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August 10, 2015 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen

What An X-Ray Shows Your Endodontist

Phoenix_Endodontic Sometimes, when you have an infected tooth, the symptoms will be obvious, such as discomfort so intense it wakes you up out of a sound sleep, or a tooth that is extremely sensitive when you consume hot foods or beverages. However, sometimes the symptoms of a tooth that will require a root canal are much more subtle.

At the Phoenix Endodontic Group, endodontists Dr. Susan Wood and Dr. Jaqueline Allen have a variety of tools to help them diagnose and treat an infected tooth. One of their key tools is the X-ray. Dr. Wood explained why this very traditional imaging technique is still very useful.

Invisible Infections

  • X-rays help endodontists visualize three critical structures in your mouth: the dental pulp, the periodontal ligament and the bone surrounding the tooth.
  • Wood says, “At times, there can be bone degradation and tissue formation resultant from bacteria in the canals of the root that can be seen on a radiograph.”
  • Pus from an infected tooth can be hard to detect sometimes. An X-ray can help a dentist spot a condition known as radiolucency, which indicates changes have occurred in the bone in this region due to its response to the infection going on within the tooth.

Treatment Tools

  • Once an infection in a tooth has been found, X-rays are also used by the specialists at the Phoenix Endodontic Group to guide treatment of the tooth.
  • A periapical X-ray helps your endodontist monitor the cleaning of your root canals and the filling of the canals.
  • For some cases, additional imaging techniques may be necessary. Dr. Wood says, “If a tooth is suspicious from our diagnostic testing of being necrotic, we will sometimes take a Cone Beam CT to look at the tooth in three dimensions.”

Phoenix Endodontic Group patients occasionally ask about the safety and effectiveness of X-rays. Dr. Wood advises that X-ray imaging technology has evolved dramatically over the past few decades.

She says, “With the advent of digital radiographs, the patient’s exposure to radiation has decreased dramatically. We still use lead shields to cover patients and thyroid collars when indicated, but the exposure is very minimal – about as much as being in the hot Arizona sun for an hour.”

 

Filed Under: Blog, Dentistry, Endodontics

March 30, 2015 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen

Baseball And Dental Injuries

Dental_InjuriesAs the spring training crowds populate the valley and amateur spring sports are beginning, Dr. Susan Wood of Phoenix Endodontic Group has some wise words to help players avoid dental injuries.

The speed and velocity of a thrown or hit fastball is certainly impressive, and can be a major danger to your beautiful teeth. Imagine this projectile hurtling towards you at speeds over 100mph. Losing your focus for even a second could potentially result in significant damage to your teeth and mouth. Dr. Wood identifies the most common baseball dental injuries as Avulsed (knocked-out) teeth and fractures of the teeth, which are painful and avoidable.

The best method of preventing dental injuries is very simple. WEAR A MOUTHGUARD. This is basically the only way to protect the teeth during contact sports, Dr. Wood warns. These are found at any store that carries sporting goods and should be considered a mandatory part of your equipment as a baseball player.

Should you suffer a knocked out tooth, a few tips may improve your chances of saving the tooth. First, retrieve the tooth gently, grasping it only by the chewing surface and never the root. Once the tooth has been acquired, rinse it thoroughly with clean water. Do not scrub the tooth or clean it with anything other than a washed finger and clear water. Try to reinsert the tooth back into position if possible and keep it in place with your fingers or closed mouth. If you are not able to reinsert the tooth, store it in milk (or failing that, inside your cheek) and get to your Endodontist immediately. Do not let the tooth dry out or wrap it in napkins or cloth.

Dental injuries like cracked or fractured teeth should also be attended to as soon as possible to help avoid further deterioration of the tooth. Prompt attention generally results in a less complex repair process and better chances of saving the tooth.

Dental injuries are extremely preventable with a little precaution. Talk to Dr. Wood about protecting your teeth during baseball and similar sports. Should you suffer a dental emergency, the fantastic doctors and staff at Phoenix Endodontic Group will save the day!

