Goodbye 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.
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.
“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. Allen 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.”
This month, the entire country paused to reflect on the 20-year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks that shook us all in September 2001. What also occurred in September 2001 was Dr Jacqueline Allen opening her own endodontic specialty practice in Phoenix, AZ. Dr. Allen purchased the practice of Dr. Martin Goldman – his office was located at 19th Avenue & Tuckey Lane in Phoenix, AZ.
Over the years, Dr. Allen grew her business by acquiring the endodontic specialty offices of Dr. Charles L. Siroky and Dr. Joseph S. Dovgan. In 2014, Dr. Susan Wood joined the practice and we began using the trade name “Phoenix Endodontic Group.”
“Over the last 20 years, I have been blessed to work with some of the best dentists in the Phoenix area”, said Dr. Allen. “I am humbled by the confidence they place in me to take the very best care possible for their patients.”
For 20 years, the Phoenix Endodontic Group has been able to grow and prosper due to the hard work of all of the staff we have had on our team during this time. A special mention goes to Suzie Salas who since 2007 has been Dr. Allen’s main assistant. Additionally, since 2012, Kim Rowell has provided front office, administrative and PR support to our practice. It takes a team effort to be able to provide the best in class service we are known for.
Our patients are the reason we are here in the first place. Dr. Allen and her team are grateful for the opportunities we have had to meet and treat such wonderful people. “My life has been enriched by meeting, treating and getting to know some amazing individuals”, said Dr. Allen. “My patients mean the world to me.” One of the biggest compliments Dr. Allen receives is when a patient self-refers themselves to our practice because of the care they received (and remember) on a prior visit.
Dentistry as a profession has changed significantly over the last 20 years. Dr. Allen has made it a priority to always be on the technological cutting edge. Use of CBCT’s, dental lasers and a huge investment in Continuing Education has helped Dr. Allen provide care using the latest technologies to go along with her “patient first” philosophy and approach.
We do not normally take the time to celebrate milestones, but all of us at Phoenix Endodontic Group feel that a 20- year anniversary is very special. We want to thank everyone who has had a role in our success over the years: our staff, patients, and referring partners alike. We look forward to another 20 years of providing the best endodontic care that can be found anywhere.
Nothing can replace an in-depth conversation with your dental provider if you want to clearly understand your oral health. At no time is this more true than when you’ve been told you have failing natural teeth and might want to consider dental implants.
We’ve compiled a list of questions that will help guide your conversation with your dentist and help you understand the why, how, and what of dental implant procedures.
Top Dental Implant Questions “Dental implants are an excellent choice for many patients, but we find the most success when patients understand why they are receiving implants and what it takes to care for them,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen of the Phoenix Endodontic Group.
While persistent pain is a common sign that a tooth is in trouble and may need root canal treatment, it isn’t the only indicator. If your tooth doesn’t hurt but you have other symptoms, you shouldn’t ignore the problem until it DOES.
To understand why pain should not be your only indicator to check with your endodontist to see if you need a root canal, let’s look at how dental professionals assess a potential root canal case.
When you go to the endodontist to be evaluated for a root canal, they will take x-rays of your teeth, as well as examine your mouth and gums carefully, performing tests to determine if your tooth’s nerve pulp is damaged. They will ask you questions about symptoms you may be experiencing. Some conditions that will definitely get their attention include:
“Tooth pain can indicate a variety of dental conditions best treated with prompt intervention,” says Dr. Allen, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “However, pain is not the only or even sometimes the most reliable signal that something needs attention. Your endodontist has the equipment and the experience to evaluate your symptoms and discuss whether a root canal or another type of procedure is needed to return your mouth and gums to full health.”
Although root canal treatments have an overall success rate that exceeds 90 percent, patients who have never needed endodontic treatment may be concerned with how much time it will take to recuperate. The good news is that most people can go back to work or school the day after a root canal treatment. However, it often requires two visits to complete a root canal, spaced out over several weeks’ time, depending on individual circumstances.
You can make your recovery after a root canal treatment as smooth as possible by following a few simple guidelines in the hours, days, and weeks after treatment.
Root Canal Treatment Recovery TipsHours after your procedure: It’s possible to experience discomfort after your root canal, but this is usually mild to moderate for most people and can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. You can protect your newly treated tooth by making sure that you:
Days after your procedure: If you had pain before your procedure, it’s possible you’ll have sensitivity in the tooth that received the root canal treatment. If over-the-counter pain relievers are not effective, you should contact your endodontist for further instructions. Also, while you should immediately resume brushing and flossing after your root canal, take extra special care with the area around the affected tooth so as not to dislodge the temporary filling that the endodontist placed over the root canal to keep it sanitary and protected.
Weeks after your procedure: Any discomfort you have in the days after your root canal should subside quickly. If the pain does not go away, or increases, call your endodontist for a recheck. Pain can be an indicator that the tooth has become re-infected, or has an undetected crack.
Also, you should make an appointment with your endodontist for some weeks after your initial root canal treatment to have a permanent restoration, usually a crown, placed over the top of the treated tooth. This is essential to keeping your natural tooth healthy for a lifetime.
“One of the most essential tools when recovering from a root canal treatment is open communication with your endodontist,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Your practitioner can help you understand how your recovery is progressing, and evaluate whether follow-up care is needed.”