Your appointment
Your Dentist has referred you to us because of a problem with a particular tooth. Our first job is to work out exactly what that problem is. Our second is to help you decide what to do about it.
Every appointment is one hour
We book one hour for every appointment. That is enough time to take your history properly, examine the tooth, reach a diagnosis, explain what we have found, answer your questions, and in most single visit cases carry out the treatment itself.
Your medical history
Dr Verdickt takes your medical history himself, face to face, at the start of the appointment. There are no forms to fill out and nothing to complete before you arrive.
What happens next
We examine the tooth, take radiographs (X-rays), and carry out the tests we need to reach a diagnosis. We then explain what we have found, and set out all of your options. That includes options other than endodontic treatment. If we think the tooth is better extracted, or better left alone for now, we will tell you.
Treatment usually starts the same day
If you decide to go ahead, we normally begin treatment in that same hour. For single visit cases we often finish it as well. Please plan for this when you book. Allow for the whole hour.
You are not committed to anything by attending. If you would rather think it over, or discuss it with your family or Dentist first, that is fine. In that case you pay the consultation fee and we report to your Dentist as usual. There is no financial disadvantage in thinking over things first before deciding how to proceed.
Your Dentist hears from us the same day
We write to your referring Dentist after every appointment, including reviews. The report goes out on the day. Your Dentist needs to know what we found and what we did, because they will be placing the final filling or crown.
Before you come in
Please don’t take anything extra to settle your nerves. We don’t use sedation, and we need you clear-headed for the discussion about your options. Keep taking any medicine your doctor has prescribed for you as normal. If you are unsure about anything, please call us beforehand.
What treatment involves
Three things are needed for us to treat you at our Practice:
• Local anaesthetic.
• A rubber dam, to isolate the tooth.
• Radiographs during the procedure.
If any of these concerns you, please call us before your appointment rather than on the day. We can usually sort it out over the phone.
One visit or more. Often we finish in a single visit. Some cases need two or more, depending on the tooth and on what we find once we start. The fee is the same either way.
Afterwards. You may have pain after treatment, and you may need pain relievers or antibiotics. This is normal and we will talk you through it before you leave.
Driving and work. Because we don’t use sedation, you can drive yourself home and return to work afterwards. Your lip and cheek will be numb for a few hours.
What we don’t do
Sedation. We don’t provide sedation. If you need it, please call us before you book and we will direct you to Practices that do.
Children in the surgery. We can’t supervise children whilst you are receiving care. Please make other arrangements.
Most surgical cases. We perform limited surgical procedures, selected case by case. Most surgical cases are better handled by an Oral Surgeon, and we will refer you if that is the right course.
3D scans (CBCT)
We do not take 3D scans at our Practice. When one is needed, we refer you to a radiology practice. There are two reasons for this.
The first is dose. A 3D scan delivers considerably more radiation than an ordinary dental radiograph. We only order one when we think the result will genuinely change the treatment decision, and when there is no other reasonable way to get the information.
The second is expertise. A 3D scan captures much more than the tooth. It shows the sinuses, the jaws, parts of the neck and the surrounding bone. We are endodontists, and we are not qualified to assess all of that for other disease. Sending you to a radiology practice means a specialist radiologist reports on the entire scan, not just the part we are interested in.
What to bring
A list of any medications you take.
If you have specific access needs, they're set out on our accessibility page — or call us and we'll tell you whether we can manage it.
Our hours
Monday to Thursday, 7.30am to 5.00pm. Closed on public holidays. The early start means many patients are able to be treated before work.
Getting here
You can find information about getting to our practice here.
Our Standards
This practice is accredited against the National Safety and Quality Primary and Community Healthcare Standards. Our infection control manual and patient information are published on our practice standards page.
In pain right now?
We don’t hold emergency appointments. If a cancellation slot becomes available we will offer it to you. Most acute problems, though, can be managed effectively by your own Dentist in the first instance, so please contact them first.