by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Feb 6, 2024 | Blog, Endodontist, GentalWave, Root Canal
Like carpenters (or stock brokers), endodontists rely on tools of the trade to do their work. Members of both professions have plenty of tools to help them get the job done. Not all tools are created equal for specific tasks, however. Both a screwdriver and a hammer can be used to pound a nail into a board, but the hammer is the better-suited choice.
When performing root canals, endodontists now have a tool better than the metal files of old for cleaning tooth roots. Practitioners at Phoenix Endodontic Group now turn to the GentleWave system to perform root canals. Here’s a quick look at its advantages over traditional root canal tools.
Why GentleWave Beats Them All
- The GentleWave System is minimally invasive. It uses multisonic wave pressure to move specially formulated fluid through your tooth roots. No scraping.
- GentleWave can clean your root canals more completely than traditional tools. A cascade of bubbles moves like a whirlwind, descending then rising out of the canal. This flushes bacteria and biofilm from the tooth, no matter how complex the canal’s shape.
- Most patients feel little or no pain during a GentleWave root canal. An ongoing clinical trial by dental technology provider Sonendo, Inc., reported that 99.5 percent of enrolled patients experienced no pain during a GentleWave root canal utilizing CleanFlow Technology.
- Root canal treatment time is reduced when GentleFlow is used. Many root canal patients can now receive their treatment in a single session. (The necessary final crown will be placed in a later visit.)
“The GentleWave System has revolutionized how root canals are performed,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen of Phoenix Endodontic Group. “It provides a faster, more complete cleaning of root canals with less discomfort. Because of this, we are confident GentleWave is the best option for most patients’ root canal therapy.”
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Jan 23, 2024 | Blog, Endodontics, Team Spotlight
In the bustling world of endodontics, where precision and care are paramount, one individual stands out as part of the heartbeat of Phoenix Endodontic Group. Meet Vivian Dionicio, one of our practice dental Assistants, whose dedication and infectious enthusiasm make her an invaluable asset to our team. We are pleased to explore her role at Phoenix Endodontic Group and the unique qualities that define her in this Q&A.
Full Name: Vivian Dionicio
Job Title: Dental Assistant
What’s the day-to-day of your role like?: Greeting patients, assisting doctor with patients during treatment, keeping office running smoothly.
What are 3 words to describe Phoenix Endodontic Group?: Friendly, Empathetic, Sincere.
Before working at Phoenix Endodontic Group, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?: Licensed Esthetician.
First Job: Sonic Drive-In.
Do you have any hobbies?: Gym, Hiking, Bike Riding.
Favorite food: Chipotle.
Favorite book: The 5 Languages of Love.
Favorite movie: Selena, the movie.
Something on your bucket list: Travel to Greece, Hot Air Balloon.
Guilty pleasure: Chocolate, Frozen Yogurt
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Jan 3, 2024 | Blog, Root Canal
Preparation is like power tools – you can get things done without it, but why would you want to? Understanding what may happen when referred to an endodontist for root canal therapy can make the difference between approaching the experience with anxiety or with confidence, maybe even excitement (yes, really!).
Talk with your dental treatment team about the five aspects of root canal therapy listed below before your treatment is scheduled. Do, and you’ll be prepared for most parts of the procedure. You will also be ready to play an active part in your own healing.
5 Things You Should Know Before Root Canal Therapy Begins
1. If root canal therapy is the best choice for you. Your endodontist can provide a clear treatment plan for your failing natural tooth. They will perform a preliminary examination and discuss whether root canal therapy can save your tooth, or whether another option is a better fit.
2. Do you need to take antibiotics before your therapy begins? Many teeth needing root canals are infected from decay or injury. Your practitioner may prescribe oral antibiotics to fight any active infections.
3. Post-procedure instructions from your endodontist. You will go home with a sheet of instructions, including what foods to eat, how to care for your tooth after the root canal, and activities to avoid for the first few days.
