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February 22, 2021 By Dr. Susan Wood Leave a Comment

Are You Awake During a Root Canal?

While more and more Americans are becoming aware of the benefits of preserving natural teeth, you may still find yourself with a number of questions and no little anxiety when a root canal is the suggested option for saving a diseased or damaged tooth. Root canals can be an intricate procedure, depending on the extent of the damage to the tooth. Occasionally, sedation is called for. However, most of the time, patients are awake during the procedure and fully aware of each step the endodontist is taking. Each case is different, though, so let’s look at the issue a little more broadly.

How Endodontists Manage Pain And Patient Awareness During Root Canals

For most root canals, local anesthesia is used to numb the area around the affected tooth. This is a necessary step because your endodontist will be removing pulp and nerve fibers from your tooth. You will likely be fully awake during the entire procedure. Your mouth, including your lips, may feel numb for several hours after the procedure, so it is important to be careful if you eat or drink before full feeling returns to the numbed area. Be sure to follow your endodontist’s guidelines for eating and drinking, though.
For patients with dental anxiety or dental phobia, some level of sedation may be necessary for the root canal to be a success. Sedation can range from minimal (just to take the edge off your jitters) to deep (where you may be barely conscious, but able to be awakened). It can be delivered by inhalation, orally, or intravenously. General anesthesia – during which you are completely unconscious – is rarely used for root canals and requires special training to safely administer.

Dr. Susan L. Wood, of the Phoenix Endodontic Group, encourages patients to discuss questions related to wakefulness and anxiety with their endodontist during the planning stages of their root canal. “In our practice, we make sure all our patients are fully informed and arrive ready for their root canal,” she says. “We can discuss your individual needs prior to beginning the procedure and offer solutions that will help you feel comfortable, safe, and pain-free.”

January 21, 2021 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen Leave a Comment

Are Dental Implants Worth It?

When a natural tooth cannot be saved, one effective option is to have it replaced with a dental implant. Whether installed as an individual implant, though, or as part of an entire arch of replacement teeth, implants have a significant cost associated with them. Many dental insurance plans do not cover implant costs, although many dentists have financing options available. It’s important to weigh the benefits dental implants offer, to assess whether they are the right investment for you.

Reasons Dental Implants Are Worth It

Dental implants have high success and satisfaction rates. Studies have found the success rate for dental implants ranges anywhere from 95 percent to 99 percent and that more than 90 percent of patients are happy with the procedure.
Dental implants allow you to speak and eat normally. If you have lost most or all of your upper or lower arch of teeth, dental implants provide an alternative to dentures. You may feel more comfortable speaking and have an easier time chewing your food because the implants stay fixed in place, like your natural teeth.
Dental implants can prevent bone loss in your jaw. One of the impacts of losing multiple natural teeth is that your jaw can lose bone density, resulting in “facial sag” in the lower third of the face and causing additional oral health challenges. Some clients need a bone graft to ensure their jaw is strong enough to accept the implant. The implant process requires that the implant integrate into the jawbone, providing needed stimulation and halting the process of bone density loss in many cases.
Dental implants do not require extra care to maintain. Implants are designed to be durable and last a lifetime. You care for them the same way you care for your natural teeth – by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist on a regular basis.

“Dental implants are a cost-effective solution for patients in a number of tooth-loss situations, and it is almost always a permanent solution,” says Dr. Jaqueline S. Allen, a practitioner at the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Our practice performs a thorough pre-procedure examination and we are happy to discuss the specific benefits you may expect from choosing an implant.”

December 21, 2020 By Dr. Susan Wood Leave a Comment

5 Top Root Canal Questions – Answered

It’s crucial to have accurate information when considering a root canal. A qualified general dentist or endodontist can offer up-to-date knowledge about how root canals work and why you might need one.

Here are five common root canal questions received at the Phoenix Endodontic Group.

