New Patient Experience
Everything you need for your visit, all in one place. Patient forms, care instructions, and payment information for new and returning patients in Stillwater, MN.
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What to Expect at Your First Visit
We want your visit to feel comfortable, personalized, and straightforward. From the moment you arrive, our team will take the time to understand your concerns, evaluate your needs, and explain your treatment options.
Step 1
Arrive for Your Appointment
Please arrive at your scheduled appointment time. If we work with your dental insurance, bring your insurance card with you. If you were referred to our office, bring your referral if you have one. It is also helpful to bring a list of any medications you currently take.
You will complete a health history form when you arrive. If you would like to save time at your appointment, you can also complete the health history form online in advance and bring it with you.
Step 2
Get Comfortable and Meet Our Team
One of our assistants will greet you and bring you back to one of our comfortable treatment rooms, each designed with a beautiful nature setting.Once you are comfortable, we will spend time learning more about your situation, discussing your concerns, and gathering the information we need. We will also take any necessary X-rays or other diagnostic images. Once this information has been collected, we will update Dr. Reeh so he has a complete understanding of your needs.
Step 3
Meet Dr. Reeh
Dr. Reeh will meet with you and perform the necessary clinical evaluations to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. He will explain his findings, answer your questions, and walk you through your treatment options so you understand what to expect.
If treatment is appropriate and indicated during your visit, we can complete your care that same day whenever possible.
Step 4
Treatment and Next Steps
If treatment is completed during your visit, we will review your aftercare instructions, medications, and any necessary follow-up before you leave.
If treatment needs to be completed at a future appointment, we will create a treatment plan with you and help schedule your next visit.
Patient Forms
We will have you complete your health history form in our office. If you would like to save time at your appointment, you can complete it in advance and bring it with you.
Health History Form
This form covers your medical history, current medications, and any known allergies.
HIPAA Privacy Form
Acknowledges your rights regarding the privacy and use of your personal health information.
Referral Form
For dentists referring a patient to River Valley Endodontics. Can be faxed or brought to the appointment.
Care Instructions
Follow these guidelines to support a smooth recovery after your endodontic procedure. Call us any time at (651) 439-8085 if you have questions or concerns. Someone is available 24 hours to answer your call.
Before Your Endodontic Procedure
- Most endodontic procedures require no restrictions on driving or returning to work the same day.
- Continue taking all medications prescribed by your physician. If you have questions, call us before your appointment.
- If your physician has prescribed antibiotics for a preexisting condition, make sure you are taking them on the day of your procedure.
Home Care After Your Procedure
- Some tenderness in the gum tissue around the treated tooth is normal for several days and should resolve on its own.
- After a root canal, avoid chewing hard foods and avoid chewing on the treated side of your mouth until your regular dentist has placed a crown or permanent filling.
- For discomfort, take ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed on the package label.
- Continue your normal brushing and flossing routine around the treated area.
- Contact your regular dentist as soon as possible to schedule your follow-up crown or restoration. If you do not yet have a regular dentist, contact our office and we can help with a referral.
- A complimentary one-year follow-up X-ray is included with your treatment. We will send you a reminder when it is due.
If you develop swelling or your discomfort is not controlled by over-the-counter medications, call us immediately at (651) 439-8085. Have your pharmacy phone number ready if calling after hours.
After Endodontic Treatment
After your root canal procedure, your tooth is sealed with a temporary or permanent restoration. Because the tooth is more susceptible to fracturing before a crown is placed, avoid chewing hard foods and avoid chewing on the treated side until your restoration is complete. A crown is the recommended final restoration in most cases.
Potential Complications
The following are uncommon but worth knowing about. If you notice any of these, call our office right away.
Lower Teeth and Nerve Sensitivity
Root tips on lower molars can be positioned close to the nerve that supplies feeling to your lips, gums, and chin. In rare cases, you may experience temporary tingling or numbness after the anesthesia wears off. This almost always resolves on its own.
Upper Teeth and Sinus Irritation
Upper tooth roots are positioned near your sinuses. Root canal treatment can occasionally irritate the lining of the sinus. This typically resolves on its own. We will provide you with specific instructions if you experience sinus-related symptoms following your procedure.
Post-Operative Infection
Infections can occur after treatment. They usually require a brief office visit and, when appropriate, a short course of antibiotics. Call us as soon as you notice signs of infection such as swelling, increased pain, or fever.
Meet Dr. Ernest Reeh
With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Ernest Reeh specializes in root canals, endodontic retreatments, dental implants, and surgical procedures such as apicoectomies. He is known for his compassionate approach and dedication to providing pain-free, precise treatment.
Dr. Reeh has been recognized as a Top Dentist in Mpls.St.Paul Magazine and is a member of the American Association of Endodontists.
Payment Options
We work with most dental insurance plans and offer flexible payment options to make your care as accessible as possible. Payment is due at the time of service.
Accepted Payment Methods
- Cash and personal check
- All major credit cards
- Third-party financing through CareCredit and Cherry
Patients who pay in full by cash or check at the time of service receive a 2.5% savings. Credit card payments do not receive a discount but carry no additional processing fee.
Dental Insurance
We accept most dental insurance plans with the exception of Medicaid and Medicare. While we are out of network with insurance companies, we file your claims for you and work to maximize your benefits. In many cases your insurance will pay you directly, and we ask for a portion of the fee at the time of care.
We stay clear of provider lists that would limit the quality of our services. Many of our patients choose River Valley Endodontics specifically because they want a level of specialty care that is not available at insurance-driven offices.
Questions about your coverage? Call us at (651) 439-8085 before your appointment and we will help you understand your benefits.
What Our Patients Say
Ready to Schedule Your Appointment?
River Valley Endodontics is accepting new patients in Stillwater and surrounding communities. Request an appointment online or call (651) 439-8085.
Serving Stillwater, Oak Park Heights, Lake Elmo, Bayport, Mahtomedi, Forest Lake, Hudson WI, and the broader St. Croix River Valley. Learn more about our services or meet Dr. Reeh.