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 referring dentists via e-mail or diskette. For more information contact Schick Technologies, Inc.
What about infection control?
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 his/her office for a final restoration within a few weeks after completion of treatment 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: 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 camera on the operating microscope can record images of your tooth to further document the doctor's findings.
Digital Radiography: All radiographs in our office are taken with digital sensors. The acquired image is then sent to a special computer and can be instantly viewed on monitors in each operatory. These images produce less than 90% of the radiation of conventional x-ray films. All images are stored in your "digital chart" for easy access and communication with your restorative dentist via printed reports or digital transmission.
Apex Locators: We utilize advanced electronic root-length measuring technology to insure accuracy of instrumentation. These devices work by calculating resistence of tooth structure to provide a visual and audible signal indicating root length.
Ultrasonics: These advanced devices use a quartz crystal to vibrate small instruments to help clean the canal and remove posts and other canal obstructions.
Instrumentation: Our special digital handpieces control high tech nickel-titanium instruments with great precision. These sterilized units sense when torque (tightness) approaches pre-set resistance levels, and they reverse rotation to adjust to these limits.