5 Top Root Canal Questions – Answered.

What symptoms indicate a root canal may be needed? Natural teeth that are candidates for root canals have typically been damaged by decay or infection, or suffered structural damage to the tooth. Symptoms that may call for a root canal include: a severe toothache when you chew or apply pressure to the affected tooth; prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold; a recurring pimple on the gums near the tooth; discoloration of the tooth; swelling or tenderness in adjacent gum tissue.
Will a root canal hurt? Today’s root canal procedures typically relieve pain created by infection or damage to the nerves inside the tooth pulp, rather than causing pain. Additionally, endodontists receive special training in pain management, so even post-operative discomfort is typically minimal.
Is a root canal a better option than having my tooth pulled? The answer to this question depends on the overall health of your tooth, the gums surrounding it, and whether other natural teeth are suffering advanced decay or infection. One noteworthy advantage to retaining your natural teeth is a reduced chance of bone loss in your jaw. Such loss can lead to a host of negative consequences.
What happens during a root canal? Here is a brief overview of how a root canal is performed: First, your endodontist will take X-rays. Then, they will numb the area with a local anesthetic and place a dental dam over the tooth to protect it from bacteria. Next, the practitioner will drill an access hole in the crown of the tooth. The pulp chamber and roots of the tooth will be thoroughly cleaned, shaped with special tools, then filled with a biocompatible material. Once complete, the endodontist covers the opening with a temporary filling. Weeks later, the final step in the procedure takes place: placing a crown, permanently sealing the access hole.
Does it take a long time to recover after a root canal? Most patients experience some mild tenderness in the area of the root canal for a few days. This is usually managed with over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers. This discomfort should disappear within a week. If you experience severe pain, significant swelling, or if your temporary filling falls out, contact your endodontist as soon as possible so they can examine the tooth.

“It’s normal to be apprehensive if you have never had a root canal before,” says Dr. Susan L. Wood, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Our office is always happy to answer your questions about root canals and provide you with a more comprehensive view of the procedure.”

November 23, 2020 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen Leave a Comment

Why Are Patients Choosing Dental Implants for Tooth Replacement?

Dental patients have a number of choices when one or more natural teeth cannot be saved, but not all choices are created equal. More and more, adults are choosing dental implants because implants offer advantages not found with other options. Dental implants are one of the most permanent and durable solutions to tooth loss, if the process begins with careful analysis and preparation by your dental team to ensure success.

Let’s take a look at why dental patients are increasingly choosing implants as their restoration of choice.

Top Reasons Patients Choose Dental Implants

Dental implants have a very high success rate. A study of the effectiveness of dental implants found that over the course of many years, implants maintain a success rate of between 95 and 99 percent.

Implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth, or an entire arch of teeth. Dental implants are flexible in terms of how many teeth they replace. Given the negative health consequences to losing ANY teeth, the ability to replace them is important.

Dental implants do not require the alteration of healthy natural teeth. Dental bridges are often considered as an option for a person who has lost several teeth. However, a major downside is the necessity of grinding down part of the natural tooth on each side of the bridge. This can weaken tooth structure and lead to decay or additional tooth loss. Dental implants require no such destructive alteration.

Dental implants stop bone loss in the jaw and preserve natural facial contours. Implants are the only tooth replacement option that can stop the bone loss accompanying loss of multiple teeth. Consequently, they also help prevent the “facial sag” that is a long-term consequence of tooth loss.

Dental implants can be more comfortable than other options. Implants use biocompatible titanium fused into your jaw to provide a stable platform for a crown that takes the place of the natural tooth. Implants then function like natural teeth. Dentures, even well-made sets, can come with irritation, soreness, and other challenges.

“Dental implants can be a life-altering option when dealing with tooth loss,” says Dr. Jaqueline S. Allen, who practices at the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Our practice is skilled and experienced at determining whether you are a good candidate for this type of restoration.”

October 12, 2020 By Dr. Susan Wood Leave a Comment

Does A Root Canal Kill The Tooth?

Many dental patients know that root canals can save natural teeth but may wonder what actually happens inside the tooth with the procedure. Of course, there are many benefits to retaining your natural teeth whenever possible. The root canal treatment procedure replaces the living nerve pulp of your tooth with an inert biocompatible material, usually gutta-percha. Here’s a quick look at how root canals impact your natural tooth and allow them to remain a part of your smile.

How A Root Canal Affects Your Tooth

The root or nerve pulp. This is the part of a tooth’s anatomy most impacted by a root canal. Typically, a root canal is called for if the tooth nerve has died or if the pulp is badly infected. During a root canal, the nerve pulp is removed with special tools and the canals themselves are flushed with material to treat the infection, so it does not return.
The dentin. This layer of calcified tissue supports the top layer of enamel in a natural tooth. Dentin is produced by nerve pulp, so once the pulp is replaced with gutta-percha, dentin will no longer be produced in that tooth, which may make your teeth more brittle.
The enamel. This hard outer layer of your natural tooth protects the internal parts of your tooth. It can be compromised by tooth decay or dental injuries (cracked or broken teeth), allowing bacteria to invade your nerve pulp chamber. A root canal stops this process, because not only does it remove the infected nerve pulp, the finishing restoration – a crown – fits like a “cap” over the tooth enamel, protecting it from additional damage or bacterial intrusion.
The periodontal ligament. Sometimes a tooth is damaged because it is pushed out of position, threatening the periodontal ligament, which attaches our natural tooth to the jaw. In this case, a root canal can prevent further damage to the tooth, allowing it to be splinted in place to encourage the periodontal ligament to reattach and preventing infection issues inside the tooth.

