Dr. Matthew W. Nakfoor graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelors of Science in Engineering with a concentration in Material Science Engineering. He continued his education by studying dentistry at the University of Michigan Dental School, graduating in 1999. Dr. Nakfoor completed a General Practice Residency in Burlington, Vermont at the University of Vermont/Fletcher Allen Hospital. After finishing his residency in general dentistry, Dr. Nakfoor attended New York University College of Dentistry where he received a postdoctoral certificate in Endodontics in 2002. Upon completion of his Endodontic training at NYU, Dr. Nakfoor began working in the New York City area until moving back to the midwest. He has been practicing Endodontics in Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio since 2004.

Dr. Nakfoor is a member of the American Association of Endodontists, American Dental Association, the Ohio Dental Association, and the Toledo Dental Society. He has played an active role in the Toledo Dental Society serving as President in 2013 and was previously on the Board of Directors for the dental society. Dr. Nakfoor has served as Chairman of Give Kids a Smile for the Greater Toledo area and was also previously a delegate for the Ohio Dental Association. In addition to his involvement in organized dentistry, Dr. Nakfoor teaches at the University of Toledo Medical Center dental department where he was recognized as teacher of the year in 2016.

Dr. Matthew Dietrich was raised in northwest Iowa. He attended Iowa State University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Following his undergraduate education, he attended dental school at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, graduating in 2007. Upon finishing dental school, he entered active duty where he completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. After completing the AEGD, he practiced general dentistry for 3 years at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. Dr. Dietrich then completed his endodontic residency through a joint program at Wilford Hall Medical Center and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio earning his post-doctoral certificate in Endodontics in 2013. Dr. Dietrich earned his board certification in 2014.

Dr. Dietrich is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics, member of the American Association of Endodontists, American Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association, and Toledo Dental Society. Dr. Dietrich is a past member of the board of directors for the Toledo Dental Society and currently serves on the program committee. In addition to his work with organized dentistry, Dr. Dietrich also volunteers as an adjunct staff member at University of Toledo Medical Centers advanced education in general dentistry program.

A tooth consists of two main parts: the crown, which is visible in your mouth and is contacted during chewing; and the root, which is typically not visible in your mouth and is anchored to the surrounding bone and gum tissue. Within the core of each root are one or more channels that run the length of the root, this is called the root canal space. In health, these canals contain blood vessels, nerves, soft tissue, and certain cell types. All of these collectively form what is called the pulp tissue. The pulp can be irreversibly injured or infected due to deep restorations, decay, fracture, trauma, or periodontal disease. Symptoms of pulpal involvement may include temperature or pressure sensitivity, spontaneous or radiating pain, and swelling. A root canal procedure removes the diseased pulp tissue within the root and then fills the space with an inert material to seal it off to try and prevent re-infection.

For any patients interested in sedation dentistry to reduce their anxiety about having an endodontic procedure, we welcome the opportunity to discuss all of the available options we offer at the first visit. Some sedation options will necessitate treatment at a second visit.

After completion of endodontic treatment, the root canal system has been sealed. However, a temporary restoration is in place temporarily sealing the crown portion of the tooth. The temporary filling must be replaced by permanent restoration from your general dentist to protect your tooth against fracture and decay. It is rare for a temporary filling to completely fall out, although it may divot or cave in while in use. If the temporary falls out please contact our office or your general dentist as soon as possible. If your temporary falls out after office hours you may purchase some temporary filling material from most pharmacys and follow the included instructions.

Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be slightly tender for several days following therapy depending on the condition of your tooth. This short term tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm. We recommend to avoid chewing food on the affected side until your endodontic therapy is completed and your tooth is covered with a protective restoration provided by your restorative dentist. You may continue your regular dental hygiene regimen. Discomfort may be alleviated by taking ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed.

Bleeding: Bleeding should not be a problem, especially if the ice pack is used properly. However, slight traces of blood may be noted in the saliva for a few hours following your procedure, this is expected

Pain:Some pain is normal. Analgesic medications have been discussed and should be followed as indicated on the post-treatment form given after the surgical procedure (the link below can be used to print a new form if needed). It is recommended to take the analgesic medications by the clock for the first few days after surgery. In other words, take the medication at regular intervals as prescribed regardless of whether you are in pain or not.

Do not lift your lip or stretch your cheeks to observe the surgical site. If you do, it may tear the stitches loose and cause bleeding and/or delay healing. Stitches will typically dissolve 3-6 days post-surgery.

Dental Insurance is different from Medical Insurance. Many patients arent familiar with the specifics of their dental insurance benefits. Your dental benefits are based on the agreement your employer negotiated with your insurance carrier. Please review the insurance benefit booklet provided by your employer to better understand the benefits they make available as part of your insurance coverage. The patient payment portion covered for procedures varies depending on the level of coverage provided by your employer.

An estimate of the amount covered by your insurance company will be provided at the time of your treatment, based on the information they provide to us. The estimate is never a guarantee of benefits or the amount that will be paid. We will file all insurance claims as a courtesy to our patients. If the amount paid by the insurance company is less than or greater than the estimate, then you will be billed the difference or issued a credit in the event of an overpayment.

Please remember you are fully responsible for all fees charged by this office. Insurance often covers only a portion of your bill. Use of dental insurance does not transfer the responsibility of your financial obligation to the insurance company.