When You Need More Than a Quick Look
Not every tooth problem has an obvious solution. Sometimes your dentist sees something concerning but can’t pinpoint the exact issue. Maybe you’ve had multiple opinions with different recommendations. Perhaps you’re experiencing symptoms that don’t match standard diagnostic patterns. This is when you need an advanced endodontic consultation.
What Makes Our Consultation “Advanced”
A typical dental exam might involve a quick X-ray and visual inspection. Our advanced consultation goes deeper. We dedicate 30-45 minutes to understanding not just your tooth, but your complete situation.
We start by listening. When did the pain start? What triggers it? Does cold make it better or worse? Has anything helped? Your answers guide our diagnostic approach. A tooth that hurts with heat but feels better with cold tells a different story than one sensitive to sweets.
Next comes the clinical examination, but not the cursory glance you might expect. Using surgical microscopes with 25x magnification, we examine every surface, every existing restoration, every potential crack. What looks normal to the naked eye often reveals pathology under magnification.
CBCT Integration for Complete Diagnosis
Standard X-rays show your tooth from one angle. Our CBCT imaging captures hundreds of angles, creating a three-dimensional model we can rotate, slice, and examine from any perspective. This reveals:
- Hidden canals that standard X-rays miss
- The exact extent and location of infections
- Hairline cracks invisible on regular films
- The relationship between your tooth and vital structures
- Previous treatment complications or missed anatomy
We review these images with you on chairside monitors, showing you exactly what we’re seeing and explaining what it means for your treatment options.
Testing That Reveals the Truth
Cold testing, heat testing, percussion, palpation, bite tests, each provides specific information about your tooth’s condition. We also perform electric pulp testing when indicated, measuring your tooth’s nerve response with precision. These aren’t random pokes and prods; they’re systematic evaluations that differentiate between reversible pulpitis (which might not need a root canal) and irreversible damage requiring treatment.
Second Opinions with Integrity
Many advanced consultations are second opinions. Your dentist recommended a root canal, but you want confirmation. Or you’ve been told your tooth needs extraction, but you’re hoping for alternatives. We provide honest assessments based on evidence, not assumptions.
If a root canal isn’t necessary, we’ll tell you. If your tooth truly can’t be saved, we’ll explain why. Our recommendations come with detailed explanations and visual evidence, not just professional opinion.
Documentation for Your Records
After your consultation, you receive a comprehensive report including:
- Detailed findings with supporting images
- Diagnosis with clinical justification
- All treatment options, not just our services
- Prognosis for each option
- Our recommendation with reasoning
- Estimated costs and timeline
Your referring dentist receives the same information, ensuring coordinated care regardless of your treatment decision.
When to Seek Advanced Consultation
Consider an advanced consultation when:
- Pain persists despite previous treatment
- Multiple dentists give conflicting diagnoses
- You’re considering extraction but want to explore saving the tooth
- Symptoms don’t match typical patterns
- You need a specialist’s opinion for treatment planning
- Previous root canal therapy has failed
- You’re experiencing unexplained dental pain
Investment in Clarity
Our advanced consultation fee of $295 includes all diagnostic procedures, imaging, testing, and written reports. This investment often saves thousands by preventing unnecessary treatment or identifying problems before they become emergencies. Many insurance plans cover specialist consultations, and we’ll verify your benefits before your appointment.
Schedule Your Advanced Consultation
Don’t let uncertainty about your dental health continue. Call (949) 622-0055 to schedule your advanced consultation. We’ll provide the answers you need to make informed decisions about your oral health.