While root canals do not “kill” natural teeth, removing and replacing the nerve pulp makes the tooth more brittle. Your endodontist will determine if you need additional restorations beyond a crown to ensure your tooth has sufficient support to function normally.

“Root canals do change how your natural teeth function, but they allow the other structures that are part of your teeth and gums to return to health, supporting your overall oral wellbeing,” says Dr. Susan L. Wood, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Our practice is always happy to explain precisely how endodontic treatment can help preserve your natural teeth.”

September 21, 2020 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen Leave a Comment

5 Questions to Ask Before Getting a Dental Implant

Replacing a tooth – or all of them, if necessary – with a dental implant is a major health decision. It is important to understand what a dental implant can do for you, how the procedure will work, and postoperative care. Here are five questions you will find helpful to know the answers to before beginning your dental implant procedure.

5 Questions To Ask Before Choosing A Dental Implant

Why does it matter if I replace a failing/missing tooth? Although a tooth extraction may seem less expensive, there are a host of oral health issues that can be prevented by getting an implant. Dental implants can prevent shifting of your remaining natural teeth, make it less likely you’ll suffer gum disease or tooth decay, and can prevent the “facial collapse” that often happens with the loss of one or both arches of your teeth.
Why is an implant favored over a root canal? It’s good to know why your dentist does not recommend trying to save your natural tooth. Perhaps the structure of your tooth has deteriorated to the point it simply won’t support a root canal and a crown. Or perhaps there is a crack, especially one extending down below the gumline, that would make a root canal impossible. Your dentist should be able to explain why they are recommending a dental implant over a root canal and what clinical conditions make you a better candidate for the implant.
How long will the entire implant process take? The answer to this question will be highly individualized, depending on how many natural teeth will be replaced, if you have bone density challenges in your jaw that need to be addressed, if your dentist recommends using All-On-4 overdentures for a full arch of dental implants, and other factors. Your dentist should be able to provide a clear, easy-to-understand treatment timeline for you.
Will my implant be successful over the long term? Overall, dental implants have a high success rate – usually about 95 percent. They are designed to last a lifetime. What you really want to find out from your dentist by asking this question is how likely it is that a dental implant will be a permanent solution to your oral health challenges.
What do I need to know about managing pain after the dental implant? Your dentist should provide you a complete postoperative pain guide, that will cover how to manage discomfort (which is normal during the first few days after the procedure) and what types of pain you should call your dentist about. In general, nearly all swelling, tenderness or discomfort should be gone within seven to 10 days of your procedure.

“At Phoenix Endodontic Group, we want to ensure our patients understand why we recommend a dental implant over another procedure,” says Dr. Jaqueline S. Allen. “Answering patient questions is part of how we partner together to ensure the experience is comfortable and successful.”

August 28, 2020 By Dr. Susan Wood Leave a Comment

PPE for Pups | Drive for AZ Humane Society

Phoenix Endodontic Group is collecting PPE Gowns for AZ Humane Society Trauma Hospital and challenging our referral partner offices to join us in donating. We will match your donations of PPE Gowns during the collection drive for the month of September.

AHS is facing a shortage of isolation gowns for its Second Chance Animal Trauma Hospital™ and intensive care units.
On average, AHS uses 950 disposable gowns per week for the nearly 18,000 sick, injured and abused homeless pets AHS takes in each year.

Start up your collection at your office today! Join us, make a difference and we will match your contribution of gowns to deliver to AZ Humane Society.
Watch the FOX 10 video to learn more.

Reach out to Kim Rowell via email: kim@phoenixendodontist.com or give her a call at 602.288.9149, to schedule your office pickup.

August 23, 2020 By Dr. Susan Wood Leave a Comment

Questions to Ask Your Endodontist Before Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatments are highly effective in saving injured or infected natural teeth. They are typically not lengthy procedures, but most laypeople are not clear on what’s involved in a root canal or what to look for when selecting a practitioner. If your regular dentist has recommended an endodontist perform your root canal, you will want to be fully informed and feel confident about your treatment. Here are some questions to help you prepare.

