Endodontics – Page 5

July 26, 2018 By Dr. Susan Wood

How Common Is It To Get A Root Canal?

If your general dentist has recommended that you call an endodontic provider about having a root canal performed, you’re far from alone. The American Association of Endodontists reports that more than 15 million root canals are performed every year – that’s more than 41,000 root canals per DAY.

Why is this procedure done so often to treat an injured or infected natural tooth? There are several reasons why root canals have become a treatment of choice.

Why Is A Root Canal Being Recommended For Me?

Your dentist or endodontist has determined your natural tooth can be saved. With more than three-quarters of all Americans indicating a preference for saving a tooth over replacing it with an implant, your provider will likely lean in the direction of seeing if salvaging the tooth is possible with a root canal treatment.
Root canal success rates are comparable with those of dental implants. In both situations, the treatments are successful more than 90 percent of the time.
Modern root canals are safe, effective and cause little discomfort. Many times, patients come to an endodontist with an infected tooth that has damaged tissues that are causing discomfort. A root canal actually alleviates this discomfort, rather than causing more. Most patients experience about as much discomfort during a root canal as they would getting a cavity filled.
Nothing can replace the look or function of a natural tooth. Artificial restorations such as dental implants have their advantages, but retaining a natural tooth through a root canal can ensure the tooth stays in your mouth for a lifetime.

“Root canals are neither exotic nor risky,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Endodontists perform this health-enhancing procedure on a daily basis and can make your experience comfortable and stress-free.”

April 17, 2018 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen

Why Did My Dentist Refer Me to an Endodontist?

Many of us love a good mystery novel or television show, but few people enjoy mysteries that revolve around our teeth. If you went to your general dentist to resolve a nagging dental issue, you may be wondering why he or she sent you to an endodontist for further examination and treatment.

Endodontists are dental specialists who focus on treating diseases of the dental pulp. They are experts in restoring infected or injured natural teeth to health. The procedures that they perform for patients also make them quite knowledgeable about reducing and eliminating dental pain.

If your dentist has referred you to an endodontist, here are some of the most common reasons he or she may have done so.

Top Reasons For Referral To An Endodontist

Your dentist suspects that you need a root canal. If you have the symptoms of infected tooth pulp, your dentist will most likely want the endodontist to conduct an examination and potentially perform a root canal.
Your dentist may want to have the endodontist examine a previous root canal. Root canal treatments, when followed by the addition of a dental crown on top, have success rates that exceed 90 percent. But root canals can fail, and when they do, an endodontist is the professional most experienced in performing a root canal retreatment.
You may have a cracked tooth. Teeth cracks can let in bacterial infection that can damage the tooth’s pulp. In many cases, root canals performed by an endodontist are the only thing that can preserve a natural tooth that has suffered a crack.
You may need an apicoectomy. If a previous root canal has failed, the damaged tooth may need an apicoectomy, which fills and seals the root tip of the tooth from the root end of the tooth (rather than from the crown end of the tooth, as in a typical root canal).

“Dentists and endodontists work together as a team to keep your natural teeth healthy and intact,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “If you have any questions about your referral, let our office know and we will provide a detailed explanation of your condition and your options for treatment.”

March 15, 2018 By Dr. Susan Wood

Future Trends In Endodontics – Regenerative Endodontic Therapy

Endodontists are fond of emphasizing that endodontic therapies such as root canals preserve your natural teeth, allowing you to chew, speak and eat without the downsides that come with dentures or other forms of dental restorations. Most current endodontic therapy preserves the outside of a natural tooth by placing a crown over it, while replacing the failing nerve and pulp in the canals with the latex filling gutta-percha.

However, one of the most exciting developments in professional endodontics in the past generation has been research into regenerative endodontic therapy. Instead of replacing the nerve pulp with an inert substance, this groundbreaking treatment creates and delivers healthy living tissue to replace diseased, missing or traumatized pulp.

Endodontists who are at the forefront of this research combine their knowledge of pulp biology, the proper care of dental trauma, and tissue engineering to accomplish this task. The body’s own existing cells or bioactive materials are inserted in the pulp chamber to stimulate regrowth. A related procedure, apexification, employs similar methods to grow a dentin-like substance over the apex (tip) of the tooth root, in order to improve the chances of a traditional root canal treatment succeeding when the death of the pulp in a developing adult tooth has left an open apex.

