I understand that many factors contribute to the success of root canal treatment and not all factors can be determined in advance, if ever. Some of the factors include but are not limited to: my resistance to infection; the specific bacteria causing the infection; the size, shape, and location of the canals; the force with which I bite. I understand that my case may be more difficult if my tooth has blocked canals, curved canals, or very narrow canals.
I understand that root canal treatment may not relieve my symptoms, that treatment can fail during or after completion of treatment; and that it may fail for unexplainable reasons. If treatment fails, other procedures (including root canal retreatment and/or oral surgery) may be necessary to attempt to retain the tooth, or it may require extraction.
I understand that I will be given a local anesthetic injection and that in rare situations, patients may have an allergic reaction to the anesthetic, and adverse medication reaction to the anesthetic, or temporary or permanent injury to nerves and/or blood vessels from the injection. I understand that the injection area(s) may be uncomfortable following treatment, and that my jaw may be stiff and sore from holding my mouth open during treatment.
I understand that once root canal treatment is completed; I must promptly return to begin the next step in treatment. If I fail to return to have the tooth restored, I risk a failure of the root canal treatment, decay, infection, and tooth fracture and loss of the tooth.