Endodontics – Page 13

May 19, 2014 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen

3 Ways to Prevent Cracked Teeth

Dental emergencies can happen in a split second, and can quickly result in lost teeth. Cracked teeth should send you running for a dental professional immediately since a crack can allow dangerous bacteria to invade, causing sensitivity, decay and tooth loss. How can you avoid cracking or fracturing your teeth? It’s simpler than you might think, according to Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen of Phoenix Endodontic Group.

Protect Yourself

“Most cracked or broken teeth are the result of dental trauma, either recently or in the past and no treatment was done at that time,” Dr. Allen says. This includes damage from sports injuries, falls or accidents, or chewing on hard objects or foods. Athletes should ALWAYS use a mouthguard and see the dentist or Endodontist for any dental emergencies that may occur. Never chew on ice or hard objects, and avoid using your teeth to open packages. Falls and accidents are a bit more difficult to prevent, but if you are able to protect your face and mouth when falling, make the attempt to do so.

Routine Checkups

Dr. Allen explains, Dental restorations (fillings) that are 10 years or older should be looked at during a patient’s routine dental care. Fillings can break and chip and thereby expose the remaining tooth structure to potentially further break down. Age and location of prior dental work can play a role in damaged teeth which can lead to a dental emergency. To add to that, a routine dental checkup can identify small cracks that can be easily fixed, preventing them from developing into big problems down the road.

Keep Teeth Strong

The enamel of your teeth is a very hard substance, but one that can be eroded or damaged due to bad habits like soda drinking, eating sugary foods, brushing too hard, and chewing fingernails or ice. Brush with toothpaste that contains fluoride, floss regularly, and talk to your doctor about your calcium and vitamin D intake.

Many dental emergencies can be avoided by using caution and common sense. If you have cracked or fractured teeth already, Dr. Allen is here to help!

May 12, 2014 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen

Preparing for a Root Canal

If you’re about to undergo a root canal, you probably have plenty of questions running through your mind. Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen of Phoenix Endodontic Group has performed this procedure countless times and offers this advice to prepare for yours.

Getting ready for a root canal is mostly about following normal routines for mouth care beforehand. Continue to brush, floss, and rinse to keep your teeth and gums their healthiest before the root canal. The rest of your preparedness tasks are to make sure you have arrangements made for the day of the procedure and your after-care.

“Fortunately, most root canals are routine and require no special supplies or medical equipment to use after a procedure is completed,” Dr. Allen says. You’ll want to have on hand whichever pain reliever your medical doctor normally recommends. After a root canal is completed, most patients feel no discomfort at all and some may take a few days to feel before they heal completely, Dr. Allen adds.

“It would be a good idea to schedule your appointment at a time of day that allows you to go home after work, or visit the endodontist prior to work. Most offices are flexible regarding appointment times as long as it is not an emergency,” says Dr. Allen.

Once you’ve been scheduled, think about your post-procedure transportation. Most patients are able to drive themselves home, however “some people are sensitive and apprehensive about dental work, for those patients it is best that they arrange for a driver to take them home after treatment,” Dr. Allen cautions.

“Following the post-op instructions given to you by your endondontist after your root canal is the best way to ensure that you will enjoy a successful outcome. Those instructions can be to take ibuprofen/Tylenol for basic discomfort, take an antibiotic until it is finished (if one is prescribed) and do not chew or eat anything sticky or hard until you have had the permanent crown placed by your general dentist,” states Dr. Allen.

Call today to schedule your root canal with Dr. Allen and Phoenix Endodontic Group for the best result!

May 5, 2014 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen

Root Canal Cost vs. Cost of Implant

Most people do have to face the fact that at some point in their life, they will have a tooth that “goes bad”, starts to cause pain and will need to have treatment to make it better. More often than not, a root canal can be performed and gives the patient many years of enjoyment free of pain and discomfort.

Even though a root canal is a great option for infected or abscessed teeth there may come a point where the patient considers a dental implant as a treatment option. The use of dental implants as a valid option has exploded in the last 10 years. Initially it was touted that extracting a tooth and placing an implant was a “permanent solution.” Studies have shown that implants can and do fail and are far from a permanent solution to tooth pain.

A common debate is “root canal vs. dental implant”, which is best for the patient?

As with many dental questions, there is no one right answer to this question, it depends upon many factors, patient’s age, overall health, opposing tooth and cost. Root canal cost v. implant cost is what we will probe in this article. In general terms, a single tooth implant will cost significantly more than a root canal. Let’s use a molar tooth in this example.