 

Filed Under: Blog, Dentistry, Endodontics, Sports

December 29, 2014 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen

3 Tips For Healthy Teeth This New Year

Healthy_TeethAs the New Year begins and you make your list of resolutions, make sure this year’s list includes healthy teeth! Dr. Susan Wood of Phoenix Endodontic Group tells us how to achieve that. This resolution is much easier to keep than many others you may make. Following are three tips for a shiny smile in 2015.

  1. Go to the dentist

Many people avoid the dentist because of fear or expense, but the truth is that avoiding your routine appointments can result in a much more expensive or extensive treatment plan should you develop a problem. Dr. Wood reminds patients that Visiting their dentist regularly is the number one route to healthy teeth. By following a twice-yearly dental exam schedule you can catch small issues and treat them more easily, with a greater chance of preserving your natural teeth for a lifetime. Most tooth loss is completely avoidable. Patients who don’t pay attention to symptoms of tooth issues in their mouth, or don’t seek proper diagnosis or treatment are the most likely to lose teeth or require major repairs, says Dr. Wood.

  1. Avoid bad habits

There are lots of things to avoid to have healthy teeth, Dr. Wood reminds us. Chewing hard objects such as ice or hard candy can crack a tooth and allow bacteria to invade. Tearing packages open with teeth is another bad idea. Smoking and drinking excessive alcohol has an impact on your whole body, but many patients don’t realize that your dental health is also directly affected by these habits. For example, smokers have a greater risk of tooth decay and loss and oral cancer than non-smokers do. In addition smokers do not always heal efficiently so endodontic treatment or dental implants may have a more difficult healing process. Avoid sugary or acidic drinks such as soda and fruit juices, or at least brush your teeth after drinking.

  1. Practice good dental hygiene

 

Dr. Wood suggests brushing, flossing and rinsing regularly with a quality mouthwash to promote healthy teeth. The investment is minimal in terms of cost and time but the results are apparent every time you smile!

Resolving to have healthy teeth this year is an easily achievable goal. Talk to Dr. Wood and Phoenix Endodontic Group today for more advice on promoting dental health or restoring a less-than-sparkling smile.

 

Filed Under: Blog, Dentistry, Endodontics

December 22, 2014 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen

3 Reasons Why Endodontic Retreatment Is Necessary

Endodontics In the field of Endodontics, retreating root canals and other failed dental work can be a routine part of daily practice. There are a few frequently observed conditions that often require repeat work. Dr. Susan Wood of Phoenix Endodontic Group mentions some of these situations.

For some patients in Endodontics, they’ve undergone a root canal and failed to follow through with the entire treatment process. After your treatment has been completed at your Endodontist’s office, it is important to follow up with your general dentist for a permanent restoration or crown to prevent leakage. RCT that is done properly the first time by an Endodontist has over 95% success rate, providing that the tooth has been restored adequately in a timely manner, says Dr. Wood.

Another type of treatments that may eventually degrade are the seals on teeth that have been filled or received root canal therapy. Endodontics patients must be dedicated to their twice-yearly dental checkup for best results with seals. Dr. Wood describes the problem: Just like your automobile’s tires that wear after excessive use, seals on fillings can break down after months of chewing. It is important to see your general dentist regularly, to catch the breakdown in marginal sealing prior to them allowing leakage into the root canal space.

Last but not least in the list of retreatment cases are root canals that have failed due to ineffective treatment. This could be caused by failure to remove all of the infected tissue within the tooth, a compromised canal that was missed, or a filling that was not sealed properly. Should the tooth become problematic again, an Endodontics professional may repeat the root canal or extract the tooth.

For best results regarding your dental health and endodontics needs, see your dentist twice a year to identify problems early on. When a more complex issue arises, call Phoenix Endodontics Group for the best possible outcome!

