PATIENT INFORMATION
Everything you need before you arrive
What your visit looks like, how insurance and payment work, and how to prepare — so the only thing on your mind is getting comfortable.
Your first visit, start to finish
Most first visits begin with a consultation: we review your history and any records from your dentist, examine the tooth, take focused imaging, and run the simple diagnostic tests that tell us exactly what's happening inside. Then we sit down and talk: what we found, what we recommend, what it costs, and what happens if you wait. You'll never be handed a treatment plan you don't understand.
When the diagnosis is clear and you're in pain, we can very often complete treatment the same day — plan for 90 minutes to two hours in that case. If you'd rather take time to decide, that's always your call.
Because we use local anesthesia only, you can drive yourself to and from your appointment and return to most normal activities immediately after.
What to bring
- Photo ID and your dental insurance card
- Your referral slip and any X-rays your dentist sent along
- A list of current medications and medical conditions
- Completed new patient forms, if you filled them out ahead of time
New patient forms
Complete these at home to save about 15 minutes at check-in.
Insurance & payment
We work with most major PPO dental plans. Before any treatment begins, our front office verifies your benefits and gives you a written estimate of your portion — no surprises on the way out. We file claims on your behalf and follow up with your insurer so you don't have to.
If you're uninsured, or your plan doesn't cover endodontic treatment, you'll get clear flat pricing up front, and we offer third-party financing for patients who prefer to spread out payments. If cost is a concern, say so — we would far rather have that conversation than see a saveable tooth wait until it can't be saved.
Before your procedure
- Eat normally. Local anesthesia doesn't require fasting, and a normal meal makes the visit easier.
- Take your usual medications unless we've specifically told you otherwise. If you take antibiotics before dental work, take them as your physician prescribed.
- Skip the pre-visit painkillers if you can. If you need something, note what you took and when — it affects our testing.
- Plan a quiet rest of the day for surgical visits like an apicoectomy; routine root canals rarely need it.
After your procedure
- Wait for the numbness to fade before eating — usually two to three hours — so you don't bite your cheek or tongue.
- Expect mild soreness for a few days. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, taken as directed, handle it for most patients.
- Chew on the other side until your permanent restoration is placed — the temporary seal isn't built for hard foods.
- Book your crown promptly. Completing the final restoration within a few weeks is the most important step in protecting the tooth.
- Call us if pain increases rather than fades, swelling develops, or your temporary filling comes out: (623) 555-0134.
You'll leave every procedure with written instructions specific to your treatment, and a direct line to reach us with questions while you heal.
Common questions
Should I eat before my appointment?
Yes — a normal meal beforehand is ideal. We use local anesthesia only, so there's no fasting requirement.
Can I go back to work after?
After routine root canal treatment, almost always — most patients return the same day. After surgery like an apicoectomy, plan to take the rest of the day off.
Do you take my insurance?
We work with most major PPO plans and verify your benefits before treatment. Call us with your plan details and we'll check before your visit.
What if I don't have insurance?
You'll get flat, written pricing before treatment, and financing options are available. No surprises either way.
Curious about a specific procedure? Start with Root Canal Therapy or see the technology we use.
Still have a question?
Call us (a real person answers during office hours), or send an appointment request and ask away.