replaces the temporary with a permanent restoration or crown.

Unless a sedative has been taken, you can drive after your procedure. Escorts are only mandatory when a sedative medication is being used.