Peak Endodontics

Peak Endodontics - Endodontist in Apex, NC
1600 Olive Chapel Rd #100, Apex, NC 27502
Closed today
Opens tomorrow at 8:30am
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Monday8:30am - 5:00pm
Tuesday8:30am - 5:00pm
Wednesday8:30am - 5:00pm
Thursday8:30am - 5:00pm
Friday8:30am - 4:00pm
SaturdayClosed
Peak Endodontics - Endodontist in Apex, NC

Dr. Maresca has called North Carolina her home since 2001. During her time in North Carolina she has earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree with honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She also obtained a Master Degree in Operative Dentistry at UNC in 2006, and was an Adjunct Faculty member in the Operative Department while in private practice in Chapel Hill and Cary before pursuing her second Master at UNC in Endodontics.

As a graduate student, Dr. Maresca won numerous awards as well as the Jacob Freeland Scholarship for Endodontics. She is a member of the American Dental Association and of the American Association of Endodontics, and currently is a part time faculty in the Department of Endodontics at UNC.

Peak Endodontics - Endodontist in Apex, NC

Dr. Rivera has been the Jacob B. Freedland Distinguished As sociate Professor with tenure, and has served as Graduate Program Director and Chair of the Depar tment of Endodontics at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry. He graduate d from the UNC School of Dentistry with honors and received many awards for merit and leadership. He completed his training in the specialty of Endodontics and received his M asters Degree from the UNC School of Dentistry. He has had experience as a GPR Dental Resident at Charlotte Memorial, private practitioner in Durham, NC as a general dentist and as an endodontist, and was previously Graduate Program Director and Head of the Department of Endodontics at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry.

He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics, a Founder and Former Director of the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Endodontics, and was the recipient of the American Association of Endodontists 1996 Endodontic Educator Award. He has published extensively in refereed journals and book chapters, has served as Se ction Editor and on scientific review panels for many refereed research journals, and has presented his research findings and scholarly pursuits nationally and internationally.

Dr. Rivera has been able to combine his extensive training, knowledge and background in academia for over twenty-five (25) years with his clinical experiences in the Endodontic Dental Faculty Practice at the University of North Carolina, as well as maintaining privileges at the UNC Hospital Operating Room, the Durham VA Hospital Dental Clinic and the Central Prison Dental Clinic. He has served as team dentist for all men and women student athletes at UNC-CH, and has received recognition as Top Dentists Selected by Peer Recognition in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 in the Chapel Hill Magazine.

The myth: Patients searching the Internet for information on root canals may find sites claiming that teeth receiving root canal (endodontic) treatment contribute to the occurrence of illness and disease in the body. This false claim is based on long-debunked and poorly designed research performed nearly a century ago by Dr. Weston A. Price, at a time before medicine understood the causes of many diseases.

In the 1920s, Dr. Price advocated tooth extractionthe most traumatic dental procedureover endodontic treatment. This resulted in a frightening era of tooth extraction both for treatment of systemic disease and as a prophylactic measure against future illness.

The truth: There is no valid, scientific evidence linking root canal-treated teeth and disease elsewhere in the body. A root canal is a safe and effective procedure. When a severe infection in a tooth requires endodontic treatment, that treatment is designed to eliminate bacteria from the infected root canal, prevent reinfection of the tooth and save the natural tooth.

  • The presence of bacteria in teeth and the mouth has been an accepted fact for many years. But the presence of bacteria does not constitute 'infection' and is not necessarily a threat to a person 's health. Bacteria are present in the mouth and teeth at all times, even in teeth that have never had a cavity or other trauma. Research shows that the healthy immune system takes care of bacteria in a matter of minutes.
  • Tooth extraction is a traumatic procedure and is known to cause a significantly higher incidence of bacteria entering the bloodstream; endodontic treatment confined to the root canal system produces much less trauma and a much lower incidence and magnitude of bacteria entering the blood stream.
  • There is no adequate replacement for the natural tooth - it should be saved whenever possible. Root canal treatment, along with appropriate restoration, is a cost effective way to treat infected teeth because it is usually less expensive than extraction and placement of an implant. In most cases, endodontic treatment allows patients to keep their natural teeth for a lifetime.
  • But what about Dr. Price? This is a good example of how the Internet can give new life to long-dispelled theories. Believe it or not, the misinformation about roots canals that is found on the Internet is still based on Dr. Prices century-old, discredited research. Dr. Prices research techniques were criticized at the time they were published, and by the early 1930s, a number of well-designed studies using more modern research techniques discredited his findings. In 1951, the Journal of the American Dental Association took the extraordinary step of publishing a special edition reviewing the scientific literature and shifted the standard of practice back to endodontic treatment for teeth with non-vital pulp in instances where the tooth could be saved. The JADA reviewed Dr. Prices research techniques from the 1920s and noted that they lacked many aspects of modern scientific research, including absence of proper control groups and induction of excessive doses of bacteria.