Endodontic practitioners measure the success of regenerative endodontic therapy by its ability to achieve the following treatment goals:

Elimination of symptoms
Increased root wall thickness and/or root length
Positive response to pulp vitality testing

While this technique is still evolving, endodontists are following the progress of its development with great interest.

“Regenerative endodontic therapy opens the door to transforming how we approach saving natural teeth,” says Dr. Susan L. Wood, an endodontist in private practice with the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “It truly may lead to a clinical situation in which we facilitate the body healing itself.”

November 20, 2017 By Dr. Susan Wood

Common Root Canal Questions

Many patients come into Phoenix Endodontic Group with pre-existing ‘knowledge’ regarding root canals, but much of what our patients think they know is untrue. There are many common root canal questions that continually arise in conversations with our patients. To answer these questions Dr. Susan Wood, a partner at Phoenix Endodontic Group, provides her expert knowledge in an exclusive interview!

Is a root canal painful?

A root canal procedure does not have to be painful, if the practitioner is adept in anticipating which teeth may pose a problem. For instance, studies have shown that lower molars that are irreversibly inflamed, are more difficult to anesthetize, and therefore, it might be wise to place the patient on a low dose steroid for a short period of time, prior to attempting treatment. This will decrease the inflammation significantly and allow the endodontist, to achieve more profound anesthesia, while also keeping the patient comfortable, in the interim.

What can I expect after my root canal procedure?

Studies show that post-op pain and intensity can be directly related to the patient’s pre-op symptoms. In other words, if a patient is in pain prior to a root canal procedure, they can expect to have some discomfort after treatment. Again, there are things that can be done in order to minimize this discomfort, but it is important for the clinician to recognize them, before they even begin treatment. Most post-treatment symptoms, however, are relatively mild to none at all.

After treatment, how can I care for my tooth?

After treatment, depending on the restoration placed by the endodontist (some general dentists prefer us to restore with a temporary restoration while others prefer us to place the necessary build-up, post and core, or crown repair), the patient should brush, floss or continue with whatever regiment they use on a regular basis.

Is there anything I should avoid after getting a root canal?

If the tooth undergoing a root canal procedure has not been crowned already, it is VERY important to see your general dentist within a few weeks, to have one placed. Overall, reducing chewing forces on the tooth for a few weeks, will allow for better healing and reduce symptoms significantly. Most teeth that were sore to chew on prior to treatment, will remain this way for a few days up to several weeks. Of course, if anything seems unusual, or if moderate discomfort is experienced after treatment, it is always a safe assumption that your endodontist should be notified.

How long can a root canal last?

Root canal procedures can last a lifetime, if the tooth is properly cared for, after the procedure is completed. Over 65% of the root canal procedures that fail, are due to the restoration that was placed after the root canal procedure was completed. Therefore, it is always important to follow your endodontist’s or general dentist’s recommendation for the proper restoration of your root-canal treated tooth.

November 13, 2017 By Dr. Susan Wood

Brief History Of Root Canals

Like most health-enhancing procedures, the technologies and techniques used to provide root canals have been steadily advancing, especially over the past few decades. Today’s root canal procedure is considerably easier on patients than it was in the 1980s, or even the 1990s.

Something that may surprise you, however, is that root canals have been around for well over a century. Here’s a brief list of historical milestones related to root canal procedures, to foster appreciation for how they have developed.

Important Dates In Root Canal History

1728 – Pierre Fauchard, a French physician regarded as the father of modern dentistry, authors the book “Le chirurgien dentiste,” which describes the existence of dental pulp.
1838 – American Edwin Maynard creates the first root canal instrument, which he fashions from a watch spring.
1847 – Gutta-percha is introduced as a material for filling dental canals.
1890s – Crowns are becoming increasingly popular as a dental restoration. Many require canal posts, which increases interest in endodontic treatments such as root canals.
1900 – The emerging imaging technology of X-rays is identified as an important tool for diagnosing tooth root problems.
1943 – The American Association of Endodontics is established to facilitate professional practice in this specialty.
1950s – After a half-century of controversy, research establishes that natural teeth needing root canals do not cause systemic health problems, leading to a renewed interest in endodontics.
1990s to the present – Endodontic root canal treatments receive an upgrade due to improved imaging techniques, the advent of rotary nickel-titanium files to clean canals, and use of new irrigating solutions.

