What to Expect at Green Mountain Endodontics
Most patients come to us by referral from their general dentist. Here’s exactly what to expect — before, during, and after your first appointment.
Before Your Appointment
Arrive 10–15 minutes early if you haven’t completed your patient registration online beforehand — there are a few forms to complete on your first visit. You can skip this step by registering online in advance.
Do not take anti-inflammatory pain medication (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin) for at least 4–6 hours before your appointment. These medications can interfere with diagnostic testing. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is fine if you need something for discomfort before you arrive.
Eat a light meal beforehand. If treatment starts the same day, having eaten beforehand helps you tolerate the anesthesia more comfortably.
Patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the duration of the appointment.
What to Bring
- Referral slip or referral form from your general dentist
- Dental insurance card (or plan information if digital)
- Photo ID
- List of current medications and dosages — especially blood thinners, bisphosphonates, or diabetes medications
- Any X-rays your dentist provided (if not sent electronically)
What Happens During the Visit
1. History & imaging review
We start by reviewing your medical and dental history and any X-rays your dentist sent over. In most cases we will take new digital radiographs — and for complex cases, a 3D CBCT scan — to give Dr. Feuer the detail he needs to make an accurate diagnosis. Even if you had X-rays taken recently, our imaging is focused specifically on root anatomy and surrounding bone.
2. Clinical examination
Dr. Feuer will perform a series of diagnostic tests on the affected tooth and the teeth nearby. These are gentle and take only a few minutes:
- Temperature testing — how the tooth responds to cold
- Bite and percussion testing — sensitivity to pressure or tapping
- Periodontal probing — health of the gum tissue around the tooth
- Visual examination under the microscope — checking for cracks or other findings invisible to the naked eye
These tests, combined with imaging, tell us whether the pulp is inflamed, infected, or healthy — and rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.
3. Diagnosis and treatment discussion
Dr. Feuer will explain what he found, show you the imaging, walk through the diagnosis, and discuss the options. We will answer every question you have before anything proceeds. There is never pressure to begin treatment until you understand and are comfortable with the plan.
4. Treatment
Treatment often begins the same day as your consultation. If you are in pain, we prioritize getting you out of it. Whether treatment starts today or is scheduled for a dedicated appointment depends on the complexity of your case — but same-day treatment is common, not the exception.
Most root canals are completed in a single appointment — typically an hour or less in the treatment chair. A second appointment may be needed for teeth with severe established infections, where placing a temporary antibiotic dressing and allowing time for the infection to settle leads to a better outcome before final sealing. We will tell you upfront which applies to your situation.
After Your Appointment
There are no driving restrictions after most endodontic procedures — local anesthesia does not impair driving. Most patients recover in less than a week. Expect some tenderness in the tooth and jaw for a few days; over-the-counter ibuprofen handles this for the large majority of patients.
- Eat soft foods for a day or two
- Avoid chewing directly on the treated tooth until the crown is in place
- Use antibacterial mouthwash if you have it
- Avoid smoking — it slows healing and increases reinfection risk
Schedule your crown within 30 days. A tooth left without its permanent restoration is vulnerable to fracture — this is the single most common reason a successfully treated tooth is later lost. We send a full clinical summary directly to your dentist when your appointment is complete so they have everything they need.