After weeks of ongoing dental pain that can barely be soothed with over-the-counter pain relievers, you make an appointment with your local dentist. After reviewing your x-rays and performing a complete examination, the dentist locates the cause of the issue: you have a severely infected tooth that is in need of root canal therapy. You are instructed to get the tooth treated immediately or risk an extraction.
Though it may seem alarming at first to hear this prognosis, root canal therapy is actually a fairly common procedure used to save a tooth and prevent an extraction. If you are unsure on how to proceed after your diagnosis, it may be time to seek a second opinion. While there is a possibility the second dentist will give you the same prognosis, you will have peace of mind knowing it’s the right decision for your oral health, and you may find that the second dentist is more qualified. Below are some tips to help establish whether a second opinion should be pursued.
Dr. Matthew Bridges offers root canal therapy at our Duncan, OK practice. He will take the time to sit with you and explain the procedure in detail and answer any questions or concerns you may have. When selecting who to perform your procedure, it’s important that you choose a dentist, such as Dr. Bridges, who is both experienced and highly trained. For more information, contact us online to book your root canal treatment or call (580) 255-4880.
Is Your Dentist Experienced in Performing Root Canal Therapy?
Not all dentists are as experienced in root canal therapy as they are in performing other dental treatments. While the procedural steps are similar to a dental filling, they require more of a delicate nature and technique. To get a better understanding of your dentist’s experience, ask them how often they perform root canal therapy and what their success rate is. If their success rate is low or the procedure is performed only a few times a month, you may want to seek a second opinion from a more qualified professional. Your smile is an important part of your personhood and it should be entrusted to someone who will give it the attention and care it deserves.
Do You Like the Dentist?
Likability and good rapport are also important factors when choosing who to perform your procedure. In addition to receiving qualified and comprehensive care, you want to make sure you feel comfortable and at ease with your dentist. A good dentist will sit and listen to your concerns, explain the procedure in detail, and not make you feel rushed or disregarded. If you feel uneasy about your dentist, you may want to seek a second opinion.
Did the Dentist Try Conservative Treatment First?
Root canal therapy is usually recommended as a last recourse to avoid an extraction. Oftentimes, a dental filling or dental crown can be attempted first. This will depend on the severity of your damaged tooth and whether the infection has penetrated the root canals. When meeting with the dentist, ask if more conservative treatments are possible and have them explain why they may or may not work. Dr. Bridges believes in educating patients so they have a better understanding of what to expect. If you feel dismissed by your dentist, it may be time to seek care from another medical professional.
Do You Need Root Canal Therapy?
If you live in the Duncan, OK area and are looking for an experienced root canal therapy dentist, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Bridges. Our team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center is equipped at root canal therapy and will make sure you achieve a successful outcome. Please contact our office today online or by calling (580) 255-4880.
