Why Do You Need an Endodontic Evaluation Before Treatment?

Endodontic evaluations may be something that your regular dentist refers you to have done since endodontists specialize in dental pain, while your regular dentist will do things such as fillings and cleanings. Endodontic evaluations are used to determine what is causing your dental pain, with you potentially having X-rays and images taken before the start of the evaluation to review the teeth, teeth nerves, and the pulp of the teeth. During the evaluation process, you will be asked questions such as, Are you experiencing sensitivity to temperatures? if you experience pain or discomfort when biting down, if you normally grind your teeth if your tooth pain wakes you up when sleeping, and how long you have been experiencing the pain. Using the answers to the questions they ask, along with the images taken, they will get an understanding of what is happening, which can also be followed up with additional testing or images, including bite tests, and tests to see how sensitive the tooth or teeth are or 3D images of the mouth. Once they have gone over everything they have gathered, they will create an action plan for the treatment of your discomfort and pain.

If you are concerned about your tooth pain the endodontists at Ace Endodontics are available for your endodontic care needs, with the ability to request an appointment online.

Your endodontist during your evaluation is not only trying to determine the cause of your pain but also is going to use your current symptoms and previous dental history to see if there is something that has been overlooked during your previous treatment or if there is something, such as grinding in your sleep that is attributing to the worsening of your pain. They are also looking for signs of damage to the tooth, where the nerves are located, or if there is damage to the tooth pulp which can lead to nerve-based pain in patients as well. They will also go over your health history besides your dental health history, as certain medical conditions can contribute to the increased likelihood of long-term tooth damage. During this time it is best to be as open about your experiences and the pain you are experiencing since your endodontist is focused on eliminating your discomfort and nothing else.

Yes, you will have a consultation before having a root canal. This is because your endodontist will want to review your previous dental and medical history with you and get diagnostic imaging done to confirm the tooth or teeth that will need to be treated. They will also go over all treatment options available to you so that you can make the most educated decision when it comes to your oral care.

After determining the tooth or teeth that will need to be treated, and that a root canal is going to be your best option, they will book you in for a subsequent appointment. This appointment may be booked a few days or a few weeks out from the consultation based on your endodontist’s availability and the severity of the tooth/teeth that need to be treated. This will also depend if it is determined that you need multiple root canals or just one since an endodontist will only do one root canal at a time to limit the potential of complications such as infection.

Diagnosis is very important in endodontics since they have done additional dental training to specialize in the management of oral pain. If there is no diagnosis, your endodontist is not going to be able to recommend the best treatment plans and options available to you. It is also important to listen to the aftercare recommendations of your endodontist, so you achieve the best healing.

Endodontic treatment is an essential procedure for preserving your natural teeth and preventing the complications of tooth loss. Our experienced dental professionals are committed to providing you with the highest quality care, ensuring your comfort and satisfaction throughout the process. Trust us to help you maintain your smile’s beauty and functionality for years to come. If you are looking to diagnose and treat your oral pain, the endodontist at Ace Endodontics is here for your dental concerns. We are conveniently located at 11980 San Vicente Blvd Ste 900, Los Angeles, CA 90049. For more information, please contact us or schedule an appointment online. We serve patients from Brentwood CA, Santa Monica CA, West Los Angeles CA, Beverly Hills CA, West Hollywood CA, Venice CA, Culver City CA, and surrounding areas.