Our office makes every attempt to help those in discomfort find relief as soon as humanly possible. We will always find time for emergency patients, especially those who are existing patients of record. New patients will be required to fill out a health history questionnaire, financial policy agreement, and provide a current photo ID. (Usually a drivers license is acceptable.)
Previous patients of records are always welcome to call in an emergency situation with the understanding they will have to complete an updated health history questionnaire upon arrival.
Typically we will take a digital x-ray of the area which is hurting the patient in order to make a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
If for some reason we cannot accommodate the patient’s needs, we will gladly refer to (and call) a specialist who may be able to see the patient in a more timely fashion.
Extractions
For those patients who are faced with the decision of saving vs. keeping a tooth, we take the time to explain the choices available.
Some reasons a tooth may need to be removed:
- Advanced decay to the nerve and root canal not an option
- Inadequate tooth remaining to hold a filling or crown
- Fracture of tooth below gum or bone level
- Trauma to tooth and surrounding bone
- Advanced infection in the bone
- Advanced periodontal condition including extreme looseness
- Prevention of periodontal issues or damage to neighboring teeth (such as wisdom tooth removal)
In some instances, there is not choice but to lose a tooth. Tooth removal is also called an extraction; they can be routine or surgical.
Prior to scheduling the appointment for an extraction, our offices informs the patient what to expect afterward as well as what options exist to replace the missing tooth or teeth. Once a diagnosis has been made, a treatment plan (or plans) is presented to the patient.
If the complexity of the procedure exceeds our doctor’s comfort level, we refer the patient to a specialist, an oral surgeon
Root Canal Therapy
Endodontic treatment or Root Canal Therapy is an excellent means of saving a tooth. Typically a root canal is recommended if the nerve or “pulp” has become infected or irreversibly inflamed. This may be caused by deep decay, trauma, fractures that extend to the pulp, or the bite.
Rather than losing a tooth forever, the dentist may recommend a root canal. Once the tooth is completely numb, the infected pulp (which includes the nerve, artery, and vein) is removed and the inside chamber of the tooth as well as the canals of the roots are carefully cleaned and shaped. Then the dentist fills and seals the canals making the tooth ready for its final restoration. Typically a tooth with inadequate tooth structure remaining will need a build-up and crown afterwards. Otherwise a one surface restoration is placed to cover the access area on the chewing surface.
Our office performs root canal therapy, however, we often refer the patient to an endodontist (specialist) when the need arises. The final restorative dentistry is always done by Dr Medvesky.
Click here for more information from the ADA on Extractions
Click here for more information from the ADA on Root Canals