by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Mar 15, 2017 | Blog, Endodontics, Endodontist, Root Canal
Last month, this blog covered the top myths surrounding the root canal process, and we emphasized the importance of being a savvy Internet consumer when it comes to evaluating medical information. One of the factors involved in myths about root canals spreading across the web happens when readers confuse a description of what root canals used to be like with what the process is generally like today. Here is a brief list of “truths” about what patients typically experience during today’s root canals to help you better understand what you would experience if you were to need a root canal.
Today’s Truths About Root Canals
- Today’s root canals relieve pain, rather than cause discomfort. Many root canals are performed to relieve the pain of toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection. Modern endodontic techniques and anesthetics keep patients comfortable during the procedure, and after a brief healing period, many patients report their tooth feeling better than ever.
- Today’s root canals are often the best way to save your natural tooth. Often, by the time a root canal is called for, the tooth is either experiencing infection or inflammation of the pulp, or the tooth has been damaged by a fracture. Root canals and other endodontic treatments can often preserve the natural tooth, avoiding the loss of function and appearance change that comes with having the tooth extracted.
- Today’s root canals can last a lifetime! While much depends on how well you care for your teeth and gums after the root canal is performed, if your mouth remains healthy, it is likely your natural tooth that’s been treated with a root canal can stick around as long as you do. It’s important to ensure the crown that’s placed on top of the treated tooth remains structurally sound, because it is your first line of defense against infection or decay that could compromise the tooth.
“It’s very important to get up-to-date information on root canals, since today’s procedure is unlike what your relatives or friends may have experienced a generation – or even a decade – ago,” says Dr. Allen, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “The truth is, getting a root canal today is very likely to offer permanent relief from pain in your natural tooth that’s caused by infection or dental injury.”
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Jan 18, 2017 | Blog, Dentistry, Endodontics, Endodontist, Phoenix Endodontic Group
When we make an appointment to see an endodontist, there is usually a pressing reason to do so: an infected tooth needs a root canal, a tooth has been dislodged or knocked out and needs to be placed back in the mouth, etc. While we can’t always avoid situations that lead us to needing endodontic treatment, there are actions we can take that will lower our risk of suffering infected or damaged teeth. Here are a few dental care tips to get your new year off to a great start.
Dental Care Tips for 2017: Priorities for Protecting Your Teeth!
- Prevent tooth decay. Help your natural teeth remain strong by protecting them from plaque by brushing twice daily and flossing once a day. The way your toothbrush is held makes a difference as to how effective your brushing is. The right way to brush your teeth is by holding your toothbrush at a small angle against your teeth. Don’t brush too hard – that just irritates your gums.
- Take care of your gums. Speaking of gums, if you skip out on building a daily oral hygiene regimen and don’t show up for your regular dental check-ups – which gives dental professionals a chance to examine the state of your oral health and clean your teeth thoroughly – you may end up with a gum disease such as gingivitis or periodontitis. Gum diseases produce almost no outward symptoms until they are quite advanced, so it’s important to focus on prevention and receiving regular dental care.
- Protect your teeth from damage. There’s a lot you can do to prevent your teeth from becoming damaged. First and foremost, if you play a contact sport, use a mouth guard. Teeth can also become cracked or chipped through grinding one’s teeth (bruxism), or biting down on a food such as nuts or hard candy. Sometimes the damage to your teeth is not visible to the naked eye; it’s always a good idea to have your dentist examine your teeth if you have symptoms such as only being able to chew on one side of your mouth due to pain, or having a tooth that’s extra sensitive to hot or cold foods.
“Even though proper dental care can’t guarantee that you won’t need to see an endodontist in 2017, it will improve your dental health overall, and that should help you bounce back from any challenges to your teeth that might come your way,” says Dr. Allen, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group.
