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April 20, 2022 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen Leave a Comment

Why is a Rubber Dam Used During a Root Canal?

General dentists frequently work with endodontists on procedures, such as root canal treatments, designed to save natural teeth. Dentists often develop strong referral relationships with endodontists and may also place the crown that completes the root canal treatment. One topic, however, on which there is not general consensus between dentists and endodontists concerns the use of rubber dental dams during root canals.

A dental dam is a small sheet of latex or non-latex material that can have a hole punched in it so that the tooth a practitioner wants to work on is physically separated by the dam from the rest of a patient’s mouth. A 2015 survey revealed that only 47 percent of general dentists from a variety of backgrounds reported always using dental dams during root canals. In contrast, the American Association of Endodontists reaffirmed a position statement in 2017 asserting, “Tooth isolation using the dental dam is the standard of care; it is integral and essential for any nonsurgical endodontic treatment.”

Why are dental dams considered critical to endodontic care? Let’s look at the advantages when rubber dams are used during root canals and related procedures.

Why Endodontists Use A Rubber Dam During A Root Canal

  1. It isolates the tooth being worked on from bacteria in your saliva. This is important for maintaining a sterile environment for the tooth.

  2. It prevents water, debris, or anything else from going down your throat. This protects a patient from ingesting contaminants, fillers, or even cleaning tools used during a root canal.

  3. It keeps the treatment area dry. This allows many types of dental materials to bond properly.

  4. It can protect the gag reflex area, and create a feeling of separation of the rest of your body from the treatment area. These last two advantages can be especially important for clients who need a root canal but suffer from dental phobia.

“We use rubber dental dams in our practice during root canals to ensure we meet the highest standards of safety and quality,” says Dr. Jacqueline Allen, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Our endodontists are happy to explain their advantages. We also can answer questions about the use of dental dams or any other aspect of a root canal if you have any anxiety or concerns.” 

Filed Under: Blog, Endodontics, Phoenix Endodontic Group, Root Canal

March 24, 2022 By Dr. Susan Wood Leave a Comment

5 Tips To Avoid A Root Canal

Although advancements in technology and microsurgical techniques have made root canals more comfortable and less stressful, the procedure still requires significant investment of time, money, and care. Root canals aren’t inevitable, though – you can reduce your risk of needing one with targeted, proactive self-care.

The tips below can help you prevent a root canal. They focus on managing your risk of falling prey to the three major causes of root canals: tooth decay, infection, and injury. By diligently following these tips, you can greatly lower your chance of needing a root canal, or developing serious oral health problems.

Keeping Teeth Strong And Healthy: 5 Tips For Avoiding A Root Canal

  1. Brush your teeth twice a day. A twice-daily toothbrushing routine is the first line of defense against tooth decay, a major contributor to the type of dental pulp infections that require a root canal to resolve. Use an American Dental Association (ADA) approved fluoride toothpaste on a soft-bristled toothbrush.
  2. Floss your teeth once a day. This will amplify the effectiveness of brushing your teeth. Flossing cleans the 40 percent of tooth surfaces that cannot be reached by brushing.
  3. Strengthen your teeth with calcium-rich foods. Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese provide calcium to protect and build tooth enamel. You can also get calcium by eating green leafy vegetables, including bok choy, Brussels sprouts, and kale.
  4. Use care when you bite down. This tip applies any time you apply force with your teeth. Be careful eating foods like nuts or peanut brittle or hard pretzels. And if you use your “teeth as tools” to rip, tear, or clamp down on things – stop it!
  5. Wear a mouthguard for sports or workouts. Use a mouthguard when playing ANY sport where a collision or fall is possible. Mouthguards should also be worn during fitness activities such as rock climbing, hiking, or even cycling. To best avoid dental injury that could lead to a root canal, get your mouthguard professionally fitted.

“Chances of needing a root canal can be minimized with proper planning and the right habits,” says Dr. Susan L. Wood, an endodontist at Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, and always let them know if you experience any discomfort or symptoms indicating you need a root canal.”