What To Ask Your Endodontist Before A Root Canal Treatment

What kind of equipment is used for root canals? Endodontists typically perform the procedure far more frequently than a general dentist, so they also have specialized equipment that make the process easier and faster. This equipment can also help better resolve unexpected challenges that may present themselves during the treatment.
Do I need to take antibiotics before my root canal treatment? If you have certain types of systemic health issues, including a past history of infective endocarditis, your endodontist may prescribe antibiotic prophylaxis to ensure that you are protected should any oral bacteria enter the bloodstream. If you have an abscess, antibiotics may also be called for. Discuss your entire health history with your endodontist when your root canal is in the planning stages.
How many visits will my root canal take? Most root canal treatments are done in a single session, but occasionally you will need to return for a second appointment to finish the procedure. If that’s the case, your endodontist will place a temporary filling to protect your tooth until the treatment is finished.
How soon should I make my root canal appointment? Your regular dentist may have already communicated some of your symptoms to the endodontist, and this may give them a rough idea of how soon you need to be treated. However, some symptoms of a serious tooth injury are only apparent after a thorough clinical examination by a specialist; even if you think your symptoms aren’t bothersome, you should make an endodontic appointment as soon as one is available.
What should I do if I experience pain after my root canal? Your endodontist should provide you with a pain management plan for the first few days after your treatment, when some discomfort is normal. This may include information on using cold packs or pain-reducing medication. If you experience moderate or severe pain after the third day following your procedure, call your endodontist to see if they would like you to come back in for a recheck.

“Endodontists welcome questions from patients before, during, and after a root canal treatment,” says Dr. Susan L. Wood, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “We want you to understand your case fully, and we will provide you all the information you need to be comfortable and confident about your procedure.”

July 20, 2020 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen Leave a Comment

When Should You Get a Dental Implant?

For those struggling with problems with natural teeth, one question can become paramount: “Should I have an endodontist treat my tooth with a root canal, or should I consider getting a dental implant?”

The decision-making process related to a dental implant involves many factors. However, there are numerous situations in which a dental implant is clearly a strong choice to rectify your dental challenges, some of which are discussed below.

Situations That Support Choosing A Dental Implant

Earlier attempts to save your natural tooth have been unsuccessful. If your natural tooth continues to have serious infection issues after a root canal or a root canal retreatment, it may be time to consider an implant.
You have had gum disease around the impacted tooth/teeth. The declining health of your gums can damage your periodontal ligament, which plays a crucial role in attaching the roots of your tooth to your jaw. If the ligament cannot regenerate itself successfully, it becomes much harder to retain a natural tooth.
You are not a strong candidate for a fixed bridge or a partial set of dentures. If you are struggling with one or several teeth adjacent to each other, it might seem more cost-effective to try a fixed bridge or partial dentures. However, not everyone can tolerate the feel of dentures and the care they require, and the alterations required for a fixed bridge require the adjacent teeth to be structurally sound.
Your natural tooth is already gone. If you have already lost your tooth, a dental implant can play a key role in preventing further tooth loss and bone deterioration in the jaw. Unreplaced teeth can cause the remaining teeth to crowd together and can obviously interfere with clear speaking or eating a normal diet.
You are in danger of losing an entire arch of natural teeth. In some cases, the more natural teeth you have that are in poor shape, the less likely a solution other than a dental implant will work. Dental implants can be customized to replace anything from one tooth to an entire arch of teeth.

“The question of how to treat failing natural teeth has an answer unique to each patient,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “We can perform in-depth examinations and provide evidence-based treatment plans whether a dental implant, a root canal, or another type of intervention will provide the best long-term results.”

June 24, 2020 By Dr. Susan Wood Leave a Comment

Can Every Tooth Be Saved With Root Canal Therapy?

Root canals are often the treatment of choice when you develop a serious infection involving your natural tooth’s pulp, or if your tooth has been chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged. However, while root canals have a high success rate and a high patient satisfaction rate, not every root canal ends up being a permanent solution.

The factors that initially bring a patient to the endodontist influence whether their tooth can be saved by a root canal. Here is a short list of conditions that can make saving a tooth with a root canal treatment more challenging.

Factors That Can Interfere With Saving Natural Teeth With Root Canals

Teeth with long or unusually curved roots. Endodontists use special tools and seal the roots. If a patient’s canals are hard to clean, it may be less likely that the treatment will be permanently successful.
A crack in the tooth root. Even though teeth treated with a root canal are protected above the gum line with a restoration such as a crown, if the root itself develops a crack, infection can re-enter the tooth.
Advanced periodontal disease. Your gums play an integral role in your oral health and if you have severe or recurrent gum disease, saving your natural tooth through a root canal is far less likely to be successful.
Previous root canal treatment of the tooth. There are ways to treat a tooth if the original root canal fails, such as a retreatment or an apicoectomy. However, the success rates for additional procedures are not as high as for a first-time root canal treatment.

“Although root canal treatment often provides a lifelong solution for a damaged or infected natural tooth, it isn’t the best choice for every patient,” says Dr. Susan L. Wood, an endodontist who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Our staff can perform a thorough examination and advise you on your best treatment options.”