DURING TREATMENT

Once you are seated, Dr. Evans will introduce himself.  He will conduct a review of your health history.  You are given the opportunity to state your chief complaint and offer any additional information regarding your current dental problem.  An evaluation of the tooth in question, as well as surrounding teeth and structures, will be made.  Necessary x-rays will be taken.  Once a diagnosis has been reached, Dr. Evans will discuss his findings with you.  A course of treatment will be advised.  Risks, benefits, and alternatives will be discussed.  The fee for the proposed treatment will be given.  If your consent to proceed is given, treatment will usually begin immediately.

Local anesthesia (used to be novocaine, now we use various derivatives of novocaine such as lidocaine, bupivicaine, mepivicaine, articaine etc.) will be delivered in sufficient quantity to render the affected tooth and surrounding area profoundly numb.  Sedation, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral pre-medication for anxiety reduction may also be utilized.  Once profoundly numb, the tooth in question is tested to confirm there is no sensation.  Work is begun.  The tooth is cleaned of decay.  The infected or inflamed inner pulp tissue "nerve" is removed, the resulting space is machined to a specific shape and diameter, then the space is sealed.

A temporary filling is placed to seal the tooth until you return for completion, or until you return to your general dentist once the treatment is complete.  Instructions on what to expect, how to minimize discomfort, and on how to protect your tooth are given.

 

---