Experience You Can Trust-serving the endodontic needs of Northern Arizona for over 14 years.
One of Dr. Brimhall's assistants will escort you to a treatment room. They will need to take an x-ray and will discuss your symptoms with you. X-rays are a necessary part of the diagnosis, treatment, and post- treatment procedures. The placement of the x-ray film in your mouth might be different than that of your general dentist because the doctor’s assistant takes the x-ray picture from unique angles.
Dr. Brimhall will enter the room and begin the process of numbing the area to offer you a the highest comfort level possible.
When the area is numb, the doctor will sit down and begin the process of the root canal treatment.
During this time it is important to the success of the root canal treatment that you remain still, relaxed and do your best to stay open. If you should need to rest for any reason, just raise your hand.
Post-treatment discomfort can last for several weeks. Usually the second and third days after the procedure are the most tender. We’ll suggest that you take Motrin (Ibuprofen or Advil) and prescription pain medication, if needed, when you leave. It is important to take the Motrin at meal times (3-4 times a day with food until the tooth is no longer painful). If the Motrin is not enough to keep you comfortable, you may take the other prescription medication you will be given along with the Motrin. Most pain medication may make you sleepy. If you need to be alert (driving, operating heavy machinery) don’t take anything other than Motrin. Also, don’t mix the pain medication with alcohol.
After the third day the area may still feel tender. This is the natural process of the healing cycle and it will gradually go away. We all heal at different rates.
If you are concerned don’t hesitate to call the office at 778-7181.
Why did my general dentist send me to a specialist when my other general dentist/s have done my other root canals? "That is a great question and one I get often. Even though you may have had a root canal in the past by your general dentist, not every tooth is the same. As an endodontist for 14 years, and a general dentist for 16 years prior to that, I can tell you every tooth is as individual as people. Your tooth may be difficult to save without the assistance of an experienced endodontist. Sometimes a tooth has had a previous root canal and trying to save it needs specialized technology and experience. Your dentist wants only the best care possible for you and knows for this tooth or teeth, the success rate of the root canal is enhanced by seeing an endodontist. You can rest assured you will receive the same warm caring reception you are used to at your general dentist's office. You will be informed of what we are doing, you will see for yourself the before and after pictures of your tooth and you will receive post operative support," says Dr. Brimhall.
We will supply you with post treatment medications to keep you comfortable during the healing time your tooth needs. You can call us at anytime to discuss your concerns. Ibuprofen is the best medication for inflammation and pain management. If you think you will need more pain relief after 5 days please call. You can personally contact Dr. Brimhall at: drjb1@cableone.net . He checks his emails on a daily basis and will get back with you within 12 hours. If this is an emergency after hours that can not wait, please call the office at: 778-7181 and leave a message on his message number. He will return your call, you can count on that support from Dr. Brimhall.