Filed Under: Blog, Dentistry, Endodontics

December 1, 2014 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen

Arizona Dentists Deliver Free Care To Thousands Of Patients

UntitledThe Central Arizona Dental Society Foundation (CADSF) is hosting its 3rd annual Dental Mission of Mercy event at the Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum at the Arizona State Fairgrounds Dec 12th-13th, bringing together hundreds of dental professionals who will provide free care to adults and children.

The Coliseum floor will be transformed into a clinic with more than 100 portable dental units staffed by nearly 1,500 volunteer dentists, hygienists, lab technicians, assistants and lay people. Approximately $1.5 million in free care is expected to be delivered to over 2,000 patients on a first-come, first served basis during the two day period. Patients are advised to arrive early. Doors to the clinic will open at 6:00 am. Treatment will be performed both days from 6:00 am – 6:00 pm.

As in past years, the emphasis will be on relieving pain and infection. Dental services such as fillings, extractions, cleanings, as well as limited lab work will be provided to both adults and children of all ages. All patients will undergo a limited medical screening and those who have medically compromised conditions, such as extremely high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes or severe disabilities may not be able to be treated in this setting, and will be referred to other community resources.

Arizona residents suffer from higher rates of dental disease than many other states, and this is one way we can give back to the community while providing critical dental care to those who need it most, said Dr. Pat Rabot, a Phoenix Oral Surgeon and CADS Foundation Board President. We also hope to raise awareness about the increasing difficulties that low-income adults and children face in accessing necessary dental care. Arizona discontinued adult dental AHCCCS benefits in 2010 during the budget cuts of the great recession. The demand for care during this event proves how much the most vulnerable members of our community need this program to be restored.

A recent survey found that 21 percent of Arizona adults and 31 percent of all Arizona children have never had a dental check-up.

About CADS AZ Mission of Mercy: Originating in Virginia and spreading throughout the United States, more than 70 Mission of Mercy dental programs have been conducted since 2000 to provide free dental care to local residents who otherwise were unable to receive it. For more information on CADS AZ Mission of Mercy click here.

Filed Under: Blog, Dentistry, Endodontics, Mission of Mercy

September 15, 2014 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen

Fall Sports and Teeth Injuries

Tooth_InjuryAutumn in Arizona is a fantastic time of year for a sports-enthusiast, and a very busy time for Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, your Phoenix Endodontist. As the weather cools down enough for outdoor activities, people forget to protect their teeth during play and suffer the consequences. Sports related dental injuries are easily avoidable. Here’s what you should know before this season.

The most common sports-related tooth injury seen in Dr. Allen’s office is gruesome. A blow to the front teeth by a body part like an elbow or knee, or from an object like a baseball or bat will often knock teeth loose, break or chip them, dislodge them completely. Dr. Allen also mentions that falling on your face is probably second, like skate boarding and eating concrete or a rail. Not only are these injuries incredibly painful but they can do permanent damage if not treated correctly.

To prevent most sports related dental injuries, Dr. Allen reminds you to wear a mouth guard. Mouth guards are effective in preventing injury, she says, and they are found in just about any discount store or sporting goods retailer. For a very inexpensive investment you can protect your teeth from serious damage.

If you suffer dental harm during a sporting activity your first action should be to get to Dr. Allen’s Phoenix Endodontist practice. Recover dislodged tooth or teeth if possible, picking them up by the chewing surface (never the root) and very gently rinsing it off with plain water. Do not use any chemicals or soaps or wrap it. If you can, gently place the rinsed tooth back in the tooth socket and keep it in place with your fingers or by softly clamping your teeth together. If you’re unable to do this, store the tooth in milk and seek emergency help right away. Your best chance of saving the tooth is with the help of a qualified Phoenix Endodontist such as Dr. Allen.

Fall sports injuries are very preventable, but should you experience one you must handle it quickly to save your smile. Dr. Allen and Phoenix Endodontic Group are here to help!