Filed Under: Blog, Endodontics, Endodontist, Phoenix Endodontic Group, Root Canal

March 3, 2022 By Kevin Conroy Leave a Comment

Endodontist

Now Hiring Associate Endodontist


(Phoenix Location)

Now is the time to join a fast growing organization located in Central Phoenix Arizona. You will have opportunities to learn new skills from our team of experienced professionals. Our practice has invested in the latest clinical technology to provide patients with the best endodontic care found anywhere.  We utilize CBCT, surgical microscopes, TDO Software, Biolase & Fotona dental lasers, digital scanners, etc.

 

Are you coming to Phoenix in April for AAE 2022?
Call us today so we can schedule a time to meet you.
 If you’re ready to take your career to the next level and gain valuable experience,
don’t miss this opportunity.

Overview:
You’ve invested the time to become a great endodontist, now let us help you take your career further with more opportunity, experience leadership and one of the best tried and true practice models today.  We call it – “high tech – high touch”. As an endodontist working in an office supported by Our Team, you can rely on steady referrals (20 years in practice) as you will be providing patients of our referring (dentist) partners with high quality, efficient endodontic care.  You will have the ability to provide your patients the care they deserve and provide you with the opportunity to earn excellent income and have a balanced lifestyle without the worries of running a practice.

If you are interested in joining a respected endodontic practice with 20 years of experience. Submit your resume today! Email: kevin@drallenendo.com

Filed Under: Blog, Business, Endodontist, Phoenix Endodontic Group

January 21, 2022 By Dr. Susan Wood Leave a Comment

How Long Does a Root Canal Last?

The benefits of a root canal treatment when you have a tooth that is infected or injured are significant. First and foremost, you keep your tooth. Root canals also effectively reduce tooth pain, decrease the chance that serious dental infection will spread to adjacent teeth, and prevent the loss of bone density in the jaw, a common after-effect of tooth loss.

With all these advantages, the longer a root canal treatment can contribute to preserving a natural tooth, the better. The lifespan of a root canal treatment can vary considerably, depending on the circumstances. Here are several important factors that can play a role in how long your root canal treatment may last.

Dr. Susan Wood Root Canal Phoenix

Factors Impacting Root Canal Success

  1. Which tooth needs the root canal? The position of the compromised natural tooth will influence how complex the root canal procedure will be. Front teeth typically have only a single tooth root. Your molars, on the other hand, have two or even three root canals to be cleaned and filled, and will require a crown to protect the natural tooth afterward.

  2. How bad is the damage to the tooth? Severe tooth decay or a crack or chip in a tooth can lead to inflammation or infection so bad that an abscess forms. If the outer structure of the tooth is still intact, there is a better chance that a root canal will last longer.

  3. Who will perform the root canal? Endodontists are specialists in saving natural teeth. Surveys indicate that endodontists perform, on average, 25 root canals a week; general dentists average far fewer. One study found that 98 percent of root canals done by endodontists are successful, along with 90 percent done by general practitioners.

  4. Will additional treatment be needed? The overall health of the tooth impacts whether a root canal is the best treatment. If the structure of the tooth itself is weak, a post and core procedure may be performed after the root canal to help anchor the crown and hold the natural tooth together.

  5. Are you motivated to take care of your natural teeth? Patient involvement in the root canal process is critical to ensuring its long-term success. Contact your practitioner if you have unusual postoperative pain or if your temporary crown falls out; get the crown for the treated tooth promptly; and contact your dentist or endodontist if you have symptoms indicating tooth root infection at any point.

Dr. Susan L. Wood, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group, says, “Root canals can preserve natural teeth for years or even decades – and for some, they can last a lifetime. Our practice can instruct you in all the ways you can ensure your root-canal treated tooth stays healthy for as long as possible.” 

Filed Under: Blog, Endodontics, Endodontist, Phoenix Endodontic Group, Root Canal

January 19, 2022 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen Leave a Comment

Dr. Allen Offers Fotona Laser Root Canal Therapy

Safe, thorough & effective laser root canal treatment is now available at Phoenix Endodontic Group. SWEEPS® is an advanced method for cleaning the root canal system. Our state-of-the-art Fotona LightWalker® laser generates precise waves of energy to thoroughly clean the complex root canal system that traditional methods can sometimes miss.
SWEEPS® promises to represent an entirely new way of thinking about root canal therapy. With SWEEPS®, patients receive fast, safe, and effective root canal treatments.

