DENTIST INFORMATION
We do our best work in a team environment. We appreciate it when our referring doctors keep us "in the loop" regarding their patient's treatment plan (for large cases) so we can decide which endodontic treatments will work best. We believe that good dentistry begins with good communication and we are always available by phone or email to discuss any concerns or questions you may have. Additionally, if you have specific treatment requests (such as creating a post space) we keep the lines of communication open so we know what your goals are prior to treating your patient. You can either make requests on the referral form or by email. We will always ask you if you have a specialist (i.e.: Oral Surgeon, Periodontist) you prefer to work with before referring your patients for further examination or to ask if your office would prefer to place any dental implants recommended.
Information we'll need you to provide:
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Concerns about a patient’s medical status
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Knowledge of patients who have issues with fear, anxiety, or claustrophobia (and whether or not anxiolytics have helped in the past)
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Whether or not the prosthetic work on the tooth in question can be sacrificed.
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If only a small access opening is made in the coronal part of the tooth, would you like our office to place the restoration or would you like us to refer the patient back to your office. Any restorative work larger than an occlusal filling will be referred back to your office.
Meeting & Expectations
We’re big believers in setting out goals and expectations with you well before we do our work. At Westside, your patients will be seen in a timely manner when they are in pain. If they are not symptomatic we will work with them to make an appointment that works with their schedule and commitments.
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First Appointment
We conduct a complete endodontic examination to confirm a diagnosis for your patient and to offer treatment options. A letter of our findings will then be sent to your office (digitally when permissible).
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Treatment Appointments
Once the treatment of your patient is completed, we will send you a follow-up letter explaining the treatment that was performed for your patient. Before & after radiographs will be also forwarded to you (digitally when permissible).
How our process works:
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Typically we start with a complete endodontic exam and 1-2 periapical (standard) radiographs; 2 radiographs are taken when different angles are required. If we require a 3 dimensional radiograph there is an additional cost as the radiograph will be taken at our office with the Planmeca 3D CBCT.
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Although the general dentist may have informed the patient why they are being referred to Westside, as specialists it’s our job to confirm the diagnosis ourselves and to see if there are any additional issues that may complicate treatment. Some complications may include a heavily restored tooth with large posts, nerves in close proximity to the tooth in question, a patient with complicated medical issues that may prevent or limit certain types of treatment, etc.
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At Westside, we always start with an examination to limit unexpected complications during treatment so we know how much treatment time will be required. Once the exam is done we will schedule the next appointment and provide the patient with an estimate for the cost of treatment.
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In cases where the patient is in pain and their medical condition allows it, we will most often try to initiate treatment the same day as the exam. Our priority is to get the patient out of pain as quickly as possible. It is important for dentists to advise us in advance so we can schedule adequate time to initiate treatment.
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Any questions or concerns can be forwarded to info@wsendodontics.com.
Good communication equals good dentistry!
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Communication is the key to successful patient experiences. When you, the referring dentist, relay as much information about the patient’s likes/dislikes, concerns, pertinent medical issues, fears/anxiety, etc. it gives us the opportunity to create a customized experience that best suits your patient. Communicating the needs of your patients will assist both of us by reducing the amount of confusion and stress they are exposed to so that they are happier in our care.
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Happier patients mean happier offices—and that’s always our goal.
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