Your First Visit Unfortunately, many people think of root canal treatment, or endodontics, as a painful inconvenience. Despite common misconceptions, root canals are easier and more comfortable than ever before, with little to no pain during the actual procedure. At Peak Endodontics, we strive to provide a superior endodontic experience, from your first visit to your last!What to ExpectUltimately, we want your first visit to our endodontic office to be a positive one. It all begins with your consultation appointment. The goal of this appointment is to establish whether or not there is a need for endodontic treatment through a diagnostic examination. Before we begin your exam, we typically ask you to fill out some paperwork, including: important contact information, insurance, and your medical and dental histories. We may also ask you to list all medications you currently take on a daily basis, whether prescription or over-the-counter. Once we have the appropriate information, it's time to meet the team! Diagnostic ExamFirst, one of our assistants will escort you back to a treatment room, where we usually take a series of digital x-rays. After the x-rays are complete, Dr. Christopher Adams will review the images with you, and ask you about your existing symptoms. Severe tooth pain is typically the biggest indicator that endodontic treatment may be necessary. Besides x-rays, we will also perform a visual and physical exam of your teeth, gums, and other oral structures. Because we address problems with the interior of a tooth, we may also order a CBCT scan, which provides us with a 3D image of your entire face. CBCT scans may be necessary if your x-rays are not detailed enough to determine if you need a root canal. The Goal of Endodontic TreatmentMost endodontic treatment is designed to correct problems within a damaged tooth, mainly regarding "the pulp." The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and other connective tissues responsible for the life of a tooth. When an infection reaches the pulp, due to tooth decay, trauma, or periodontal disease, you should seek professional help as soon as possible. While endodontic procedures may vary, the overarching goal of each one is the same: save a tooth from extraction. During a root canal, Dr. Christopher Adams removes any diseased tooth pulp, dentin, or enamel to stop the spread of infection. The pulp, which is found in the canals, is typically replaced with gutta-percha, which seals off the area from bacteria. A tooth that has undergone a root canal is usually capped with a tooth-shaped cap known as a dental crown. These days, crowns are usually made from porcelain or zirconia, two materials that mimic the appearance of natural enamel. In other words, your crown will restore the aesthetics and function of a tooth that has become brittle due to a lack of pulp. Follow Up AppointmentsOften times, consultation appointments are merely introductory and do not involve any actual treatment. Your endodontic treatment is usually spread out over a couple of appointments, one for the root canal and one to place your crown. Once your treatment is complete, we may ask you to schedule a follow-up visit, so we can monitor your progress. Schedule Your Consultation VisitFind out today if you are in need of endodontic treatment. Call 425-358-9033 to schedule your consultation visit now! |
 Covington27331 172nd Ave. SE, Suite 114 Covington, WA 98042 Phone: 425-358-9033 Fax: 253-234-8427 Federal Way32114 1st Ave. S, Suite 101 Federal Way, WA 98003 Phone: 253-952-3636 |
