Your First Visit

Your first visit to Irvine Endodontics will most likely be a consultation. This appointment is designed to evaluate your tooth and determine the best course of treatment.

In Pain? We Can Help

If you’re in significant discomfort and unable to wait, emergency appointments are available. In these cases, we can often begin treatment the same day.

What to Bring

To ensure a smooth visit, please arrive 10 minutes early to complete necessary paperwork and consent forms.

Don’t forget to bring:

• Your insurance card and subscriber information

• A referral from your general dentist (if available)

• A list of any medications you’re taking

• A list of any allergies

• A brief description of your chief dental concern

The Consultation: What to Expect

During the consultation, our endodontist will assess the prognosis of your tooth—in other words, whether it can be saved through root canal treatment. While many teeth can be restored, not all are viable candidates.

Some reasons a tooth may not be salvageable include:

• Inaccessible or blocked canals

• Severe root fractures

• Lack of adequate bone support

• Structural damage that prevents proper restoration

Diagnostic Process

To reach a diagnosis, we begin with a digital X-ray followed by a series of tests to evaluate:

• Pain response to pressure (biting), temperature (hot/cold), and tapping (percussion)

• Gum tissue health and inflammation

• Tooth mobility

Important: Please do not take pain medication before your appointment, as it can mask symptoms and make diagnosis more difficult.