SWEEPS® Endodontic Laser Treatment

Root canal  laser treatment successfully addresses a major disadvantage of classical root canal therapy, the inability to completely clean and disinfect complex root canal systems.
Advantages of and SWEEPS® Technologies:

  • Fast, Effective, and Minimally Invasive Treatments with Multiple Laser Technologies.
  • Increased Success Rates.
  • SSP and SWEEPS® deliver cleaning solutions throughout the tooth’s small nooks and crannies removing bacteria, dead tissue, and debris.
  • Reduced complications.
  • Less need for additional costly procedures such as surgery, retreatment or extractions, and implant therapy.
  • Increased patient safety.
  • Cleans the entire root canal anatomy without the risk of extruding cleaning solutions beyond the end of the root vs. GentleWave Technology.
  • Reduced removal of tooth structure = Reduced tooth fracture.

Ask how you can benefit from using Fotona Laser SWEEPS® treatment for your root canal.

Filed Under: Blog, Endodontics, Phoenix Endodontic Group, Root Canal

December 20, 2021 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen Leave a Comment

What Are The Advantages Of A Dental Implant?

Are you one of millions of Americans facing tooth loss? Many people today lose a tooth (or teeth) to decay, accident, or injury. Many more are lost due to periodontal disease (gum disease), which affects nearly 50% of Americans over age 30 and nearly 70% of those over age 65. Dental implants can offer a long-lasting, comfortable, realistic-appearing tooth substitute for one or more natural teeth. Here are some important points to consider when weighing whether dental implants are a solution of choice for you. 

Dr. Jacqueline Allen Phoenix Endodontist at microscope

What Are The Advantages Of A Dental Implant? 

  1. There’s no further damage caused to remaining teeth. Bridges and partial dentures both work by using remaining natural teeth as anchor points. Over time, this perpetual stress weakens the anchor teeth, which can lead painfully to further tooth loss and replacement. 
  2. Dental implants are in place for good, permanently. Partial or full dentures must be removed and cleaned daily with a special solution. Poorly-fitted dentures can slip, making eating and talking awkward and embarrassing. Dental implants, with proper care, can be expected to last 20 years, comfortably, non-slip! 
  3. Dental implants help fight bone loss. When you lose teeth, loss of bone in the jaw follows not long behind. Dental implants bond with the jawbone, helping to preserve and prolong its integrity, which in turn helps your jawbone maintain the natural contour of your face. Neither bridges nor dentures combat bone loss in the jaw, essentially allowing your face to inevitably develop that “caved-in” look. 
  4. Dental implants provide a realistic-looking replacement for missing or severely damaged teeth, allowing you to recover your ability to move confidently through life with a beautiful, natural smile. 

 Dental implants are not automatically the best choice for everyone. Some patients, for example, may need bone grafting to make dental implants an option. Other patients, especially those needing replacement of entire arches of teeth, may be put off by cost, although technology is making dental implants more affordable every day. 

 Your dentist or endodontist can help you determine whether dental implants might be right for you. If you have severely damaged or missing teeth, “Call us now,” encourages Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen of the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Make it a holiday gift to yourself to come in and see how we can help restore your smile with dental implants!” 

Filed Under: Blog, Dental Implants, Phoenix Endodontic Group

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

How Soon Should I Get a Crown After a Root Canal?

It seems that our schedules continue to get busier these days and are full of activities that need to be accomplished, particularly this time of year. If you are dealing with the challenge of an infected or injured tooth, you may wonder if you really have to schedule a dental appointment to place a permanent crown over a tooth that’s been treated with a root canal. There’s so much else to do!

You may ask,“Can’t I wait until early next year to schedule my crown appointment?” The short answer to that question is NO. Here are a few reasons why you should schedule your follow up appointment to receive your crown within one to three weeks after your root canal.