The root canal cost breaks down as follows: Exam, x-ray, root canal, buildup, crown. For a tooth to be fully restored after a root canal, it can take as few as two weeks.

The dental implant cost breaks down as follows: Exam, x-ray, extraction, bone graft, implant surgery, healing abutment and crown. Some dental implants can be placed immediately after extraction, however most of the time the extraction site has to heal for up to six months and the patient uses a stay plate or flipper to fill in the hole. A dental implant is a surgical procedure and the healing time for each patient can vary.

Here are the costs side by side, using the Usual and Customary Fees in the Phoenix, AZ area for endodontists and periodontists for a molar tooth:

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There are a lot of variables regarding both procedures, and the example above shows what the costs could be if you needed all of the services listed. The costs shown are representative of the root canal cost and dental implant cost and services in our market. As mentioned above, neither dental implants or root canal treatment will last forever. Before making a treatment choice, a patient should weigh all of the factors involved, speak with their general dentist and endodontist in order to make the most informed decision based on the individual.

April 28, 2014 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen

Benefits of Using an Endodontist

You probably already know that a twice-yearly dentist visit is a must for a healthy mouth. Why should you consider adding a Phoenix endodontist to your dental care program?

“The most common reason a patient needs to see an endodontist is that the patient is in pain or has an abscessed tooth. When a tooth becomes “necrotic” that means that the nerves and tissue inside the tooth are dying. Some people have pain, others do not. When the nerve has died and the patient does not feel it, the tooth may become more susceptible to fracture if left untreated,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, D.D.S., M.S. of Phoenix Endodontic Group.

An endodontist has advanced tools and equipment to diagnose and treat complex dental cases, plus specialized training. Fractured or chipped teeth, tooth decay, tooth pain, and trauma to the teeth are all examples of issues for which a Phoenix endodontist should be involved. “We treat many patients with complicated cases, and spend as much time and have as many visits as it takes to resolve a patient’s endodontic issue,” Dr. Allen adds.

Not all endodontists are the same, even if they provide the same menu of services. Dr. Allen states that “Phoenix Endodontic Group is a small family business. We strive to treat all patients the way we wish to be treated by our healthcare professionals. Attention to detail and prompt efficient service to patients has led us to develop many lasting relationships with our referring doctors.”

If you are trying to find the RIGHT endodontist, an important detail is the practice’s business approach. Those under insurance contracts may be limited in the services they provide and be encouraged to spend as little time as possible with each patient. “At Phoenix Endodontics, we take a limited amount of insurance contracts, because we feel that in endodontics patient treatment and care can be compromised if insurance companies are dictating what an endodontist can be reimbursed for a procedure,” remarks Dr. Allen.

“Personal attention and top quality care is what a patient will always get from Phoenix Endodontic Group,” Dr. Allen promises. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!

April 21, 2014 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen

Endodontist or General Dentist

Phoenix_Endodontist Just 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!

April 14, 2014 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen

Phoenix Endodontic Group Benefits Big with a Simple Secure VDI Environment

The premier dental practice instated thin clients to create a secure VDI environment protecting patient files at an affordable cost for their small healthcare service. In the healthcare industry protecting patient data is the key and setting up a secure VDI environment with thin clients was the best, yet affordable solution.

Customer Overview

The Phoenix Endodontics Group is a premier endodontic specialty dental practice started in 2001. It is a relatively small practice consisting of three endodontists and is located in Phoenix and the Paradise Valley areas in Arizona. The practice has approximately 15 employees.

Challenge:

The Phoenix Endodontic Group had a mixed environment of Dell thin clients and traditional desktops. The devices connected to Citrix VDI environment with Windows 7 operating capabilities. The practice found that their current Dell thin clients were not properly redirecting USB image sensors to the patients’ dental electronic medical records and needed a solution.

Additionally, the Phoenix Endodontic Group found inconsistencies and technical problems similar to the issues they were facing with their Dell thin client devices with their traditional desktop units located in their front desk and administrative areas. These errors often occurred with USB based devices, scanners, and cameras.

Solution:

Facing the challenges above, the Phoenix Endodontic Group contacted a Devon IT integration partner in the Phoenix area, Phoenix PC Networking, who specializes in IT solutions for small and medium size companies.

Through Phoenix PC Networking, they purchased 10 Acer Veriton N2010G units running with DeTOS a Linux based thin client OS. They also re-imaged four of their Dell PC’s using Devon IT’s VDI Blaster software. The purchase of the 10 thin clients was used to solve the USB redirect challenge, and to allow the practice’s USB image sensors to communicate wirelessly with electronic patient medical records. This communication enabled the staff to pull patient images, send snapshots of images in real time, and maintain the records.

