After earning his dental degree from the University of Tennessee, Dr. Heeren served as a military dental officer for four years in the U.S. Navy. He completed a general practice residency at the National Naval Medical Center, The Presidents Hospital. before practicing for more than 4000 active-duty patients in support of Marine Corps units en route to their missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. During his tour with the USMC, Dr. Heeren deployed for eight months in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom where he was the sole provider of dental services in the western Iraq area of operations. Upon returning, Dr. Heeren earned his Postgraduate Certificate in Endodontics and a Masters of Science in Dentistry at the Medical University of South Carolina. During his free time, Dr. Heeren plays the guitar, enjoys live music and a variety of sports and outdoor activities.
Raised near Denver, Colorado, Dr. Brandon Pitcher graduated Magna Cum Laude from Brigham Young University and went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Dentistry. Following this, he completed a 2-yr General Practice Residency at VA-Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center in Los Angeles, California. He then returned to the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio where he received his Endodontic certificate. During his residency, Dr. Pitcher completed research that has been published in the Journal of Endodontics. In his free time, he enjoys playing and watching a variety of sports, and traveling with his wife.
Dr. Katherine McKitrick grew up in Oregon. She began her healthcare journey at Oregon State University where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor Degree in Nutrition & Food Management. She then attended Illinois State University where she earned a Master of Science degree with a focus on Nutrition. After working as a Registered Dietitian for a short time, Dr. McKitrick decided she wanted a more hands on approach to health care. She spent time shadowing dentists and physicians and quickly determined that dentistry was the path for her. Dr. McKitrick and her husband relocated to sunny Charleston, South Carolina and worked for a pediatric dentist before attending dental school at the Medical University of South Carolina.
While in dental school, Dr. McKitrick spent additional hours beyond her requirements in the specialty clinics. She found endodontics to be particularly interesting and liked the opportunity the endodontists had to have an immediate impact on patients quality of life by relieving pain. As a senior, Dr. McKitrick earned the South Carolina Association of Endodontists Scholarship Award. After graduation, she stayed at the Medical University of South Carolina to complete her post-graduate specialty certificate in Endodontics and Master of Science Degree in Dentistry and served as chief resident.
Dr. McKitrick and her husband, Andy, are extremely busy with their two small children. In their free time they enjoy playing at the parks, trying new restaurants, and cheering for the Green Bay Packers. When she has a moment to herself, Dr. McKitrick daydreams of visiting warm and exotic locations around the world.
Dr. Brian Crump grew up in northern Kentucky, south of Cincinnati, OH. After graduating with cum laude honors from college, Dr. Crump moved to Nashville, TN to work in research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. It was his time in Nashville and his time serving on several international medical/dental mission trips to Brazil, India, and Costa Rica that sparked his interest in dentistry. From there, Dr. Crump attended the University Of Louisville School Of Dentistry, graduating with the Deans Scholar recognition for academic achievement.
While in dental school, Dr. Crump was one of 23 students nationwide to win the National Health Service Scholarship award. He also won the AAE Student Achievement Award for being the top student at ULSD in Endodontics. After dental school, Dr. Crump moved to Columbus, OH to serve as the Dental Director at a non-profit health center for 4 years, providing care to the underserved of central OH. He then went on to earn his post-graduate specialty certificate in Endodontics and Master of Science Degree from The Ohio State University, graduating summa cum laude.
Ashley Bryant grew up in a small Kentucky town called Princeton before becoming a Hilltopper at Western Kentucky University where she studied education. Ashley has worked in the dental field for 13 years, and she uses that experience in her extensive role as Regional Manager. Outside of the office, Ashley loves spending time with her daughter, Piper, and they both enjoy boating and being outdoors.
We use digital radiography, which enables us to not only enhance the images on the computer but also allows the doctors to detect decay and bone loss as well as optimize the diagnosis. This process is quicker than the conventional x-ray process and is extremely beneficial to the doctor during root canal treatments. Digital radiography also enables us to send the images via the internet to communicate electronically with referring dentists regarding their patients treatment.
A surgical microscope provides maximum magnification and illumination for optimal viewing of the delicate root canal system. There are numerous benefits to using a surgical microscope including removal of separated instruments, locating missed or blocked canals, viewing and determining the extent of a crack or fracture in a tooth.
IV sedation is a state-of-the-art technique for the comprehensive control of pain and anxiety in dentistry. There are other methods used in dentistry such as oral (pill) sedation, but IV sedations superior results make it the method of choice for the highly fearful dental patient or those patients who would prefer to remain unaware of what went on before, during or after the procedure and would prefer to have very little memory of the procedure.
Because of the types of medications used as well as their instant delivery, IV sedation allows the doctor to control the effects precisely. IV sedation is extremely safe when administered by qualified providers. To perform these advanced sedative techniques, special training and clinical experience is required. Approval to perform IV sedation requires the office to be specially equipped with emergency equipment and medications, which includes an ECG monitor to observe heart rate, rhythm and breathing
Apex recently incorporated the GALILEOS 3D Cone Beam imaging solution from Sirona. Sironas technology extends diagnostic X-ray imaging potential for better patient treatment. The visualization tools available in the software assist us with better, more certain diagnosis. They allow our office to coordinate treatment planning with colleagues and to explain treatments visually to our patients with greater clarity and accuracy.
3D images make the X-ray diagnosis and implant treatment safer, more predictable and faster. The Sirona system provides a three dimensional image of the patient on the computer screen and the surgery is performed virtually for the patient review. Then at the time of treatment customized guides specific to the patient and the case assist with accurate implant placement. This allows for faster more comfortable surgery.
GALILEOS not only shows 3D displays in perfect image quality, but also enables more complete navigation and diagnosis than the traditional 2D x-ray films. For our practice, the GALILEOS 3D Dental Cone Beam solution offers: