My dentist referred me to Dr. Zeff and I was able to get an appointment that was convenient for my schedule. The office was quiet and felt "soft and calm" with lowered lighting though not dark either. I was seen immediately and felt welcome and pampered as I was offered headsets to listen to my favorite radio station and a blanket to keep my legs warm as well as something to drink.
Dr. Zeff introduced himself (very cute) and began testing my teeth with a nitrogen (nitrogen-like?) frozen cotton swab, heated water, different and tapping and finally biting onto a cotton swab to determine if the pressure of the bite caused a differing unpleasant sensation. Initially, testing indicated that another tooth had been the problem and he suggested that I decide later about having a root canal. I almost took off, but after a second testing, it was determined that we did, indeed, have the correct tooth.
Next came the dreaded injection!!! YIKES! As soon as the cotton swab with the topical numbing stuff on it goes in your mouth, you know what's next... just don't look at it! A "little pinch!" Yeah, right. (Actually, he did a great job with the injections, all three... A+)
Once numb, I was fitted with a device that holds a plastic barrier that covers the entire mouth, like a barrier, except around the subject tooth. Then, the doctor and his assistant got right to the root canal where they "barbarically" ream-out your nerve/root of your tooth and re-pack it. Thus leaving you with a tooth that will remain yet have no sensitivity to pain. He and his assistant were interesting to watch as I was listening to loud rock and roll music on the radio. They work together so effortlessly; she passes him a tool as he gives her the tool he is no longer using. On and on it goes. She knows exactly what he needs and when he needs it. At the end, he used a microscope-like device to look closer at my tooth, inspecting his work.
Once he was happy, he took several digital radiographs and determined that the procedure was successful. He explained that I would need to see my primary dentist within 6 weeks to get a permanent filling or crown put in place. I was also told that I may have some discomfort and that Advil or it's equivalent would be enough. Plus, I was given 2 Advil in a small packet to go. (The numbing medicine has worn off at the time of this review and I am in no discomfort). The appointment was an hour and a half long and I paid (sit down- well I'm sitting down!) $1,385.00 for a rear molar with 2 roots. And that's not the whole thing! I STILL have to go back to my primary dentist to have a filling/crown done... another couple/several hundred bucks. "I wish I'd taken better care of my teeth" as they say. read more
