FAQs

Please see the information below to our most frequently asked questions. Please contact us if you have any additional questions.

 

Your first visit will consist of a consultation explaining your diagnosis and treatment options. Often, treatment is done the same day as the consultation. 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 dental insurance, bring your insurance card and necessary completed forms. This will save time and allow us to help you process any claims.
IMPORTANT: All patients under the age of 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all appointments. 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 and joints, rheumatic fever, etc.) or if you are on any medication (i.e. heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.)

X-Rays

If your dentist or physician has taken x-rays, 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. Additional films may be necessary and will be taken at our facility. Contact Us to schedule your appointment.

Scheduling of your appointment is done promptly. However, if you have pain or an emergency situation, will will make every attempt to see you quickly.

We try our best to stay on schedule to minimize your waiting. Due to the type of procedures our practice provides, various circumstances may lengthen the time allocated for treatment. Emergency cases can also arise and cause delays. We appreciate your understanding and patience.

Please contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment.

We aspire to provide the finest care at the most reasonable cost to our patients. Because we are a specialty practice, payment is due at the time services unless other arrangements are made in advance. We will work with you and your insurance company if applicable for the best method of your payment. For your convenience we accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express. You may contact us prior to your appointment with questions regarding your cost. Our experienced staff will work hard to answer any financial inquiries.

Please be aware that you are fully responsible for all fees incurred in our office, regardless of insurance coverage.

It is our goal to work with you from start to finish so that your total experience at La Jolla Endodontics is a good one.

At La Jolla Endodontics, we make every effort to provide you with the finest care and the most convenient financial options. We will work hand in hand with you to maximize your insurance reimbursement for covered procedures.

It will be to your benefit to have your insurance information available to us prior to your initial visit. We ask that you bring any insurance cards or necessary forms to your first appointment. We make every attempt to contact your insurance to get the best estimate of coverage. Please note that quotes are only an estimation and not a guarantee of costs. We have knowledgeable staff that can assist you with any problems or questions you have.

We strive to make the financial side of your visit as favorable as possible. For any questions regarding your insurance you can call us at (858) 546-9299 and we will be glad to assist you through this phase of your appointment.

Before Treatment

You will receive local anesthesia before endodontic treatment. There are usually no restrictions after the procedure concerning driving or returning to work. A doctor is available at all times should a problem arise after your treatment.

Continue all medications for blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems and any other conditions as recommended by your physician. Please call our office prior to your appointment if there are any questions or concerns.

Please eat a full breakfast or lunch as applicable.

If you have been advised by your physician or dentist to use antibiotic premedication because of mitral valve prolapse (MVP), heart murmur, hip, knee, cardiac or other prosthesis, or if you have rheumatic heart disease, please make sure you are on the appropriate antibiotic on the day of your appointment. Please call our office prior to your appointment if you have any questions or concerns.

If you can take ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), it does help reduce inflammation when taken prior to your treatment. We recommend 2 tablets of either medication 2-4 hours before endodontic therapy, if the diagnosis has already been made. If you have not yet been to our office for a consultation, please refrain from taking pain medications 6 hours before your appointment so that we may make a proper diagnosis of your discomfort.

After Treatment

What should I expect following endodontic treatment?

The root canal system inside your tooth is thoroughly clean. The tissue and bacteria causing pain are gone.

It is normal to feel some tenderness in the area over the next few days as your body undergoes the natural healing process. You may also feel some tenderness in your jaw from keeping it open for an extended period of time.

Dr. Shoushtari will prescribe pain medications and possibly antibiotics. It is important for you to follow the instructions on how to take these medications. Remember that narcotic medications, if prescribed, may make you drowsy, and caution should be exercised in operating dangerous machinery or driving a car after taking them.

Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your root canal treatment. However, if you have severe pain or pressure that lasts more than a few days, contact our office.

Guidelines for Post-Treatment Care

  • Do not eat anything until the numbness in your mouth wears off. This will prevent you from biting your cheek or tongue.
  • Do not chew or bite on the treated tooth until you have it restored by your dentist.
  • Be sure to brush and floss your teeth as you normally would.
  • If the opening in your tooth was restored with a temporary filling material, it is not unusual for thin layer to wear off in-between appointments. However, if you think the entire filling has come out, contact our office.

Contact our office right away if you develop any of the following:

  • A visible swelling inside or outside of your mouth.
  • An allergic reaction to medication, including rash, hives or itching (nausea is not an allergic reaction).
  • Your bite feels uneven.

Taking Care of Your Tooth

Root canal treatment is only one step in returning your tooth to full function. A proper final restoration of the tooth is extremely important in ensuring long-term success. Please contact your dentist within two weeks to arrange your next appointment. If you are receiving multiple treatments by Dr. Shoushtari, please do not return to your dentist for the final restoration until completion of the the root canal treatment.

Depending on your preference, you can fill the below forms before coming to office.

  1. Patient Information Form
  2. Medical History
  3. Consent Form