    Peak Endodontics - Endodontist in Apex, NCPeak Endodontics - Endodontist in Apex, NC

    Dr. Coe joins us from a private practice in Amelia Island, Florida. He is a native Floridian and second generation dentist. Dr. Coe received his dental training from the University Of Louisville School Of Dentistry.

    Upon graduation, Dr. Coe practiced general dentistry alongside his father for 15 years. He regards working side-by-side with his father as one of the greatest attributes of his career. Pursuing a lifelong dream, he returned to the educational arena at the University of Florida, where he graduated with a Certificate in Endodontics, and a Masters of Science in 2013.

    Reviews

    Rating 4.8 out of 5 based on 143 reviews

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    Laura Beaune
    a year ago
    (Translated by Google) I went a few months ago for a root canal and my experience was incredible, I had tried to do it with other dentists but it was impossible. No one had the patience, affection and professionalism of Dr. Maresca and all her colleagues. They are attentive that you are super comfortable with the practice and that it is a great experience in something as important as dental health. Super recommended! I will always be grateful for your attention. (Original) Fui hace unos meses por una endodoncia y mi experiencia fue increible, habia intentado hacerla con otros dentistas pero fue imposible. Nadie tuvo la paciencia, carino y profesionalidad de la dr Maresca y todos sus colegas. Estan atentos a que estes super comodo con la practica y que sea una gran experiencia en algo tan importante como la salud dental. Super recomendable! Siempre estare agradecida por su atencion.


    Mike Zibaie
    a year ago
    Appreciate the great care Dr. Maresca and her assistant took during root canal and very impressed with quality of their work. Thank you.


    Sharon Powell
    2 years ago
    I cannot say a root canal is ever an "enjoyable" experience, but I can say the staff and specialists at Peak Endodontics made a tough situation more than bearable. I cannot thank the staff enough for their compassion, caring, and speed of service. They are amazing and well worth the drive. Make them your provider asap!


    Karen Wilkinson
    2 years ago
    If you need a root canal -- go to Peak Endodontics. If you want excellent bedside manners -- go to Peak Endodontics. If you want upfront costs for treatments and services -- go to Peak Endodontics. I've had three root canals at Peak Endodontics and I wouldn't trust any other endodontist but Dr. Rivera. He and his staff are very caring and make the dreaded root canal appointment bearable. I have a fear of needles and let me tell you something.... Dr. Rivera gets it. He's companionate and careful. He doesn't make you feel silly it. Yoni, Dr. Rivera's assistant, is the best too. He is excellent with fears and knows how to distract your mind while being numbed. Highly recommend Dr. Rivera. If I need another one, I know where I'm going. :)


    Amanda Kellogg
    2 years ago
    I was in need of an emergency root canal, and Dr. Rivera and Marsha were there to provide this service to me in a very timely manner. Everyone in the office was so kind, patient, gentle, understanding, and helpful. Employees there have a wonderful rapport with each other and their patients--and my tooth got the treatment it needed! I'm so happy to start my summer vacation in comfort! Would definitely recommend this practice to anyone needing a root canal!


    Tadikonda Ashwini
    2 years ago
    Pleasant experience with Peak Endodontics. I got my root canal re-treatment done by Dr Rivera & Dr Maresca and am absolutely satisfied :)


    Charmita Hobson
    2 years ago
    Dr. Rivera is the absolute BEST!!! I came in with an emergency & he did not hesitate to work me into his already busy schedule. He walked me through every step with care & make sure I understood completely. MeeMee & Jackie were amazing. They did everything they could to ensure my comfort. I hope to NOT have to see him again, but this is where I will be com9ng for all of my family endodontic needs. YOU ALL ARE THE BEST!!!


    Paul P
    2 years ago
    I didn't recommend


    Elliot Nauert
    2 years ago
    I am blown away by what a good experience it was having two root canals done at Peak Endodontics. The staff made all the difference in making the whole process smooth. Dr. Maresca was efficient, kind, and kept me informed. The assistants, Jackie and Yanni (sp?), were friendly, kept everything running, regularly checked in with me, and made sure I was comfortable. The whole office worked well together, helping each other out wherever needed, and I witnessed a lot of examples of them going above and beyond for other patients. Highly recommended!


