Endodontics is a specialty of dentistry that deals with diseases of the dental pulp and its supporting structures. Endodontists are dentists with special post-graduate training in this field. Endodontists are also experienced at finding the cause of oral and facial pain that has been difficult to diagnose.

In order to understand endodontic treatment, it helps to know something about the anatomy of a tooth. Teeth have several layers. The outside layer of the tooth is composed of a hard layer called enamel. Enamel is supported by an inner layer called dentin, which has at its center a soft tissue known as the pulp.

The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue that are responsible for forming the surrounding dentin and enamel during tooth development. The pulp receives its nourishment supply from vessels which enter the end of the root. 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.

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. Signs and Symptoms

Toothache pain is the main reason for patients seeking treatment. Fortunately, modern anesthetics can make the procedure pain free in most cases. Seeking treatment early makes the procedure more comfortable, so dont wait. When caught early, treatment should feel no different than having a regular filling. For the first few days after treatment, there may be some sensitivity to biting pressure, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. Sometimes over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (like Advil) are recommended for a day or two. Our doctors can prescribe other medications but they are rarely required.

There are several layers of a tooth. The hard outer layer is the enamel. The supportive inner layer is the dentin and in the center of the tooth is the pulp which is a soft tissue. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissues. The pulp receives its nourishment from the vessels which enter the tooth at the root. The pulp is not necessary for the function of the tooth. The tooth can be nourished by the tissues surrounding it after the pulp is removed.

Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. Common reasons for this inflammation or infection are cavities/caries, cracks, and trauma. If pulp inflammation and infection are not treated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess. Signs and/or symptoms could be prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, discoloration of the tooth, swelling or tenderness of the tooth or gums. Seeking treatment early can make the procedure more comfortable. Dont wait if you can help it!

Now that treatment is complete, we have you return to your general dentist. This should be done within 30 days of completing your root canal treatment. The restoration of your tooth is hugely important! If you do not have your tooth restored in a timely manner, the tooth can become contaminated and re-infected. The tooth needs to be sealed properly by your general dentist which protects your tooth and restores its function.

After treatment: 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 in the mail when we feel it is appropriate to reevaluate the area. Since an abscess may take 2 years to heal, our office will reevaluate the tooth for at least 2 years. Should you have any questions or concerns before or after treatment, we welcome you to call or visit the office. We will be glad to assist you and will do our best to ensure your comfort.

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.

There are, of course, no guarantees. Root canal or endodontic therapy has a very high degree of success. Teeth which can be treated near ideal have a success rate up to ninety percent! 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. Our endodontists work closely with your general dentist. We will work together and discuss your treatment so that we can give you the best possible options while keeping your best interests in mind.

Our goal is to provide you with the best, most accurate, and thorough diagnosis possible. Fortunately, recent technological breakthroughs have allowed us to make major advances in our ability to achieve that goal. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) (dental cone beam or cone beam) is a new technology similar to CAT scans in that it will give us a 360 degree 3 dimensional view of the area we are examining. Previously, we were limited by dental X-rays, even digital dental X-rays, to a two dimensional picture of a three dimensional problem.

There were many things we could not see because X-rays did not have the resolution to show them. Despite our best efforts, we were forced to infer, project, surmise, calculate, and interpret. Often, we could only give our best educated guess based on what we could see on the X-ray. Additionally, X-rays were often just not sensitive enough to show very small or beginning problems. That has all changed significantly with the advent of the dental cone beam technology. With its extremely high resolution and exceptionally low radiation, it has literally changed our world with respect to what we can now see.

Cone Beam 3D imaging offers a large volume of information and subtle details that simply cannot be obtained by any two dimensional X-ray, whether intraoral or panoramic. One 3D scan will allow us to examine the region of interest at a high resolution from many different perspectives. Clinical studies support this technologys improved diagnostic capabilities. We are very proud of cone beam 3D and feel strongly that this state-of-the-art technology will allow us to provide our patients with the very highest level of care possible today

Taking the image is as simple as sitting still. The scan will take less than 18 seconds and the images are transferred directly to a computer. A common question about 3D imaging is the amount of radiation that is emitted in obtaining this type of image. In an effort to provide the best care and lowest radiation dose possible, we selected the CS9000 3D Extraoral Imaging System by Carestream. This machine offers extremely low radiation exposure.

Faster and safer Since CBCT captures images in a single rotation, scan time is quicker than that of traditional spiral CT systems. Plus, since radiation doses are relative to the size of the FOV selected, practitioners can reduce the amount of radiation to which patients are exposed while focusing on particular regions of interest.

Greater accuracy Comprised of 3D cuboid structures known as voxels, the volumetric data set sent to the imaging software allows dentists to render 3D images that can be manipulated to show certain tissues, view different angles, and display varying thicknesses and depths.

Versatility Not to be limited by their own advancements, CBCT systems can be used for traditional forms of radiography, including cephalometric, panoramic and 2D imaging. This not only provides dental practitioners with additional diagnostic tools, but also makes the transition to 3D imaging easier for dental assistants and other staff.

Greater patient comfort and improved education On top of the peace of mind provided by lower radiation dosages, CBCT systems are manufactured specifically with increased patient comfort in mind. This means less restrictive positioning and more open environments with plenty of space. Also, the ability to provide patients with full 3D renderings of their condition illustrates problems in a visual manner, allowing them to play a larger, more collaborative role in their own treatment.

Cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) is quickly becoming the defacto maxillofacial imaging technology for diagnosis, surgical and implant-treatment planning. The key difference between CBCT and its predecessors is in the name: traditional CT scans record data with a helical, fan-shaped beam that transmits images to detectors placed in an arc around the patient, while CBCT systems employ a cone-shaped beam with a larger, adjustable field of view (FOV). And while the traditional CT captures images in thin slices that require several rotations around the patient to yield a full picture, CBCT covers the entire volume of diverse areas of interest in a single rotation

Why are X-rays important?Radiographs, commonly know as X-rays, are an important tool to help your dentist properly diagnose your oral health needs. They allow your dentist to see beyond what the naked eye can see. X-rays help the dentist determine if you have dental caries (cavities), periodontal (gum) disease, abscesses or abnormal growths, such as tumors or cysts.

How often should X-rays be taken?How often X-rays are taken and what types your dentist recommends is based on his or her responsibility to do a complete exam and to ensure that problems are detected early to minimize damage to your teeth and/or gums. It also depends on the condition of your mouth, the degree of problems present and what parts of your mouth your dentist needs to see.

Our office uses phosphor plates instead of digital sensors. While digital sensors remain the leading digital dental x-ray systems on the market, many dentists have discovered that phosphor plates are more ideal for their practice. In short, they are easy to use and more comfortable for patients. Since the image-taking process is similar to film, many dentists find phosphor plates to be an easier transition into digital radiography than sensors. The plates are light and thin like film, plus they dont require cables, connectors, equipment, or other complex attachments.

These pictures show the difference between a normal, off angle and 3D image. The image on the left is straight on, like your dentist would take. The second image is slightly behind or in front of the tooth giving us an alternate view of the tooth. This is the type of xray we would take in our office. Nothing was moved other than the camera angle, but see the differences? There seems to be some confusion when we ask to take another xray when you may have had one just taken at your dentist office. We hope this helps explain things.

Should you have an emergency that requires a doctors care, call either of our office phone numbers. At the end of the message you will be asked to leave your name and reason for your call. The automated service will then contact the doctor on call.If the doctor is unavailable, you should expect a return call within 30 minutes. If you do not hear from the doctor, please place your call again. Our service also sends an email to all doctors on staff, as well as, the office manager alerting us of your call.