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Dec 28, 2016 | Blog, Endodontist
If you’ve received a referral to a Phoenix endodontist, you know that your general dentist wants your oral health issues to be assessed by a specialist. While the extra training and experience that an endodontist receives can reassure you that your teeth are receiving the best care possible, it also can be helpful to understand precisely how endodontists do their work. Here’s a brief look at how your Phoenix endodontist will work to save your smile and preserve your natural teeth whenever possible.
How Phoenix Endodontists Can Save Your Smile
An endodontist can save teeth impacted by decay with several different procedures.You’ve probably heard about root canals and know that endodontists perform them to save natural teeth compromised by decay and/or infection. However, they also can perform a retreatment if a tooth treated by root canal shows signs of the infection returning; or they can treat a compromised tooth with an apicoectomy when infections persist in the bony area around the root of the tooth.
An endodontist can save teeth injured by trauma. Many patients are aware that root canal treatments are done by Phoenix endodontists when a tooth has become infected or suffers from decay; fewer are aware that endodontists are frequently recommended as the specialist to see when a natural tooth is cracked, chipped or even knocked out of one’s mouth! Damaged natural teeth often suffer disruption to their root canals, which opens up the possibility of the tooth pulp becoming infected. Endodontic treatment can ensure the tooth will be healthy enough to remain in the mouth.
An endodontist can save teeth with the use of cutting-edge technology. One of the reasons endodontists have become so successful in saving natural teeth is because improvements in materials and instruments used in endodontic treatments have revolutionized the field over the past 30 years. Today, endodontists are reviewing the use of lasers for more effective disinfection, computed tomography imaging (CBCT) to get a 3-D view of a patient’s tooth, and other technologies to make treatment of your natural teeth faster, safer, less painful and more effective than ever.
“Your Phoenix endodontist is an important ally in keeping your smile healthy and whole,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Our specialty has many ways to help you preserve your natural teeth for a lifetime!”
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Dec 7, 2016 | Blog, Cracked Teeth, Endodontics, Endodontist
There are several different types of cracks that teeth can develop and they have a wide variety of symptoms. The most common symptom that you may have a tooth that is cracked is unpredictable pain with chewing especially with the release of the biting pressure. Some patients experience pain with hot or cold, while others may continue to only have occasional biting sensitivity. In many cases, the pain is very episodic and can refer to other areas of the mouth, which may make it difficult for the patient and the dentist, to determine which tooth is the source of the discomfort.
Because there are various types of cracked teeth and the severity of the crack determines which treatment is best for the patient.
- A cracked tooth implies that a crack in the hard, exterior portion of the tooth has extended internally. If the crack does not affect the pulp, then a crown will be needed to save the tooth. If the pulp is affected, then a root canal procedure and a crown will be necessary. If the crack extends past the pulp and into the root structure below the bone, then the tooth should, in most cases, be removed.
- A split tooth is often the result of a long-standing crack that was never treated and therefore creates distinct segments that can be separated. The tooth cannot be saved intact, but depending on the position of the crack, a portion of the tooth may be saved with a root canal procedure.
A vertical root fracture is one that starts in the root structure and extends toward the chewing surface. These teeth rarely show symptoms and therefore, can sometimes go unnoticed until the surrounding gum tissue and bone become infected. The majority of these teeth must be extracted due to the prolonged progression of disease by the time the issue is discovered.
A cracked tooth does not only affect the surface. Several layers of a tooth can be victims of the crack, depending on the size. Under the outer, hard, white layer of enamel, is a softer substance called dentin and inside of that, is the dental pulp, which contains the nerves and blood vessels and is what is removed during a root canal procedure. A cracked tooth is painful because when the outer hard tissues of the tooth are cracked, chewing on it can cause the pieces to move which can irritate the pulp. Eventually the repeated stress on the pulp will damage it irreparably. This will lead eventually to is death and infection to the tooth, and possibly the surrounding gum and bone.
Unfortunately, cracks in teeth do not heal; even when treated, they may continue to progress and separate, which may result in the loss of the tooth. Placing a crown on a cracked tooth is the best way to provide maximum protection, but is no guarantee that the treatment will be successful, long-term. However, once these teeth are treated properly and in a timely fashion, they can continue to function for a lifetime.
