Dr. Tittle has been practicing endodontics in central Contra Costa County since 1995. He was raised in Martinez, California, where he graduated from Alhambra High School. Dr. Tittle earned a Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology from The University of California, Santa Barbara, where he also competed all four years on the Universitys Division I swim team. He went on to earn his dental degree at the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in 1989. While in dental school, Dr. Tittles interest in endodontics was evident, as he was named president of the Endodontic Study Club and graduated as a member in the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon dental fraternity, the Phi Beta Kappa of Dentistry.
Dr. Tittle enjoyed practicing general dentistry with his father, Dr. David Tittle, who practiced general dentistry in Pleasant Hill for 41 years. During this time, Dr. Tittle realized that performing root canals was his passion. Dr. Tittle and his family moved to Loma Linda, where he furthered his education in endodontics. He earned his specialty designation and a Master of Science from Loma Linda University in 1995.
Dr. Tittle was actively involved in research while at Loma Linda. His work there included testing a material called Mineral Trioxide Aggregate, which has since become one of the most innovative materials ever to be introduced to dentistry. Dr. Tittles masters thesis involved testing various growth factors to re-engineer a dental pulp in immature teeth. These concepts are now, 20 years later, one of the most exciting topics in endodontics.
Dr. Tittle achieved the highest distinction possible in endodontics in 2002 when he became Board Certified in Endodontics. He is currently a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics and a member of the American College of Diplomates. Dr. Tittle has served on the Board of Directors of the Contra Costa Dental Society and is currently a member of the Public and Professional Awareness Committee of the American Association of Endodontists. He was also honored by being inducted as president of the California State Association of Endodontists. Dr. Tittle has been an invited lecturer to several local dental societies: the California Dental Association, the American Dental Association, the American Association of Endodontists, and the International Association of Dental Traumatology. He is also an associate professor of Endodontics at the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry.
When out of the office, Dr. Tittle can be found swimming with his buddies on the Walnut Creek Masters Swim Team, enjoying our California surf or fishing. Dr. Tittle is a water person and has raised his children to love the water too!
We are proud to have been the first office in Contra Costa County to adopt the use of onsite Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) over five years ago. This amazing new technology aids in the treatment of complex endodontic cases and provides the precision needed to save teeth that previously would have been lost. By obtaining these immediate and accurate 3-D images of teeth, we can:
Our high definition, small volume machines generate excellent images. The amount of energy required to produce such an image is never zero, but with recent advancements in image intensifying software, the exposure is minimal, roughly equivalent to 1 to 6 intraoral digital images.
We will always assess the individual needs of a patient before using this technology, as often much treatment can be completed with traditional digital x-rays. No one in our area has more experience in how and when to use this amazing imaging technology in the field of endodontics.
We have been using digital radiographs in our practice since 1997. Recording radiographic images digitally reduces the amount of radiation needed as compared to film-based radiographs. The improved capability of digital radiographs to be enhanced and the ability to view the images on a computer screen, allow us better diagnostic capabilities and better communication with our patients. Using digital radiographs shortens treatment time and allows for easy reproduction and secure sharing of images. By eliminating film, developer and silver containing fixer, digital radiography is also better for the environment!
Our doctors use surgical operating microscopes for all endodontic procedures. The human hand is a beautiful instrument. What limits its use is the information we give it. When our doctors look at your tooth through a microscope, your tooth is magnified up to 20 times and a whole new level of precision opens up. They can see and treat delicate nuances of root canal anatomy and diagnose important issues with your tooth such as fractures or additional canals. All of our microscopes are outfitted with high definition SLR cameras to document details of your treatment and facilitate communication with your dentist.
We use electronic dental records in our office. Converting to electronic records has greatly increased the efficiency of our office. This allows online patient registration and secure encrypted HIPPA compliant access to our records. Referring dentists often have received information about treatment of his or her patient before the patient has left our office! By streamlining record keeping, we can greatly reduce paper waste, assure accurate information is recorded, and focus more on patient care.
We use specialized ultrasonic handpieces and instruments to remove microscopic amounts of calcification that may be obscuring additional canals and preventing adequate treatment. This requires great precision and dexterity. After canals have been instrumented, we use ultrasonic devices to activate the disinfectants inside the root canal system to further eradicate bacteria that may be tenaciously clinging to the walls of the canals. This is the same way jewelry is cleaned. By harnessing ultrasonic energy in this way we are able to treat canals that would not be accessible before and achieve a level of cleanliness superior to that obtained by just rinsing the inside of a tooth.