Following his undergraduate studies, Dr. Collins graduated with a Master of Science degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology.Dr. Collins continued his education, graduating from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. While attending the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry, his research was published in the highly selectiveJournal of Endodontics, the primary journal for endodontists around the world.He was also selected to participate in the Advanced Studies in Endodontics honors program.
Following graduation, Dr. Collins completed a two-year advanced training program atSaint LouisUniversitywhere he received his certificate in Endodontics.Dr. Collins served as Adjunct Clinical Faculty at the University of Southern Illinois while completing endodontic coursework and obtaining a Master of Science degree in Dental Research. Dr. Collins is a Board-Certified Diplomate member of the American Board of Endodontics. Dr. Collins is currently one of three board-certified endodontists in Austin, Texas. With this honor, hehas become one of the leading endodontic providers.
Dr. Collinsis dedicated totreating patients with respect and compassion, while providing the necessary care for their dental needs. He enjoys attending numerous courses throughout the year, enriching his knowledge in endodontics.
Dr. Collins enjoys spending time with his wife - a teacher,his daughter and son,and the rest of his family andfriends.His hobbies include playing guitar or piano,scuba diving, and attending auto shows.
After completion of treatment, you will be instructed to return to your dentist for permanent restoration of the tooth.This is a vital component of treatment because it protects the tooth from breaking and prevents reinfection by the process of sealing the canal space from the oral environment. You will need to see your dentist within a four weeks after root canal treatment is finished.
There are, of course, no guarantees. Root canal or endodontic therapy has a very high degree of success, up to 97%.We will discuss with you the chances of success before any endodontic procedure to help you make an informed decision. If a root canal or endodontic therapy is unsuccessful or fails you still have options.
An endodontist is responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of tooth pain.Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. The most common reasons for inflammation or infection are deep cavities (caries), repeated dental procedures, cracks or chips. Trauma can also cause inflammation and often shows up as discoloration of the tooth. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess. Although the pulp is important during development of the tooth, it is not necessary for function of the tooth. The tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it even after the pulp is removed.
Oral pain such as toothaches or cracked / fractured teeth can often be difficult to pinpoint. Because of the vast network of nerves in the mouth, the pain of a damaged or diseased tooth often is felt in another tooth and/or in the head, neck, or ear. An endodontist is a specialist in diagnosing and treating this type of pain.
Pulp damage is sometimes caused by a blow to the mouth, and the endodontist specializes in treating these traumatic injuries. For example, a blow to a child's permanent tooth that is not fully developed can cause the root to stop growing. A procedure called apexification stimulates bone to be deposited at the end of the root which makes it possible to then save the tooth through a root canal procedure. An endodontist is specially trained in procedures for replanting teeth that have been knocked out of their sockets.
Once endodontic therapy is completed your tooth should be examined periodically, usually every 6 - 12 months. This allows us to make sure the tooth has healed or is healing properly. You will be sent a notice via email when we feel it is appropriate to reevaluate the area. Since an abscess may taketwo years to heal, our office will reevaluate the tooth for at leasttwo years. These visits are complimentary. All we ask for is your time to ensure that your teeth are healing.
Occasionally a tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment fails to heal or pain continues despite therapy. Although rare, sometimes a tooth initially responds to root canal therapy but becomes painful or diseased months or years later. When either of these situations occur, the tooth often can be maintained with a second endodontic treatment.