“Root canals have never been a static procedure, with only ‘one right way’ to preserve a challenged natural tooth,” says Dr. Susan L. Wood of the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Endodontists in all eras have striven to improve the experience for patients and create successful outcomes.”

October 18, 2017 By Dr. Susan Wood

Don’t Let A Root Canal Scare You

The last several weeks in October seem to be high season for those who love all things scary, including horror movies, gory Halloween costumes and the like. But very few people seem to use the season to embrace their fears of real-world situations. If the prospect of getting a root canal has you quaking in your boots more than a trip to the store to buy your Halloween costume, let’s address several common fears about them, so you can take that dental procedure out of your personal mental category of “spooky.”

Getting Over Your Fear Of Root Canals

Fear #1: My root canal treatment will be painful.

Fact: The tools and techniques that endodontists currently use to work with patients minimize pain and maximize the chances that he or she will be able to save your natural tooth. The discomfort you might experience during a root canal is similar to what you might experience if you were having a tooth filled. For many patients, a root canal actually relieves the pain they’ve been experiencing due to an injured or infected tooth.

Fear #2: My root canal treatment will involve frightening procedures or loud noises.

Fact: One fear common to many types of dental anxiety is undergoing a treatment involving complex, unfamiliar activities or which involves loud noises. Your endodontist can explain how he or she will perform the root canal, and is able to offer an array of remedies to keep you calm and comfortable during the procedure.

Fear #3: My root canal treatment won’t last, so why bother?

Fact: Some patients hesitate to get a root canal based on the faulty belief that they’re rarely successful, and wonder if they should just move directly to getting the tooth extracted. The data on root canals show that they preserve the natural tooth 95 percent of the time, so it is definitely a procedure worth considering!

“There are a lot of situations in life that require caution and heeding one’s fears, but root canals simply aren’t one of them,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Your endodontist can help you overcome your fears related to this important dental procedure.”

October 12, 2017 By Dr. Susan Wood

Get To Know Suzie Salas

Suzie Salas, second from the right.

As part of our Employee Spotlight series, this month we are featuring our amazing dental assistant, Suzanna Salas. At Phoenix Endodontic Group, Suzie offers extensive dental knowledge and proves herself to be a key asset to our team. Suzie provides exclusive tips and unique insight regarding Phoenix Endodontic Group.

1.) What is something that makes Phoenix Endo unique?

Phoenix Endodontic Group is involved in the community and multiple charity events to help others in need. Our team goes above and beyond to give back to the community and help dental patients in need with their pain.

2.) What would you say is your dental philosophy?

My dental philosophy is to give each dental patient the best care in a friendly and pain-free environment.

3.) What made you go into the endodontics field?

I find all aspects of specialty dentistry and oral surgery to be extremely intriguing. Not only this, my passion for helping others is fulfilled knowing that patients are leaving happier and healthier than they did when they came to our office initially. I enjoy continually educating myself on different dental techniques and Phoenix Endodontic Group provides me with the resources to grow tremendously in my profession!

4.) Where do you see Phoenix Endodontic Group going in the next five years?

In the next five years, I believe Phoenix Endodontic Group will grow in the endodontic community and looked to as a leader in the dental industry.

5.) Why do you volunteer at AZMOM?

I am extremely passionate about volunteering at AZMOM because there are many people who are unable to afford dental treatment and I can use my expertise to give them the dental care they need.

6.) How do your bilingual skills play a part in your day-to-day operations?

Being bilingual helps service patients who may not be proficient in English. Speaking Spanish allows our business to grow in different areas and become more marketable among the dental community.

7.) Describe Phoenix Endo in three words.

It is difficult to describe our office in only three words! We are highly diverse and unique in different ways. The top three words to define Phoenix Endodontic Group are friendly, caring and available.

8.) What is the number one oral health mistake every patient makes?

Oral health is vital to our overall health so it is extremely important to know proper dental care techniques. Many patients do not brush or flossing properly and thus ignore bleeding gums. If you are suffering from bleeding gums, it is of utmost importance to make an appointment with Phoenix Endodontic Group to receive proper care.

