Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to appointment time.

Diagnosis:

The doctor will begin by testing the sensitive area to determine if a root canal will resolve your dental condition. If the doctor determines root canal therapy is necessary, it is important for you to know that a classic endodontic procedure will require at least two appointments.

At the first appointment the following will take place:

The appointment will begin with the use of a localized anesthetic to numb the area. Next, the doctor will place a rubber dam around the tooth to keep the area isolated, clean, and dry during the duration of the procedure.

After placing the rubber dam, the doctor will open the tooth using a standard high speed drill (the kind used for fillings). Once the tooth is accessed, the doctor will use hand files, thin wire-type tools, to remove fibrous tissue within the canals.

The doctor will place an antibacterial medication in the canals of the tooth and seal the access site with a temporary filling.

The goal of the first appointment is to relieve sensitivity and reduce the infection within the tooth.

At the conclusion of the first appointment you will be scheduled 3-4 weeks to return to our office where we will finish the root canal procedure and then advise you to return to your general dentist for any necessary restorative procedures.

Your Second Apppointment

(802) 862-3685

Smart Endodontics

Christopher J. Smart D.D.S., M.S.

Your First Appointment

The second appointment will begin with the doctor removing the temporary filling by once again drilling into the access site.

Once the doctor has again gained access to the tooth he will continue to clean, shape, and taper the canals of the tooth with hand files.

Next, each canal will be sanitized and sealed with a permanent filling material called Gutta Percha- this is a red rubbery substance placed in each canal to the tip of the root.

What To Bring

The roots are filled permanently with gutta-percha, however, the access site on the biting surface is sealed with a temporary filling.

You will need to contact your general dentist to have your tooth restored with either a permanent filling or a crown once the root canal is complete.

Please be sure to bring the following items with you to your appointment:

The referral slip and any x-rays from your dentist’s office.
A list of medications you are presently taking.
Any pertinent dental insurance information, if you have insurance.
Drivers License or Photo ID.
Make sure to let our office staff know if you pre medicate before dental visits