Your First Visit

Your first appointment with our office will generally be a consultation. If you would like, you may complete our online forms ahead of your appointment.

Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your appointment:

• Your treatment/evaluation referral card and possibly radiographs from your general dentist.
• A list of medications you are presently taking.
• If you have dental insurance, please bring your insurance card so we can ensure your insurance claims are properly processed for you.

Important: All patients under the age of 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the visit. Please alert the office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern prior to treatment (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves or joints, shingles, rheumatic fever, etc.) or if you are on any medications (i.e. bisphosphonates, heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, premedications, etc.).

Your consultation appointment is designed to evaluate the prognosis of your tooth and the probability that your tooth can be permanently restored. Clinical testing will be done on the affected tooth to arrive at a diagnosis. This process begins with a digital radiograph of the tooth. The tooth is then tested for pain to biting pressure, percussion, cold and heat. The endodontist will assess the mobility of the tooth and the health of the surrounding gum tissue. It is IMPORTANT NOT to take pain medication prior to your appointment because pain medication (including Tylenol or Advil) may mask your symptoms, therefore making your clinical tests inconclusive. Once a diagnosis is made by the endodontist, a treatment plan will be presented by the front office staff and a quote will be given to you explaining your estimated insurance benefits, if applicable, and your financial responsibilities. An appointment will be made at this point for endodontic treatment.

There are a few reasons why a tooth may not be permanently restored: root canals are not accessible, the root is severely fractured or the tooth doesn’t have adequate bone support. If this is the case, Dr. Greiner is specialized implant placement and can speak to you about the option for implant treatment.

Emergency Visits

There are times when the pain is unbearable and a patient needs to be seen immediately. An emergency appointment may be made for that same day and a procedure may be completed to help alleviate the pain. The doctor can open the tooth and remove the nerve, packing the tooth with medication to eliminate the infection and place a temporary filling. This will significantly reduce the pain and begin the healing process until you can return for the completion of the root canal. Other emergency treatment options include a long lasting anesthetic and prescriptions for antibiotics and/or pain medications to address swelling and infection.