Dr. Wood looking in microscopeReasons Why You Should Not Delay Getting A Crown After Root Canal Treatment

  1. A longer wait means a longer period of being extra careful. Many of the instructions you receive after your root canal – especially the ones related to eating soft, bland foods – are designed to protect the temporary crown. If you wait longer to get a crown, you will have to continue that regimen.
  2. Until a final restoration (crown) is placed, your tooth remains at risk of further damage. A root canal-treated tooth can be more brittle after the procedure, and a permanent crown is needed to prevent future damage.
  3. Your tooth may suffer extra sensitivity without a crown. Some teeth treated by root canals can become more sensitive to heat or cold. Permanent crowns reduce this effect.
  4. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to have the temporary crown fall out. Your temporary crown is not secured to your tooth in the same way a permanent crown is. If it falls off, the chances that you will experience increased pain or reinfection can skyrocket, as can cost. Such situations often result in unplanned emergency trips to the dentist.
  5. A permanent crown gives your natural tooth the best shot at long-term survival. A study published in the May 2020 Journal of Endodontics reported that natural teeth treated with a permanent crown restoration have a survival rate of more than 90 percent over nine years. The extra layer of outer protection provided by the crown safeguards the interior protection offered by the root canal.

“Having a root canal is the first step to rescuing a compromised natural tooth,” says Dr. Susan L. Wood, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Having a permanent crown placed over that tooth within one to three weeks ensures a much higher level of certainty that your tooth repair will last a lifetime.”

Filed Under: Blog, Endodontics, Endodontist, Phoenix Endodontic Group, Root Canal

October 20, 2021 By Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen Leave a Comment

Who Should Do My Root Canal?

When you have a tooth that’s compromised by decay or injury, you need to move quickly to a treatment plan. You may also be suffering some significant pain, which can make it harder to think through your options.

It’s true that general dentists CAN do root canals, but often the best choice is to request a referral to an endodontist. Your general dentist probably has working relationships with several local endodontists, and they can suggest someone who is a good match for your scheduling and clinical needs.

Here are just a few of the many reasons why endodontists are the preferred provider for root canal treatments.

Why Should An Endodontist Do My Root Canal?

  1. Endodontists receive several years of additional training. After graduating from dental school, endodontists receive two to three years of additional specialty training, treating diseases of the soft tissues of the teeth, including the nerve pulp.
  2. Endodontists perform root canals more frequently than general dentists. The average general dentist performs fewer than two root canals a week; the average endodontist performs 25 per week. This means the endodontist will see a greater range of cases and have more experience in treating a variety of challenges that may emerge during the procedure.
  3. Endodontists are trained to use leading-edge technology and microsurgical techniques. Advances in root canal treatment in recent decades have made the procedure successful in more than 90 percent of cases.
  4. Endodontists frequently provide clinical consultations to general dentists on tough cases. General dentists, as noted earlier, often partner with nearby endodontists when they have patients who may need a root canal. This relationship means you can trust that the endodontic referral you receive was preceded by a clinical discussion of your specific needs and challenges.

“Root canals comprise most of an endodontist’s caseload – they are the most common treatment we deliver,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Patients can trust our years of specialized training, the techniques and equipment we have access to, as well as our relationships with local general dentists.”

 

Filed Under: Blog, Endodontics, Endodontist, Phoenix Endodontic Group, Root Canal

September 27, 2021 By Kevin Conroy Leave a Comment

In Memory of Carl Stewart

Carl StewartGoodbye to a friend of Phoenix Endodontic Group. We were all very sad to hear the news that Carl Stewart, our friend and handyman recently passed away. Since 2007, we could always count on Carl for repairs, remodeling and anything that needed to be fixed. We considered Carl as a part of our “work family” – he attended many of our company events. He helped us out of jams many, many times in the last 14 years. Our condolences go out to his family and other friends.

Filed Under: Blog, Phoenix Endodontic Group

September 23, 2021 By Dr. Susan Wood Leave a Comment

What Procedures Does an Endodontist Perform?

