Alright, so your general dentist said those two dreaded words you hoped you would never hear: “ROOT CANAL!” As you heard more about your situation, your stomach got queasy and your vision blurred as you processed the news. You got home and you realized you don’t really know what to do next. Do you wish your loved ones goodbye and run for the hills? Start a new life in the Upper Peninsula? Jump into bed hoping it was just a dream? Although these may be your first instincts, your general dentist does have your best interest in mind. So, we suggest you choose door #4 and give our friendly front desk team a call!

During your initial phone call with our team, we will need you to have some information ready:

• Referral slip from your dentist (if provided)
• Dental insurance card
• Email address

Depending on the type of referral your doctor has made, our scheduling specialists will make the appropriate type of appointment and do their best to estimate your out-of-pocket costs.

After your initial phone call, a link will be emailed to you. Follow the link and fill out your medical history, dental history, and sign consent forms prior to your appointment. It is very important that we learn about any allergies you may have—especially to latex or medications—as well as any pertinent medical information.

Finally, the day of your appointment has arrived! We know you are excited to get your treatment done, so here are some tips on how to make the day go as smoothly as possible:

1. Treat the day like any other day. Eat regular meals, take your medications, and relax … it’s going to be a good day!
2. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.
3. If you have a prosthetic joint or heart condition and your dentist or surgeon has instructed you to pre-medicate prior to dental treatment, please remember to take the appropriate antibiotic one hour before your appointment. If you are unsure about your need to pre-medicate prior to dental treatment, please contact your orthopedic surgeon or cardiologist and have them fax a recommendation to our office at 586-739-3638.
4. If possible, please refrain from taking pain medications on the day of your examination appointment, as this may interfere with effective diagnosis.

Your appointment will begin with one of our clinical team members reviewing your medical and dental history. 2D and 3D digital imaging will be taken in order to give the doctor as much information as possible regarding your dental condition. One of our doctors will then conduct a thorough examination to determine if root canal treatment is necessary and appropriate for you. You will have an opportunity to discuss treatment options and have your questions answered at this time. Treatment can often be started that same day.

What to expect after your appointment:

1. You will usually leave the office with a temporary filling in your tooth. It takes approximately 60 minutes for this filling material to set, so any chewing is prohibited until that time. Even after the 60-minute time window, it is recommended that you take precautions and only chew gently until your general dentist can complete the permanent restoration.


2. The local anesthetic used during the procedure will cause temporary loss of sensation that can linger for several hours after your visit. Be careful not to eat or drink hot liquids during this time, as you may subject yourself to severe burns. Be careful chewing, too—you could bite your cheek or tongue without realizing it.


3. It is common for tooth and gum tissue to feel sore for 1-2 weeks after a root canal procedure. Over the counter Ibuprofen or Tylenol are recommended if you experience discomfort, as long as you can safely take those types of medications. In rare instances, the doctors may prescribe you an antibiotic at the end of your procedure.


4. If pain or swelling dramatically increases, or if you develop a fever, please contact our after-hours emergency line: 586-739-3636


5. If you develop trouble breathing or swallowing please proceed directly to the nearest emergency room.


6. Important: We will communicate with your general dentist indicating that your root canal was completed and that the tooth is ready to be restored. However, it is your responsibility to call your general dentist’s office to actually schedule the appointment to have the tooth finished.