I'll start at the very beginning-Dr. Mancia squeezed me in for my emergency root canal the very next day after getting my X-rays from my regular dentist. The staff was extremely professional and courteous, obtaining 3D X-rays of their own and having me in the chair promptly just after my designated appointment time.
Smokers be warned: if you smoke or vape like me, you will need to go in with a nicotine patch or pouch and they may/may not require you to remove it for the X-rays (they absolutely require everything removable be taken out for safety and accuracy) and actual work if there is anything removable in your mouth! They allowed me to wear my glasses during the procedure.
I have not had a root canal in over ten years as a result of a traumatic experience I had both with a childhood dentist and military dentists. Despite my visible agitation and sky-high anxiety, Dr. Mancia was understanding, compassionate, and most importantly...gentle. I insisted (twice) on "gentle hands" and was able to stay stone still as a result. The injections were virtually painless, less than a mosquito sting, and I was blown away! They use the absolute smallest gauge needles possible and their competency/skill is well above par.
I came in emotional because of some PTSD experienced from the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centers (my procedure was only a few days before) and they did not hesitate to treat me with the utmost kindness and care! The infected tooth in question was a molar with a very large cavity as shown in the photo with the red circle. The nerves of the tooth were extending up into my sinuses causing excruciating pain and tenderness as shown in the photo with the yellow highlighted portion. Now I am pain-free and after having a crown put on the tooth, I will be able to chew on that side of my mouth again!
At the very beginning, my nose began to close up with the bitewing they had in my mouth because of the position I was laying in. Before I began to choke or panic, Dr. Mancia simply adjusted the headrest so that I could be comfortable. She solved the problem before it even became one.
They do offer nitrous (laughing gas) for a $500 extra charge which I considered well worth it despite my initial reservations. Insist on the gas if you have dental or apprehensive anxiety, even if dentists hesitate or question it! Being able to allow the dentist to perform their work accurately is the single most important part of being there and being still is part of the process!
The moment I thought I felt pain, Dr. Mancia stopped work and immediately began exploring to ensure that I remained pain-free during the procedure. It ended up being a cold whoosh of air going up my cheek but it scared me to death! I am over and beyond thankful that she listened to my needs and put her own work aside for a moment to be caring and kind. We were able to get right back in the swing of things after a brief few moments of checking!
In closing, my first root canal in over a decade went astonishingly well. I am still in shock- I told Dr. Mancia that I wish she were my regular dentist! The costs are higher than a regular dentist but they use microscopes to help ensure accuracy which, in my opinion, is priceless and well worth the additional cost!
They do have options for others to pay, such as a church, which was the case for my own procedure. The process was as simple as my church calling with a credit card and me listing them as the donors on the intake paperwork, no hassle! I cannot stress enough how little pain and anxiety I felt during this entire process! Thank you all for what you do and for helping others when they...
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