If you’ve been referred to a Phoenix endodontist and have never seen one before, you might wonder what services they provide. Endodontics is recognized as an official specialty field for dentists by the American Dental Association. Endodontists attend two to three years of additional training after graduating from dental school. During their post-graduate training, they receive instruction in advanced microsurgical techniques and learn the latest in effective pain management methods.

Here’s a quick look at the types of procedures Phoenix Endodontic Group performs as part of their mission to save natural teeth whenever possible.

Dr. Susan Wood looking in microscope

Procedures Performed By Phoenix Endodontists

  1. Root canals and root canal retreatments. Root canals are frequently how patients first meet an endodontist. The procedure preserves natural teeth by cleaning infection out of a tooth’s root canal, and replacing the nerve pulp inside of a tooth with biocompatible material. A crown is placed over the treated tooth to protect it. Root canal retreatments can fix things that go wrong with an initial root canal, such as new decay entering the tooth or the tooth being further fractured.
  2. Endodontic surgeries. Root canals, which are a non-surgical procedure, are typically very effective at treating a tooth threatened by infection or structural damage. Some cases require more intensive treatment. An apicoectomy is a surgery that treats damaged root surfaces or persistent infections in the bone surrounding the tooth. Recovery time for endodontic surgeries, just as for root canals, is usually brief. Postoperative discomfort is usually mild and easily remedied.
  3. Dental trauma treatment. Your Phoenix endodontist can help save a damaged tooth, but you must act quickly. Regardless of the level of damage to a tooth – from a small chip or crack to a tooth that’s been knocked out of your mouth – you need a full examination of your teeth and gums to determine the next steps to be taken. An endodontist has equipment, dental training, and experience to preserve a damaged tooth; they can determine if a root canal or another procedure is the best one to protect and preserve the structure of your tooth.
  4. Dental implants. More and more Phoenix endodontists are providing dental implant services for patients. The reasoning? All dentists receive training related to dental implants in dental school, with many endodontists receiving additional training in the placement of implants, as well. Endodontists are uniquely positioned to determine if a natural tooth can be saved. If a tooth cannot be saved, your endodontist can play a key role in the replacement of it.

“Phoenix Endodontic Group endodontists work closely with general dentists from across the Valley of the Sun to provide the best treatment results for all our patients,” says Dr. Susan L. Wood, of the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Together, we can diagnose, collaborate, and treat dental challenges, so each patient experiences the most positive outcome for their case.”

Filed Under: Blog, Endodontics, Endodontist, Phoenix Endodontic Group, Root Canal

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Featured Posts

Save Your Tooth Month

It’s fact - maintenance costs less than replacement. While dental implants provide hope … [Read More...]

Why is a Rubber Dam Used During a Root Canal?

General dentists frequently work with endodontists on procedures, such as root … [Read More...]

5 Tips To Avoid A Root Canal

Although advancements in technology and microsurgical techniques have made root canals … [Read More...]

Endodontist

Now Hiring Associate Endodontist (Phoenix Location) Now is the time to join a fast … [Read More...]

What are the 3 Types of Dental Implants?

When you are missing or have failing natural teeth, you may wonder if your only option is … [Read More...]








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Our mission: Provide our patients with the finest endodontic and root canal treatment available anywhere in Arizona. #RootCanal #Endodontist #Phoenix

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“Our job as endodontists is to preserve your ...

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May 23

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“Our job as endodontists is to preserve your natural teeth,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen. “From root canals to retreatments to apicoectomies and more, we have a broad range of options to bring your teeth back to full functioning.”

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“Your natural teeth are designed to normally function in your mouth flawlessly. Endodontic treatments keep that part of your body secure and working well, giving it the best chance of doing the job it was created to do for the rest of your life.” - Dr. Susan Wood.

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Dr. Allen is volunteering at Veterans Dental Day with #AZMOM today. She is here with other volunteers from dental offices around the valley at Rio Salado Dental Clinic.

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“There are many advantages to saving your natural teeth. Our practice can discuss strategies with you for treating compromised teeth with root canals and other endodontic treatments.” - Dr. Jacqueline Allen.

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