What Happens at an Endodontic Consultation?

Once it has been determined that one needs endodontic treatment, an appointment with the dentist needs to be made for an endodontic consultation.

What happens at an endodontic consultation?

At the consultation appointment, the doctor will review the patient’s past dental and medical history. Then he or she will take radiographs or x-rays of any teeth/areas of the mouth involved in the issue. Different x-ray angles are sometimes necessary to reveal potential difficulties such as blocked canals or unusual canal curvatures.

In addition, the dentist will perform a series of tests on teeth for life or vitality and to check if the pulp is irritated,inflamed or dead. This is how the dentist determines how significant the issue is and whether or not it is reversible (simply needs a filling) or irreversible (requires root canal therapy). Also, the dentist checks the teeth for any periodontal issue that may have caused or secondarily have been caused by the infected endodontic or "pulpal" tissues.

Through these tests the dentist will attempt to reproduce your symptoms that will enable him or her to make a proper diagnosis and decide if you do or do not need a root canal.



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