The purchase of Devon IT’s VDI Blaster software was then used to re-image four Dell PC’s located in the front desk area and in other administrative locations. This would allow for more efficient and reliable use of the daily USB devices used by the staff, increase over all security when dealing with confidential patient records, and create a user friendly environment for all current and future incoming staff.

Results and Benefits

Initial Results.

The 10 new Acer Veriton thin clients and re-imaged Dell PCs with VDI Blaster proved to be a perfect and cost effective solution for this small-sized medical-service provider. The Acer Veriton N 2010G with DeTOS eliminated the issue of USB redirect of patient information to their respective electronic medical records. The practitioners and other dental staff were able to successfully and wirelessly transmit patient information securely from medical devices to the patients’ electronic medical records.

Additionally, the Phoenix Endodontic Group found that the original inconsistencies and technical problems with the four Dell desktop units were also eliminated thanks to re-imaging with Devon IT’s VDI Blaster. The front desk and other administrative staff were able to use all USB devices with ease and securely handle sensitive patient documents with no additional training required.

The staff at Phoenix Endodontics benefited greatly from the simple VDI environment of the Acer thin clients that mirrors traditional PCs, which resulted in 0 time-lost due to staff training on the new devices.

Conclusion

The Phoenix Endodontic Group offered a perfect opportunity to highlight the benefits of alternative desktop computing for a small medical service provider in the healthcare industry.

“The healthcare industry can be a tedious place for technology with all of the privacy regulations and continued demand for increase security of patient documents,” said James T. Snodgrass, Phoenix PC Networking’s assigned integrator for the Phoenix Endodontic Group transition. “The Acer Veriton N2010G units and VDI Blaster repurposed PC’s gave our client the required technology updates that were sought when Phoenix Endodontics contacted us, and it also provided them with the increased security that is demanded in this industry.”

April 7, 2014 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen

How to Choose an Endodontist

Phoenix_Endodontist Unless you have had a root canal, you may not be familiar with the term “endodontist.” An endodontist is a dental professional who specializes in root canals and other treatments which involve the inside of the tooth. Here at Phoenix Endodontic Group, Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen and her staff use advanced technologies, such as digital imaging, surgical microscopes and ultrasonic equipment in their diagnosis and treatment processes.

Our Phoenix Endodontists perform root canals which may be complicated due to dental crowns, dental abscess, patient health, or anatomy. In order to preserve as much of the tooth structure as possible, our endodontists will remove any inflamed or infected pulp in your tooth which may be causing pain.

At Phoenix Endodontics we will:

Examine, diagnose and treat diseases of the pulp and dental tissues in your mouth.
Develop a treatment plan to address and repair the diagnosed issues.
Treat exposed pulp by capping or removingl it.
Fill the empty pulp chamber with endodontic materials to replace the pulp which has been removed.
When possible, the endodontist will reinsert and restore any teeth knocked out during an accident or collision.
On occasion, the endodontist will bleach discolored teeth to maintain an even appearance of color in your mouth.

It is our hope that if you live or work in Central Arizona (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley) and you need a root canal that you would contact our office (602-242-4745) for an immediate appointment to diagnose and treat your endodontic issues. Here are tips for finding the right endodontist for you:

Ask your family dentist for referrals to a qualified endodontist.
Find out if the endodontic office has invested in the latest technologies and equipment.
Qualifications & experience: How long has the endodontist been practicing? Is their degree a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).
An endodontist is required to have completed two or more years of advanced education in endodontics. Does the endodontist have an additional degree (M.S. or M.S.D.)?
Find out if they have any additional patient education information such as a newsletter, social media or website page which provides aftercare and follow-up information.
Ask about pricing, payment plans and determine what may be covered by your insurance plan. Is it in your best interest to have your procedure performed in more than one visit?

Phoenix Endodontic Group is dedicated to providing exceptional endodontic and root canal therapy in a patient-friendly environment. Learn more about us here.

March 10, 2014 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen

Root Canal Awareness Week

Root_Canal You may have heard of a root canal, but what do you know about the procedure? The purpose of Root Canal Awareness Week (March 30 – April 5, 2014) is to dispel the myths and mysteries surrounding this endodontic tool. Here’s what you should know about the process.

Let’s first understand a tooth’s structure, the crowns of the teeth are the part you use to chew, eat, and flash your sparkling smile. The crowns are covered by an enamel surface that must withstand the torture of hard candy, hot coffee, and cheeseburgers. Within the tooth is a soft material known as pulp where nerves, tissues, and blood vessels reside. Finally, the root is the part that extends towards your jawbone and is covered by your gums.

