Endodontics is a specialty of dentistry focused on preventing and treating problems of the dental pulp. The pulp is the tooths core, comprised of nerves, blood vessels, and lymphatic and connective tissues. It supplies nutrients to the tooth and transmits sensation, including pain.
As endodontic specialists, root canal therapy has been the entire focus of our training and years of experience. As a result, we have the advanced skills and capabilities that dentists throughout Westerville, Ohio trust for complex cases and retreatment after previous therapies.
At the same time, dentists know that the best outcomes and the best chances for avoiding retreatment result when even routine root canal treatments are handled with the kind of specialized care Westerville Endodontics provides.
While training and skill are vital to the quickness and effectiveness of your relief, dedication is equally important. At Westerville Endodontics in Westerville, Ohio, we love what we do, and we chose this path in life to make a difference in peoples lives.
At Westerville Endodontics, Dr. Vicki M. Houck and Dr. Saadia Bukhari are highly trained and credentialed dentists specializing in endodontics. In addition to advanced training and hands-on experience in general dentistry, they each hold a master's degree in endodontic care.
With more than three decades of experience devoted entirely to root canal treatments, Drs. Houck and Bukhari have the knowledge and skill that has helped them earn a reputation as the 'go to' team for every type of endodontic case in Westerville, Ohio.
'It was in college that I decided I wanted a hands-on job where I could make a difference in people 's lives. My close friend was pursuing a career in dentistry, and this intrigued me. So I attended an Introduction to Dentistry lecture, and I was hooked. I knew then that I wanted to become a dentist.
In dental school, I felt I had found my niche, and I really focused on being the best dentist I could be. After graduating and then completing an advanced general dentistry program, I practiced as a general dentist for several years. During that time, I found that endodontics root canals was my favorite part of being a dentist. So I decided to pursue my master's degree in endodontics.
As an endodontist, I not only save teeth but get to help people get out of pain and find relief from a worrisome situation. I thoroughly enjoy making my patients feel comfortable and well cared-for. That 's why my practice offers the latest advancements in endodontics, combined with effective anesthesia options. It 's all about my patients... and I 'm dedicated to providing them with the meticulous and gentle care they deserve.'
DDS: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC MS: Endodontics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH Advanced Education: The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Columbus, OH BS: Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC Member: American Association of Endodontists, Ohio Association of Endodontists, American Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association, Columbus Dental Society
'I was always a 'scientist ' in that I enjoyed hands-on experiences and information about how the body works. When I got to college, I had to decide between medicine and dentistry, and I chose dentistry because it allows me to work more closely with people. Once I settled into dental school, it only seemed right to plan on pursuing a specialty degree. Although I was familiar with orthodontics and oral and maxillofacial surgery, it was endodontics that held my interest the most.
Before I entered the master's degree program for endodontics, I practiced as a general dentist. I found that I enjoyed performing root canal procedures, which further convinced me that endodontics was the right path for me. I wanted to do more of these procedures and master the techniques so that I could really help people.
As an endodontic specialist, helping people is what I do. Being told you need a root canal is an emotional experience, and many patients are quite anxious. But by helping them get real relief, overcome their anxiety, and realize they aren 't 'just another patient, ' I can truly help them. And I will do so in any way I can.'
DDS: The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Columbus, OH MS: Endodontics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH Advanced Education: The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Columbus, OH BA: Zoology and Biology, Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, OH Member: American Association of Endodontists, Ohio Association of Endodontists, American Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association, Columbus Dental Society
The term endodontist is derived from the Greek words endo (inside) and odont (tooth). An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in preserving teeth through various procedures involving the pulp (nerve) and roots of teeth.
Although all dentists are trained to diagnose and treat diseases of the pulp, some teeth are difficult to treat either because they are too far back in a patients mouth to access such as molars or have more than one or two roots.
Endodontists have an additional two to three years of advanced education in endodontic therapy and receive certification from an accredited dental program after dental school. With a greater depth of knowledge, they diagnose pain, treat traumatic injuries, and perform root canal techniques and procedures for more difficult cases. That is why many dentists choose to refer their patients to endodontists.
Of course, every patients case is different, depending on the degree of inflammation and infection. However, most endodontic cases require just one root canal treatment and have a success rate of up to 90%. Before you undergo any form of treatment, we will discuss with you the chances of success so that you may make an informed decision.
Once your endodontic treatment is complete, we may have you return for periodic check-ups if you had an abscessed tooth, which allows us to make sure the tooth has healed properly. You will be sent a notice in the mail when we feel it is appropriate to reevaluate the area.
No two people are exactly alike. Thats why Westerville Endodontics will personalize your care to your unique needs. We also give you the personal attention and heartfelt caring you deserve. Everything we do at Westerville Endodontics is with true compassion and dedication, as well as kindness, honesty, and respect. Here at Westerville Endodontics, we also value your time, so we strive to be on time and to help you get relief fast. To put it simply, youll always know that youre well cared for in our office.
Before beginning treatment, we make sure your mouth is completely numb, delivering the anesthetic in stages. Our endodontists also have other options available to ensure your total comfort, including nitrous oxide. Making sure you have no discomfort is one of our highest priorities, because we know its one of yours.