Most general dentists provide anesthesia using local anesthetic (i.e., injection of Lidocaine 2 percent (with epinephrine) or Carbocaine 3 percent (without epinephrine)) and occasionally prescribe an oral tablet for oral sedation for dental phobic patients. The role of the dental anesthesiologist in Rocklin, California, is to administer more advanced anesthesia through the use of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic techniques including IV sedation and general anesthesia. Most dental anesthesiologists provide their services to other dentists requiring advanced anesthesia and sedation for their patients or medical monitoring for special needs patients. Some may work from a single office where advanced anesthesia is frequently required, like in an oral surgery practice, while others rotate around the community through multiple dental offices including both general dentists and dental specialists. In such cases, this specialist can be thought of as a traveling dental anesthesiologist.

At Placer Prosthodontics Inc., we have a dental anesthesiologist ready to administer needed pain relief and other medications through IV, to ensure you have a pleasant experience. Dr. Craig Wada wants to ensure you not only get the right treatment for you but the best treatment at his office.

Dentists specializing in dental public health promote oral health through community awareness. A Dental public health specialist or a DHP, in Rocklin, California, has been defined in a variety of ways: The science and the art of preventing and controlling disease and promoting dental health through organized community efforts and a non-clinical specialty of dentistry involved in the assessment of dental health needs and improving the dental health of populations rather than individuals.

In addition to assessing the oral health needs of specific populations, the dental public health specialist in our office, works with local and national government to develop oral health policies and provide much needed programs and services for the community. Dental public health specialists also educate other health professionals and participate in policy decisions regarding public health and the practice of dentistry.

Due to the uniqueness of their specialty, dental public health dentists often find positions within dental schools, public health agencies and organizations, and local and national government departments.

The endodontist is an expert regarding the tooth pulp, tooth root, and associated structures and diseases. Their primary procedure is root canal therapy (RCT). Although general dentists are trained to diagnose and treat mostly straightforward root canal problems, the endodontist in Rocklin, [name] treats the more complex and difficult cases. Their additional years of education and residency training provide endodontists with specialized skills to diagnose and treat complex cases that general dentists arent experienced enough or comfortable enough to treat. These may include teeth with particularly narrow root canals, calcified/obstructed root canals, additional branching of root canal anatomy, and teeth with extremely curved roots. An added benefit of seeing an endodontist is the state-of-the-art specialized technology employed in their offices. Most endodontists use high-resolution microscopes to assist them in seeing way beyond the naked eye.

In addition to RCT, other endodontic procedures include stabilizing tooth fractures, draining infections in and around tooth roots, internal bleaching and surgical procedures known as apicoectomies. Bar far the most common endodontic procedure is root canal therapy, which is often referred to as a root canal. When tooth decay has reached close to or directly into the dental pulp (nerve) of a tooth, inflammation and infection result, usually causing extreme pain. The anatomy of a tooth has a lot to do with this response. Because a tooth is a solid container without the ability to expand to accommodate swelling, pressure is contained within. Without a vent or outlet to relieve the pressure, the nerve is constricted and may eventually die.

Absence of pain is not good criteria for avoiding endodontic treatment. In fact, in most cases, tooth nerves die quietly and slowly over time. In either case, whether the patient experiences excruciating, spontaneous pain from an acute infection or complete absence of pain in the presence of a long-standing infection, a root canal procedure is indicated. If untreated dental infection goes long enough, it can spread, causing massive swelling in the face or infecting the mediastinum and brain. Infections of this type usually arent responsive to your immune system since the origin of infection is confined to a restricted area inside the tooth. Antibiotic therapy may help treat the associated abscess, but will not resolve the endodontic infection due to a compromised blood flow and its inability to carry sufficient levels of antibiotic to the infected area. In order to treat and eliminate the source of the endodontic infection and prevent further spreading, a root canal must be performed by an endodontist, or if trained, by a general dentist. Dr. Craig Wada will determine your particular situation and ensure you have the proper treatment.

Of all the dental specialists, treatment by the endodontist has been given the worst rap, especially by the media. This reputation is undeserving. In fact, most root canal treatments do not hurt and are comparable to the pain experienced during a simple filling procedure. Its only when infection overwhelms the area and causes acidic changes in the local pH that the root canal procedure becomes painful. Since local anesthetic works best at neutral pH, an acidic pH (associated with severe infection) nullifies the anesthetics ability to numb the area. Long story short: dont wait until theres a serious problem, and get treatment before its too late.