Cracking a tooth may not always be preventable, but there are some things that you can do to help make your teeth less susceptible to cracks.
- Avoid chewing on extremely hard objects, such as ice, popcorn kernels that are unpopped, hard candy or other extremely hard objects.
- Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth if you are aware.
- If you clench or grind your teeth at night when it is impossible to control, discuss a professional night guard or retainer with your dentist.
- Always wear a protective guard when engaging in contact sports.
The overall outcome for the tooth, and the type of treatment necessary to help save it, varies, depending on type, location and extent of the crack. If a patient is concerned that they may have a cracked tooth, it is imperative to see your endodontist (this is someone who specializes in saving cracked teeth) as soon as possible. The more time that passes without treatment, the greater the risk of the fracture growing in size and spreading into the root, which would necessitate an extraction of the tooth.
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Dec 5, 2016 | Blog, Endodontics, Endodontist, Phoenix Endodontic Group
At Phoenix Endodontic Group, we believe that our staff is what makes our practice so special! As a part of our employee spotlight series, this month, we are highlighting the work of our C.E.O. and Operations Manager, Kevin Conroy!
Q: Tell us a little about yourself—where are you from? Where did you get your degree?
A: I am originally from New York, but I have also lived in Virginia. I got my degree from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Q: Have you always worked in the dental industry?
A: No, I used to be work for corporate finance at AT&T Capital and Wells Fargo financial leasing.
Q: How did you end up at Phoenix Endodontic Group?
A: My wife is Dr. Allen, and she wanted to grow the business, so I joined on. I serve as the C.E.O. and Operations Manager here at Phoenix Endodontic Group.
Q: What is your favorite part of working at Phoenix Endodontic Group?
A: No two days are ever the same here! I also love using state-of-the-art technology in order to deliver the very best services to our patients.
Q: What is a piece of advice you would offer to patients?
A: Don’t fear the endodontist! The process is not painful for most people.
Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of working at Phoenix Endodontic Group?
A: We treat our patients and referring offices the way we wish to be treated. We value integrity, honesty, and providing the finest endodontic care found anywhere.
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.
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Jul 14, 2016 | Blog, Endodontist, Root Canal
If your tooth has become compromised due to disease or injury, you may be wondering what a Scottsdale endodontist can do to help you. Since even the best dental implant doesn’t function as well as your natural tooth can, it’s important to understand how Scottsdale endodontists can save your natural teeth. Here’s a brief overview of the work that these dental specialists are trained to do.
How A Scottsdale Endodontist Can Save Your Teeth
- Endodontists’ training as dental specialists focuses on preserving the inside of your tooth. Endodontists receive two to three years of training beyond general dentistry, learning how to treat problems with the pulp inside your teeth and how to diagnose and treat problems in your root canals.
- Endodontists have access to special tools and materials to treat a damaged natural tooth. They are trained in the use of special cleaning files to remove infection from a root canal. They use the sealant gutta-percha to permanently seal off tooth roots that have experienced severe infection, and they prepare the tooth to be permanently protected by receiving a crown (and sometimes a post as well) to shore up the structure of the tooth. Because root canals often permanently resolve the damage to a natural tooth, in the long run, they can prove to be less costly and less invasive than opting for a dental implant.
- Endodontists are able to use a variety of procedures to save your natural tooth. Root canals are only one of the treatments that endodontists can utilize to preserve a compromised natural tooth. They can do a root canal retreatment if needed, as well as specialized procedures such as an apicoectomy.
- Endodontists are experts in relieving tooth pain. Scottsdale endodontists are able to quickly diagnose even baffling tooth pain, ensuring your natural tooth gets treated at the earliest possible moment.
“You don’t have to live with dental pain or have damaged natural teeth extracted,” says Dr. Allen, a Phoenix endodontist who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Endodontic treatment can save your natural teeth and preserve your quality of life!”