    Dona Mobaideen
    2 years ago
    I highly recommend Peak Endodontics . Dr Rivera was awesome thanks


    Amy Riley
    2 years ago
    I had a very difficult and small tooth to work with for a root canal, and Dr. Maresca did a phenomenal job! The entire staff at Peak Endodontics is so kind. Highly recommended!


    Shane K
    2 years ago
    I met with Dr Maresca in early 2019. When I walked in there was a infant crying by the nurse's station. I was handed tablet to fill out personal information. I dropped the tablet before noticing the screen was shattered. When I asked the receptionist about the cracks, she said not to worry they had been there for months. When I entered the procedure room the TV was tilted 15 degrees sideways. None of the events were concerning but were subtle clues about the practice's lack of attention to detail. I was told an x-ray of my tooth was needed and informed them my dentist had transferred x-rays over. They said they were unable to read x-rays from other dentist and need to take another. Their x-ray machine was a little handheld unit. I then went through a sensitivity test where a something cold was sprayed on a tool & then touched to the tooth next to my troubled tooth after which I raised my hand once I felt the cold sensation. The tool was sprayed again and touched to my troubled tooth's other neighbor until i felt coldness. Finally the tool was NOT sprayed and then touched to my bad tooth where I felt no cold sensation and the doctor quickly proclaimed the tooth was dead. I was given a topical anesthesia which was allowed to sit for a maximum of 2 seconds before a needle tore into my gum. When the doctor returned she grabbed a drill that was repaired with tape around the base. After drilling for a couple of minutes she hit a nerve and I nearly leapt out of the chair. I received another injection of anesthesia and drilling continued. After a spray of either air or water was used to clean the drilling debris a nerve was hit again, on my dead tooth, and I nearly leapt out again. The assistant commented "I thought the tooth was dead". I received a third injection of anesthesia. After finally drilling down to my roots the doctor switched drill bits and a slow process of in cleaning out each root began. During that time the doctor and assistant started a conversation which later turned into the assistant singing and telling jokes which caused the doctor to laugh out loud multiple time while continuing to move the delicate bit in and out of my roots. After the ordeal was complete I was told that even though my insurance covers 100% of the root canal I needed to pay 10% of the cost which would be reimbursed later. When I asked about a prescription for pain killers I was told to take Tylenol and Ibuprofen. Two months after my procedure my tooth pain returned. On a positive note, the pain eventually subsided after over a year.


    lisa oconnell
    2 years ago
    I would highly recommend PEAK Endodontics. Great location, staff and my doctor, Dr. Maresca, we're all fantastic! Thank you!


    Kristie Zweig
    2 years ago
    Dr. Rivera was very professional and had a great bedside manner. He did a great job on my root canal. Highly recommend him to all patients and anxious patients because he puts your mind at ease. I felt no pain at all. All the staff very friendly too!


    leha bass
    2 years ago
    Such an amazing practice with the most delightful people!


    Lucas Garcia
    2 years ago
    I had such a wonderful experience with Peak Endodontics Dr. Maresca was so nice and mimi . She was extremely gentle and always checked on me. Her assistant was also, her name is Mimi wonderful and provided me with things to help make me comfortable. The procedure was very fast. Her office staff also deserve recognition I would recommend them to all my friends and family. Regards, Lucas Garcia.


    A hubbard
    2 years ago
    Everyone has been very nice and professional. Hope not to need again but know where to go!


    Donna Peeling
    2 years ago
    This office is absolutely wonderful!! Before coming here I had a terrible experience at another office. I was extremely nervous and anxious getting my root canal done. They assured me that everything would be fine and it was. I was relaxed and comfortable. My root canal was a success without any pain at all. I had this done yesterday afternoon and today I have no discomfort at all!!! Thank you for all you do. Donna


    Anita Goerig
    2 years ago
    Dr. Maresca, her assistants, technicians, and staff are a remarkable group of professionals who work to attend to your needs in an environment that puts you at ease. She has the latest technology in her office so she can promptly manage the task at hand. I cannot speak highly enough of her professionalism. Merry Christmas and best wishes for a peaceful New Year 2022.


    Matt McCaslin
    2 years ago
    Everyone is nice and knowledgeable! My needs were taken care of.


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