The tooth’s root or pulp can be damaged by many things. A small chip or crack in the enamel may allow bacteria to invade and destroy the tooth from within. Trauma from an accident is another common way the tooth can be destroyed. Decades ago, many people would lose teeth from these incidents. With today’s endodontic technology, most of those patients can now keep those troubled teeth after an expert root canal.

During the procedure, the area would be numbed so that you will not feel pain. The infected pulp is removed and the interior of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, then filled and finally sealed. The result is a wonderful new tooth that looks and feels great. Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen of Phoenix Endodontic Group says “Brushing, flossing and regular dental checkups will help keep a patient’s mouth healthy after a root canal. Preventing decay is the key to having a root canal last a long time. Avoiding situations which put a tooth at risk for breaking will help also, i.e. chewing ice, sports injuries, etc.”

Most patients report minimal pain as a result of a root canal, comparing it to getting a filling. To reduce your risk of needing a root canal for an issue not related to trauma, “Brushing, flossing, fluoride, and regular dental checkups are effective,” says Dr. Allen.

March 3, 2014 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen

Dental Injuries – Chipped/Fractured Teeth

Dental emergencies are no laughing matter. They can be painful and unpleasant to deal with, especially when you are talking about broken or chipped teeth. Why should you worry about a cracked tooth and what should you do if you experience one?

Dental_Emeregency Fractured teeth aren’t just a cosmetic issue, though they can certainly make you self conscious if the chip is in a spot that shows when you talk or smile. Depending on the type of break, you may suffer damage to your tongue or interior cheek due to sharp edges, sensitivity to hot or cold foods, pain when biting or chewing, loss of the tooth, and infection if the crack is left unattended.

Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen of Phoenix Endodontic Group treats many dental emergencies at her practice. “Younger people (those under 25) are more subject to dental trauma from sports or activities,” says Dr. Allen, going on to state that “any age can have dental trauma from car accidents, falling, etc. In general the elderly are more likely to have biting incidents that damage teeth.” You may also experience superficial cracks in your tooth enamel as you age, which are generally just cosmetic in nature but may still be bothersome.

You may not be able to prevent all tooth breaks from occurring, but you can lessen your chances for chipped or fractured teeth by using protective mouth guards during sporting events and being vigilant about your twice-yearly dentist appointment. Your endodontic specialist can monitor your dental health and fix minor cracks before they become a big problem.

Regardless of the cause, if you do suffer a chip or break, get to a dental or endodontic specialist right away. Bring along any pieces that may have broken off from the tooth. Some breaks may be repaired with a crown, others may require a root canal, and some may need to be extracted completely.

By seeking treatment following dental emergencies, the more likely it is that Phoenix Endodontic Group can save the tooth or use less extensive measures in its repair.

February 24, 2014 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen

Causes of Tooth Pain

Patients come to Phoenix Endodontic Group for many reasons, one of which is tooth pain. Tooth pain can be dull and throbbing or sharp and severe, either of which having various causes. The good news is that some of these triggers are controllable and the effects can be very treatable.

Do you experience pain after eating or drinking something hot or cold? This type of sensitivity is fairly common and can be caused by the wrong toothpaste or hard brushing, tiny cracks in the enamel of your teeth, or erosion of your tooth enamel. The solution may be twofold: The first component is a special type of toothpaste designed to reduce tooth sensitivity and strengthen your enamel. In addition, work with your doctor to switch to a diet containing less acidic foods. Eliminating or reducing troublemakers like soda, certain fruits, and sauces will help minimize further erosion and reduce sensitivity problems.

Tooth pain can also come from infections or abscesses, both of which are rather dangerous situations that can lead to not only tooth loss but also serious medical problems if not treated properly. Trauma like a broken or chipped tooth, and also a decaying tooth that you may not even be aware of can allow bacteria to infiltrate the tooth’s enamel and travel into the gums, and beyond into the bloodstream. There are many reasons to “ensure you have regular dental checkups (every six months) and avoid using teeth as scissors!” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, from her Phoenix Endodontic practice.

Applying a little common sense will help you avoid the dental injuries and problems that are likely to result in pain. If you are an athlete, wear protective mouth guards during sporting activities, especially if they involve contact or flying objects. Make a great habit of brushing and flossing properly, and don’t miss your twice-yearly dental appointments. See your endodontic specialist regularly for preventive maintenance, and immediately if you have a problem. Phoenix Endodontic Group can help you keep your mouth healthy and happy, but you’ve got to make the first call!