What To Expect
Dr. Fuller’s team of fully trained specialists keeps up to date with both the latest in dental technology and team expertise in the art of endodontic therapy. Among the most modern developments in our range of services is our new Waterlase Technology designed for an enlightening and comfortable visit to the dentist’s chair.
Dr. Fuller has over thirty years of experience in the specialty of Endodontics under his belt, and thanks to this and his superbly proficient chair side team, dental procedures are quick and efficient with little or no discomfort during or post procedure. The majority of root canals done by Dr. Fuller can be accomplished in under one visit. However, during certain cases when the complexity of a procedure requires more than forty five minutes in the dentist’s chair, a second appointment would usually be arranged for. If the second visit seems unlikely due to long travel time, for instance, then we would gladly break the forty five minute rule for your convenience. Otherwise, the forty five minute golden rule is strictly adhered to since forty five minutes in the dentist’s chair is tedious enough for you, the patient.
If you are referred for a surgical procedure you will be scheduled for a consultation visit beforehand to make certain that you understand every aspect of the treatment and post-treatment care.
You can be confident that our focus is on quality, not quantity of patients served, which results in very pleased patients. Our procedures often don’t necessitate the use of local anesthetic shots, so don’t be surprised if we recommend that route. If, on the other hand the procedure requires anesthetic, then application of the shot is quick and thorough so as to render you comfortably numb for hours on end. You are guaranteed tender loving care while under the needle!
After your dentist has referred you to our office for an endodontic evaluation and possible treatment, we then review your medical and dental history, chief complaints before performing diagnostic tests (including x-rays). For some cases, it is necessary to have additional x-rays taken in order to provide a three dimensional view of the tooth in question.
The goals of an endodontic evaluation are:
1. To determine if you require an endodontic (root canal) procedure.
2. To identify the source of pain.
Patients often describe a generalized pain and are unable to identify the source of the problem, be it tooth or otherwise. In some cases pain can be felt in an area that does not seem to correspond to the actual source. When the source of pain is different from the site of pain, this is commonly known as referred pain. A differential diagnosis can determine, in most cases, if endodontic treatment is warranted.
Surgical Endodontics
There are cases when a non surgical or non invasive approach to root canal therapy is not possible. During these cases a precise and accurate diagnosis in endodontic surgery can determine the reasons for endodontic failure. Most common causes for said failures are: atypical, complex and/or undetectable root canal anatomy, accessory canals that cannot be treated conventionally or a fractured tooth root. Other factors which result in a surgical approach include: the presence of a non-removable post, calcification of the canals or obstruction due to a separated instrument. Most of these cases can be successfully treated with endodontic surgery.
The goal of all endodontic surgery is to prevent and eliminate disease and its recurrence and to create an environment conducive to post operation healing.
The surgical procedure itself is performed in the dentist’s chair with you under the effects of a local anesthetic. Endodontic treatment can take approximately fifteen to thirty minutes. Afterwards, when you are awake, we would then advise you to relax and rest with ideally an ice pack to relieve pain and swelling, if there is.
Additional services:
• Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
• IV Sedation
• Cervical (neck) pillows and blankets
• Beverages
For your safety our office features:
• Our office meets or exceeds all OSHA standards of sterilization and infection control
• Disposable covers and medical supplies
• Protective clothing: masks, gloves, gowns, goggles
• State of the art sterilization techniques and monitoring
• Continuing education for staff in infection control and CPR training
