FAQ

What is endodontics?

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.

I'm worried about x-rays. Should I be?

No. While x-rays will be necessary during your endodontics treatment, we use an advanced non-film computerized system, called digital radiography, that 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 cotherapists via e-mail or diskette. For more information contact Schick Technologies, Inc.

What about infection?

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.

What happens after treatment?

When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. You should contact your restorative dentist for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of completion at our office. Your restorative 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.

What new technologies are being used?

Operating Microscopes: We utilize special operating microscopes. Magnification and fiber optic illumination are helpful in aiding the doctor to see the tiny details inside your tooth. This allows for rapid and thorough treatment of even the most complex teeth.We can now find and treat calcified canals that had prior to this technology been undetectable. The level of accuracy in root end preparation and filling during apicoectomy allows for conservation of root structure and a higher succes rate.

Computer Digital Radiography (CDR): Dental radiographs can now be taken using sensors that transmit the radiographic image of your tooth directly onto a computer monitor. These digital images can then be enlarged and enhanced to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of your tooth. They can also be archived, printed and sent to co-therapists via e-mail or diskette. A further advantage of CDR is a reduction of radiation exposure up to 90% compared to conventional film-based radiography. Finally CDR is faster with the image being obtained virtually instantaneously, decreasing the time you spend in the dental chair

Ultrasonics: All of our treatment rooms are equipped with sophisticated ultrasonic instruments. These units are used to remove obstructions from root canals, aid in the search for extra or calcified canals, and allow for precise root-end fillings in endodontic microsurgery cases. These instruments have also increased the safety of many of our procedures and have aided in the preservation of needed tooth structure

Apex Locators: At our office we utilize advanced electronic root-length measuring technology to insure accuracy. These instruments work by measuring and comparing resistance of tooth structure and tooth support tissue to provide a visual and audible signal to indicate precise root length.This technology allows us to limit the use of x-rays taken during treatment to pre and post-op images.

Nickel-Titanium Instruments: A new generation of endodontic instruments have replaced stainless steel. Made from an alloy of nickel and titanium, these new instruments have the unique properties of greater flexibility and greater resistance to fracture as compared to stainless steel. These properties allow the instruments to follow the intricate curves the tooth canal, resulting in predictable, efficient and rapid cleaning and shaping of the tooth canals.We use both hand and rotary instruments along with a liquid antimicrobial agent to help remove bacteria and tissue.

Electric Handpieces: Along with these new nickel-titanium rotary instruments have come the advent of electric motor handpieces. These handpieces are virtually silent, and can decrease the stress and anxiety of treatment.

Mineral Trioxide Aggregate: A hydrophilic ceramic material that is a relatively new advancement in endodontic treatment. Our doctors use MTA for pulp capping, resorption repairs, perforation repairs, root end filling during surgical treatment, and apical plug during apexification. Current literature supports its use as a biocompatible material replacing the use of amalgam in retrograde fillings..