4. What to do if you have pain after your root canal therapy. Root canals usually relieve pain rather than causing it. Sharp pain after a root canal may indicate more treatment is needed. Your endodontist will provide a number to call (both during and after working hours) if you experience pain and need to be examined immediately.
5. When to schedule follow-ups with your endodontist and dentist. Your specific damage and treatment may need a follow-up with your endodontist. Otherwise, once the tooth treated with root canal therapy has begun healing, you will visit your general dentist for a crown or other restoration atop your root canal, ensuring years of protection for your natural tooth.
“We equip our patients with the knowledge to feel comfortable and informed before root canal therapy,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontics Group. “Understanding what to expect improves healing and the procedure’s success.”
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Dec 11, 2023 | Blog, Endodontics, Team Spotlight
Learn more about our endodontic care team at Phoenix Endodontic Group in our Team Spotlight
As we embrace the festive spirit of December, we’re thrilled to shine the light on one of our exceptional endodontists at Phoenix Endodontic Group. This month, let’s get to know one of the top endodontists in our endodontic practice – Dr. James F. Wolcott, IV.
We had a Q&A with Dr. Wolcott:
Full Name:Dr. James F. Wolcott, IV
Job Title: Endodontist
Educational Background:
-
-
- Dental School: University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
- General Practice Residency (GPR): University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
- Endodontic Program: Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
First job in healthcare: Orderly at a nursing home in North Carolina during my junior year of high school.
Why you became an Endodontist: I have a knack for working in my mind’s eye.
Do you have any hobbies? Karting with my son.
Hobbies: Enjoying karting adventures with my son.
Culinary Delight: Chilaquiles
Literary Favorite: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Top Movie Pick: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Guilty Pleasure: Indulging in the nostalgia of 80’s hair metal music.
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Dec 4, 2023 | Blog, Endodontics, Endodontist, Root Canal
Root canal treatment of a damaged or infected natural tooth can enable it to last a lifetime. However, like most treatments, you as the patient must do your part to ensure your procedure is successful.
Proper root canal treatment aftercare can be divided into things you should do immediately after the procedure, during recovery week, and things you should do over the long run. Let’s take a look at each set of instructions so you’ll be well prepared when you have your root canal treatment.
Aftercare Tips: Immediately After Your Root Canal Treatment
Do not eat for several hours after your root canal. This allows the local anesthesia to wear off – you will avoid biting injuries due to numbness.
Do not smoke after your root canal treatment. Smoking tobacco impedes healing.
Make sure you have antibiotics prescribed by your endodontist. This allows you to continue to fight any infection in your tooth.
Keep the endodontist’s contact information handy in case there is post-procedure pain. You should NOT have excruciating pain after a root canal – if you do, call the office so they can look into what is happening.
Aftercare Tips: The Week After Your Root Canal Treatment
Do not bite down using the tooth that received the root canal. Until you’ve had a permanent restoration (usually a crown) placed, you could lose your temporary filling by putting biting pressure on the tooth.
Stick to soft foods while your mouth is healing. You can choose from delicious options that include scrambled eggs, smoothies, yogurt, pasta, noodle dishes, mashed potatoes, meatloaf, hummus, cooked vegetables, or sorbets.
Ease back into your regular activities. You can go to work in a day or two, and start exercising a few days after that. When in doubt, don’t push things; let your body guide recovery.
Aftercare Tips: When Your Root Canal Treatment Is Finished
Make sure you get the permanent restoration (usually a crown) placed over your root canal. This one step is critical to protecting the root canal and cannot be skipped.
Continue to brush and floss daily. You can care for your tooth that received the root canal as you would any natural tooth after the healing stage is complete.
Visit your general dentist regularly. They will monitor your overall oral health and can refer you to an endodontist if you need another root canal or a root canal retreatment.
“Most of the steps that we ask our patients to take after a root canal treatment are simple, but they should be followed closely,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, who practices with Phoenix Endodontics Group. “We are happy to discuss how to follow aftercare instructions and why they are important.”
