Your First Visit
In our Columbia root canal office
What You Expect
When you walk through our door, you will be greeted with a smile. Our front office staff will be happy to help you with your patient registration if you have not registered on-line prior to your appointment.
Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your consultation:
- Your referral slip and any X-rays if applicable.
- A list of medications you are presently taking.
- If you have medical or dental insurance, bring the necessary completed forms. This will save time and allow us to help you process any claims.
IMPORTANT: A parent or guardian must accompany all patients under 18 at the consultation visit.
Your initial appointment will consist of a consultation explaining your diagnosis and treatment options. Occasionally, treatment can be done the same day as the consultation. However, a complex medical history or treatment plan will require an evaluation and a second appointment to provide treatment on another day.
After the registration process you will be greeted by one of our friendly dental assistants who will seat you in a private treatment area where she will take some digital radiographs of your tooth. Our digital radiography units provide an immediate image of the tooth during treatment, while reducing the amount of patient exposure to radiation. The dental assistant will stay by your side throughout your entire visit to ensure that you are comfortable and that all of your needs are being met.
One of our doctors, Dr Wycall, Dr Murtaza or Dr Nguyen will perform a number of tests used to diagnose the tooth. They will explain the endodontic procedure or any alternatives in detail using digital imagery to ensure that you have a clear picture of how and why a procedure is done.
In most cases, endodontic treatment feels no different than having a filling done with local anesthesia. For the comfort of our patients, we keep all of our treatment rooms stocked with blankets and pillows, it is not unusual to find patients asleep in the dental chair.
Our office was the first on the east coast to be equipped with sophisticated, top of the line Zeiss microscopes. Magnification and fiberoptic illumination are essential tools that assist us in performing the technical aspects of endodontic treatment.
Another invaluable tool in our office is our CBCT machine. This CT scanner gives us the capability to visualize your tooth in 3-Dimensions, and offers us unprecedented advantages in the treatment of your tooth. Each operatory is equipped with a sophisticated ultrasonic unit, which is used to remove posts and metal instruments, as well as aid in the search for calcified canals.
Our doctors are committed to excellence in diagnostics, treatment and patient care.
Please alert the office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern prior to surgery (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves and joints, rheumatic fever, etc.) or if you are on any medication (i.e. heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.) or require medication prior to dental cleanings (i.e antibiotics, for pre-med.)
X-Rays
If your previous dentist has taken recent x-rays (within 6-months), you may request that they forward them to our office. If there is not enough time, please pick them up and bring them to our office. If additional films are necessary, they can be taken at our facility.