9) What piece of advice can you offer all patients?

The best advice I can offer our patients is combined in two parts. Firstly, it is vital to follow proper oral hygiene. Secondly, see your dentist on a regular basis. These two components will prevent tooth complications and costly dental work.

Our team will restore your smile and heal you of pain. To learn more about our practice, or to schedule an appointment, call (602) 748-4190, or visit our website.

September 20, 2017 By Dr. Susan Wood

TDO Software

From September 14^th – 16^th, 2017 the entire staff of Phoenix Endodontic Group took time off to attend the 17^th Annual TDO Users Meeting at the Paradise Point Resort in San Diego, CA. Dr Jacqueline Allen was among the first clinicians to purchase TDO (The Digital Office) and has attended every Users Meeting since 2003. Phoenix Endodontic Group uses the annual TDO Meeting to attend lectures and presentations on team building, new research and scientific advancements in the field of Endodontics as well as updates and enhancements to the software.

Dr Gary B. Carr is the founder of TDO Software – he started the company about 20 years ago and over that time has changed the way dental clinicians practice Endodontics – use of the surgical microscope as a standard of care being the most obvious. In order to start TDO, Dr Carr assembled a group of endodontists that shared his commitment to excellence in the profession. At the 2017 TDO Users Meeting in San Diego, Dr Carr was able to reassemble the original team that did the research and development for what became TDO. Included in this group of exceptional endodontists was Dr. Joseph Dovgan (Joey D). Dr. Allen purchased Dr. Dovgan’s practice in Paradise Valley, AZ in 2008, and to this day we continue Dr. Dovgan’s commitment to excellence in the field of endodontics. The meeting welcome reception was a very emotional time for Dr. Carr as he paid tribute to his colleagues, his wife Jan and his long-time dental assistant, Joy Haskins.

In a lighthearted moment, Dr Carr recalled that 17 years ago he took all of his retirement savings ($200,000) and purchased an electron microscope in order to conduct his research. He said he told Jan after the fact, and instead of being mad about it she said “It’s ok you know what you are doing.” The rest, as they say, is history.

Dr. Allen and Dr. Susan Wood are committed to continual training for staff on not only using TDO but also helping our team become stronger and more efficient. TDO’s motto is “Best in Class” – that is what the Phoenix Endodontic Group aspires to be every day.

August 24, 2017 By Dr. Susan Wood

3 Things You Need to Know About Phoenix Endodontic Group

In 2001, Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen founded Phoenix Endodontic Group. Our firm has grown tremendously over the past decade and a half. Our office expanded to Paradise Valley in 2008 and, in 2014, Dr. Susan L. Wood joined Phoenix Endodontic Group as a partner.

Over the last 16 years we have seen a lot of changes in the dental profession, technology and patient expectations. While flexibility is necessary when handling endodontic cases in today’s environment, it is equally important to stay true to the core values. Our core values are what brought Phoenix Endodontic Group so much success over the years.

Here are 3 important things to know about Phoenix Endodontic Group:

Patient Focused: We recognize that the needs, care and treatment of our patients are our number one priority. From her first day in private practice, Dr. Allen’s philosophy is to “treat patients the way I want to be treated.” This idea is the cornerstone of our operation at Phoenix Endodontic Group
State of the Art: At Phoenix Endodontic Group, we constantly invest in new technologies to keep ourselves on the cutting edge of endodontic therapy. Additionally, Dr. Allen and Dr. Wood spend a considerable amount of time continuing their education in the endodontic field. Both doctors believe strongly in learning and understanding the latest theories and techniques in the field of endodontics.
Best in Class Care: Our team is focused on making sure you receive the best care. From appointment scheduling, insurance billing and post treatment care we are there to serve our patients and referring offices. Our goal is to make sure that every patient is “delighted” by the service and care provided by Phoenix Endodontic Group.

At Phoenix Endodontic Group, we feel that doing all of the “little things” correctly and attention to detail are two things that separate us from other endodontic dental offices. We are proud of our successes and our team’s dedication to providing top care for our patients. These first 16 years have gone by quickly and we look forward to the next 16 years with the same philosophy and commitment to excellence!

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Top Three Questions to Ask Your Endodontist About Root Canals