Endodontics is a branch of dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association involving treatment of the pulp (root canal) and surrounding tissues of the tooth. When you look at your tooth in the mirror, what you see is the crown. The rest of the tooth, the portion hidden beneath the gum line, is called the root. Though the outer portion of the root is a hard tissue called dentin, the inside channel or "root canal" contains a pulp of soft tissue, blood vessels and nerves. Bacteria that are introduced into the pulp as a result of tooth decay, periodontal disease, tooth fracture or other problems, can severely damage the pulp. When that happens, an endodontic specialist removes the diseased pulp to save the tooth and prevent further infection and inflammation. After successful endodontic treatment, the tooth continues to perform normally.
No. While x-rays will be necessary during your endodontics treatment, we use an advanced non-film computerized system, called digital radiography, which produces radiation levels up to 90 percent lower than those of already low dose conventional dental x-ray machinery. These digital images can be optimized, archived, printed and sent to other doctors involved with your dental care via e-mail or diskette.
Again, there's no need for concern. We adhere to the most rigorous standards of infection control advocated by OSHA, the Centers for Disease Control and the American Dental Association. We utilize autoclave sterilization and barrier techniques to eliminate any risk of infection. Our new state of the art sterilization center is on display for you to see; just ask one of the dental team for a tour.
When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your dentist. You should contact their office to schedule an appointment with them to complete your final restoration within a few weeks. Your dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond to your individual situation.
The noise of traditional dental engines has always been a sound that many patients dislike. We have equipped our operatories with electric dental engines to greatly reduce the engine sound. The electric engines are computer controlled for different tasks during your treatment.
In addition to digital radiography, we utilize special operating microscopes. Magnification and fiber optic illumination are helpful in aiding the doctor to see tiny details inside your tooth. Also, a tiny video and still camera on the operating microscope can record images of your tooth to further document the doctor's findings. These images will be shown to you and your dentist to help determine the best final restoration for your tooth. Many times fractures and accessory canals are seen with the microscope that would have been missed without using them.
Apex locators are used to aid in the determination of your root length. They are very helpful in curved, bleeding, or wet roots. We will use many techniques to confirm the final root canal length before your treatment is completed.
Ultrasonics are used to remove the calcified areas in your tooth. The use of ultrasonic instrumentation helps maintain tooth structure, conservative, compared to using a dental bur. The doctor’s vision in the canal is also increased with ultrasonic instrumentation because of its small size.