 

Filed Under: Blog, Dentistry, Endodontics

July 21, 2014 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen

How To Marketing For The Speciality Dental Office In The Summer

Dental_SpecialistsOver the years, marketing strategies for a dental office have changed. There are some many different variables which affect the type of marketing, how much you spend, how you target patients, etc. The focus of this article will be on marketing for dental specialists (Perio, Endo, Oral Surgery, Pedo & Ortho). Because we are now in the throes of another hot summer in Central Arizona, we will focus on what marketing efforts to focus on in the summer months.

Phoenix Endodontic Group like many other dental specialists receive a significant portion of their patients from direct referrals from other dental offices and therefore the strategy all year round is to recognize which offices are sending you patients and which offices have the potential to do so. Staff should be aware and trained that every interaction with a referring office is an “opportunity” or “touch point.”

Some touch points are small, i.e a simple phone call to set up an appointment for the patient to go back to see the general dentist once treatment is completed. Some touch points are planned out as a Thank You to the office and a delivery of fresh baked goods for the staff to know how much their referrals mean to the specialist. These are marketing activities that should take place all year long, to keep all referring offices on the “radar screen” of the dental specialist.

In general terms, the flow of patients slows down in the Arizona summer. The snowbirds fly back to Minnesota, Iowa and the like and dentists with young families schedule summer activities with their families. Phoenix Endodontic Group has always found the 3rd quarter (summer) to be slower than the rest of the year. A good time to catch your breath, relax and slow down, right? Wrong! This should be the time of year when you go at the marketing as hard as you can.

If the third quarter is slower than others in a specialty dental office that means you will have staff with less tasks to do than normal. We say put them to work reaching out to your referral base. Everyone has different interpersonal skills. Send staff to meet and greet staff at your referral offices, that is a good way to spend any down time. Staff can also help produce marketing pieces and information to email to referring offices with something as simple as your summer hours or other important information.

We advocate using the summer to solidify your current relationships with offices that you might be taking for granted but are being wooed constantly by other specialty offices. Don’t let your office be a victim of “out of sight, out of mind.”  A personal visit from your office to your top 20 referring offices during the summer months is a must.

Filed Under: Blog, Business, Dentistry, Endodontics

June 30, 2014 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen

4 Types of Cracked Teeth

EndodonticsA dental emergency can happen to anyone, anytime. Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen of Phoenix Endodontic Group is a pro at handling these problems with an expert hand and offers the following information about cracked teeth.

Cracked teeth can be categorized into four groups: Fractured cusp, cracked tooth, split tooth, and vertical root fracture. Though they may sound similar, they are decidedly different.

In the case of a fractured cusp, part of the tooth’s surface might be cracked off. This happens frequently with teeth that were previously filled. These are repaired using a crown, which is a cap cemented into place to hold your tooth firmly together.

A cracked tooth has developed a vertical crack from the surface to the gumline. At this point, the tooth is still intact and the inner pulp containing the vital nerves and root hasn’t been breached. This type of damage could be fixed with a filling or a crown.

If allowed to progress, a crack can become a split tooth, where the crack progresses below the gumline and the tooth may separate into pieces. This is the type of dental emergency needing more advanced treatment like root canal therapy.

Last but not least, a vertical root fracture is a crack that starts on the root end of the tooth rather than the chewing surface. Sometimes symptoms aren’t obvious, which is why it’s so important for regular dental checkups. This type of crack may require removing the tooth or part of the root.

Many of these cases can be avoided by using common sense. For dietary culprits of cracks, Ice and nuts are the big ones: nuts particularly–if you are biting the shell to get the meat out of them, says Dr. Allen. Avoid bad habits like “chewing on any object that is hard or repetitive.” Other problems may not be as controllable, Dr. Allen indicates. Grinding or clenching can also fracture teeth, particularly teeth that have large fillings with no crown. Teeth that have decay are prone to fracture as well.

For more information on a dental emergency like cracked teeth, call Dr. Allen at Phoenix Endodontic Group today!

