Endodontics is a branch of dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association involving treatment of the pulp (root canal) and surrounding tissues of the tooth. When you look at your tooth in the mirror, what you see is the crown. The rest of the tooth, the portion hidden beneath the gum line, is called the root. Though the outer portion of the root is a hard tissue called dentin, the inside channel or "root canal" contains a pulp of soft tissue, blood vessels and nerves. Bacteria that are introduced into the pulp as a result of tooth decay, periodontal disease, tooth fracture or other problems, can severely damage the pulp. When that happens, an endodontic specialist removes the diseased pulp to save the tooth and prevent further infection and inflammation. After successful endodontic treatment, the tooth continues to perform normally.
No. While x-rays will be necessary during your endodontics treatment, we use an advanced non-film computerized system, called digital radiography, that produces radiation levels up to 90 percent lower than those of already low dose conventional dental x-ray machinery. These digital images can be optimized, archived, printed and sent to cotherapists via e-mail or diskette. For more information contact Schick Technologies, Inc.
Again, there's no need for concern. We adhere to the most rigorous standards of infection control advocated by OSHA, the Centers for Disease Control and the American Dental Association. We utilize autoclave sterilization and barrier techniques to eliminate any risk of infection.
When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. You should contact his office for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of completion at our office. Your restorative dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond.
In addition to digital radiography, we utilize special operating microscopes. Magnification and fiber optic illumination are helpful in aiding the doctor to see tiny details inside your tooth. Also, a tiny video camera on the operating microscope can record images of your tooth to further document the doctor's findings.
The KODAK 9000 3D System gives our practice the ability to take powerful 3D images, while using less radiation. The unit captures high-quality images and allows our practice to perform a wider range of diagnoses and treatments in the office, helping reduce multiple visits and rescheduling, saving our patients time and money.
Three-dimensional technology allows doctors to better visualize their patients' dentition, without having to send patients for radiology scans. Viewing an unprecedented level of anatomical detail helps practitioners diagnose more accurately and treat with confidence.
This unique “two-in-one” system (3D and panoramic) is well suited for dental professionals who regularly perform complex diagnostic, restorative, surgical, and endodontic procedures. The highest resolution imaging capabilities provided by this unit will enable clinicians to detect lesions with more accuracy. This breakthrough technology provides unprecedented x-ray views of the oral cavity.
Periapical and panoramic radiography have been augmented by the recent introduction of high-resolution cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), allowing 3D assessment of oral lesions, canal morphology, retreatment cases, root fractures, implants, and so forth. Because the 9000 system focuses only on the area in need of diagnosis, the amount of radiation exposure is significantly reduced, delivering 10-30 times less exposure than other dental radiography systems.
Comfortable patient positioning and wheelchair accessibility make this unit patient-friendly. The system enables doctors to perform a wider range of diagnoses and treatments in the office, helping reduce multiple visits, saving patients time and making the treatment more affordable.
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Address: 3641 10th Street North, Suite A • Naples, FL 34103 • Phone: (239) 261-3017
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