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Root Canal Treatment Consultation at The Perfect Smile
This is an assessment appointment to diagnose and treat teeth that have an infection in their roots. This assessment determines whether a tooth can be saved or whether an extraction might be the better option.
We will always try our best to save your teeth whenever we can.
This consultation appointment will highlight all your various options on finding a solution to your situation. In most cases, you will already be advised of your situation from your dentist who will then refer you for an Endodontic (Root Canal) Consultation.
To carry out root canal treatment painlessly and properly, takes time, skill and meticulous attention to detail.
Root canal treatment (RCT) is a procedure which is necessary to save a badly broken or painful tooth. The only alternative often is extraction which can have many disadvantages.
When is Root Canal Treatment necessary?
- If there is infection within the tooth. An untreated infection may result in pain, swelling or even abscess formation.
- In heavily filled or badly broken down teeth that may give problems in the future.
- As part of a more complex treatment to support a crown or denture. Note: We will only recommend this procedure if there is adequate tooth structure remaining above the gum level.
The purpose of an Endodontic Consultation is:
- To determine if the root canal is required for your symptoms you have.
- If root canal treatment is possible for the tooth involved.
- If root canal treatment is the ideal solution for the tooth and whether or not there are better alternatives.
- What other additional treatments may be needed with root canal treatment.
What happens in an Endodontic Consultation?
There are many aspects that need to be looked before any advice can be given at these include:
Infection
The dentist needs to determine the level of infection in the tooth. This determines whether the tooth needs to be treated with Root Canal Treatment or not. The dentist will look for infection not only in the tooth but also in the bone and surrounding gums.
Trauma
Some teeth endure trauma and fracture. When the tooth is broken in such a way that exposes the nerve tissue of the tooth, then the tooth will need root canal treatment.
Surrounding Tissues
The dentist will evaluate the surrounding tissues at the same time as the tooth to detect any other issues such as infection.
Radiographs
We will need to assess the radiographs for things that we can see with the naked eye such as deep infection or infection and cysts in the bone.
Extra Oral Tissues
All the muscles and facial structures outside the mouth will be examined.
Intra-Oral Tissues
All the muscles and facial structures inside the mouth will be examined.
The Complexity of the Root Anatomy
The dentist will check the anatomy of the root to predict the prognosis of the treatment.
Treatment Plan
The treatment advice is based upon your symptoms, examination of your mouth, results of any x-rays, diagnostic tests, on our knowledge of your medical and dental history, the treatment plan we have discussed and your choice. We will also be able to explain any prognosis of the treatment we advise.
Your Consultation Fee
The fee for our Endodontic Consultations is £158. This will include and radiographs (x-rays), a report outlining what we have discovered during the examination process, a customized Treatment Plan, pre-treatment advice, advice on your cleaning and oral hygiene and any other prevention advice.
After the Endodontic Consultation we will provide you with:
We will fully explain the aim of the procedures and inform you of the potential benefits and complications (from known and unknown causes). We will also explain any potential discomfort and/or risks that may arise.
The dentist will advise you of any potential alternatives to the proposed treatment, including doing no treatment at all. The risks of undergoing no treatment and leaving the situation as it is will also be discussed.
The treatment time may vary but you will be told approximately how many sessions will be needed to complete the treatment. However, it could be shorter or longer than at first explained based on what we experience as the treatment progresses.
You will be given a full report of all our findings and our recommended treatment. Many patients have found this very useful when they are reflecting upon their treatment decision.
The fee for treatment will be dependent upon the outcome of the assessment, examination and consultation. We will let you know if the cost estimate increases or if it can be reduced at any point during the treatment.
If you need to we can always arrange a free of charge Secondary Consultation with your main dentist who is in charge of your Definitive Treatment Plan. This is useful if you require a second opinion to help you make your decision.