 

Filed Under: Blog, Dentistry

June 16, 2014 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen

Endodontic Specialty – The Culture of Referrals

Phoenix_EndodontistLike every other profession, dentistry is going through rapid change here in the early 21st century. Advances in technology, proliferation of the internet, changes to the healthcare system and better consumer awareness are all factors in the way dental services today are delivered to patients. Such is the case with general dentists and specialists (Endodontists) alike.

An endodontist is a dentist that specializes in root canals. Historically, there has been a strong partnership between a general dentist and the endodontist who was equipped to handle emergencies and cases that required the skills of a dental specialist. There has always been a strong bond between the general dentist and the endodontist, the general dentist likes to have the ability to call and refer a patient for a root canal, often times for an immediate appointment.

So the business model for a specialty office was to market your services to general dentists within a 3 mile radius of your office and wait for the phone to ring with referrals from general dentists. This model has worked very well for decades in dentistry. It would not be uncommon for an endodontic specialist to receive 100% of their revenue from general dentist referrals.

As mentioned above, times are indeed changing. The advent of rotary instrumentation began a trend of dental supply companies selling these files to general dentists and convincing them that they should no refer out root canals to specialists and instead perform these procedures in their own office. This greed on the part of the manufacturers has led to root canal treatment below the standard of care which has caused stress, pain and unnecessary discomfort to thousands of patients whose case should have been referred out from the beginning.

Additionally consumers are taking to the internet to search out their own solutions and dental specialists. So many patients now utilize corporate dentists or clinics for their primary dental care and when they need services beyond the scope or comfort level of a clinic, they seek out the specialist themselves. This change has brought about an increase of “self-referred” patients to the endodontist.

Lastly, recent changes to the healthcare system in the United States was intended to primarily affect medical treatment for patients, but it is slowly creeping into dentistry as well. The overall “dumbing down” of our system is causing some patients to expect that they should be entitled to specialized dental care for little or no cost to them. This is a disturbing trend, yet in the end it will cause patients who appreciate the special care to seek out those providers who can deliver that type of treatment.

Indeed times have changed and the typical endodontic office now sees about 80% of their revenue generated from direct referrals from general dentists. These relationships are all the more important so that the specialist and the general dentist are on the “same page” for the good of the patient.

Filed Under: Blog, Dentistry, Endodontics

April 21, 2014 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen

Endodontist or General Dentist

Phoenix_EndodontistJust about everyone knows how important it is to go to the dentist, but understanding what an endodontist can do for you may not be common knowledge. What is the difference between the services provided by an endodontist versus a regular dentist? Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen of Phoenix Endodontic Group is happy to describe the differences.

To help you understand the basics, endodontics is the study of the pulp inside your teeth, where connective tissues, nerves, arteries and veins live. Usually this pulp is protected by your enamel but can become compromised by cracks or cavities, leading to decay. This is where an endodontist saves the day! “The basic dental degrees are DMD (Doctor of Medical Dentistry) and DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery). The difference is determined by the curriculum at the Dental School where the dentist attended. To become an Endodontist (Specialist), a dentist needs to attend a two year specialty program for an Endodontic Certificate or a three year program for a Masters Degree in Endodontics. Endodontists that only have DDS or DMD after their name have a certificate, Endodontists that have MS or MSD after their name have a Masters Degree in Endodontics.” says Dr. Allen, whose credentials are D.D.S., M.S.

While a general dentist may be able to perform procedures such as a root canal, he or she may only do a few of these per week and on simpler tooth structures. “Molar teeth and any retreatments are best performed by Endodontists. Molar teeth can have unique anatomy which makes finding all of the canals tricky, especially if the dentist does not use surgical microscopes when performing their procedures,” says Dr. Allen. “Surgical microscopes, Apex locaters, Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT) are all tools employed by endodontists to make the root canal experience as worry-free as possible for the patient.”

Generally, everyone needs to see a dentist twice a year for cleanings and exams. When your dentist identifies an issue more complex than he or she has the equipment or training to complete, you will be referred to an endodontist. For any question regarding the comfort or health of your teeth, call Phoenix Endodontic Group today!

Filed Under: Blog, Dentistry, Endodontics

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