by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Aug 31, 2015 | Blog, Endodontics, Endodontist, Phoenix Endodontic Group, Root Canal
If you are making an appointment to visit our office, chances are your dentist suspects you may need a root canal. The reasons for needing a root canal vary – perhaps you may be experiencing pain, swelling and sensitivity to heat or cold. You may not have symptoms at all, but your dentist may see something on the x-ray that makes a tooth look “suspicious.” Whatever it is that brings you to a Phoenix endodontist, if you know what to expect at your first visit you can help to manage your expectations accordingly.
It has been said that there are three fears when visiting a dentist: time, money, and pain. Let’s examine those three fears:
Time: A visit to the Phoenix Endodontic Group is not much different than a visit to your dentist. If you are being seen on an emergency basis, staff will be working you in between scheduled patients and will do their best to see that you are comfortable and as pain free as possible as you wait to see the endodontist. Be aware that cases seen by Phoenix endodontists can be more difficult and complex than routine dental visits. This means that the endodontist may have to spend a little more time with the patient before you to take care of their needs. Be assured that both Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, and Dr. Allen will spend whatever time is necessary with you – to alleviate your pain and discomfort.
Money: Receiving quality dental care does indeed cost money and having a root canal is no exception. As you would do before going to make any purchase, be prepared for the financial discussion at the endodontic office. If you have dental insurance it is a good idea to present your insurance card or at least have basic information regarding your dental plan before you go for your appointment. The treatment coordinator will assist with obtaining information from the insurance company, filing the claim, etc. Bear in mind that your benefits represent an agreement between you and your dental insurance company – the endodontic office tries to help facilitate the process, however at times it may be necessary for you to communicate directly with the insurance company for detailed information and questions. The dental insurance company is prohibited by law from discussing certain aspects of coverage with anyone other than you.
Pain: No one likes to hurt – no one likes tooth pain. The endodontists at Phoenix Endodontic Group specialize in alleviating tooth pain and discomfort and get you back to feeling normal as quickly as possible. Over the counter pain medication such as Tylenol, Advil and Alleve are all very effective in fighting pain, swelling and discomfort associated with tooth pain. Additionally, antibiotics such as Amoxicillin will be prescribed to combat infections and a small percentage of patients may require stronger, prescription pain relievers.
The endodontist’s office is usually not first on anyone’s list as a place to hang out. If you ever have to visit one of our Phoenix endodontists, rest assured that we have the experience to treat you with competence and compassion. We will help you to get through the issue that brought you to our office in the first place – and help to manage those three fears: time, money and pain.
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Feb 16, 2015 | Blog, Endodontics, Endodontist, General Information
A day in the life of your Phoenix Endodontic Group brings many different types of cases into the office. One common visitor who comes in for Dr. Allen’s expertise is the candy connoisseur. You may know what too many sweets can do to your waistline, but do you know what effect it may have on your teeth?
Sugar is a highly toxic substance to your tooth enamel and is present in many types of food and drinks. Soda, fruit juices, cookies and candy are all prime culprits that cause tooth decay, especially if allowed to linger in your mouth. Ingestion of sugar promotes the plaque that eats away at your teeth. A particularly bad type of sweet is sticky candy. Soft sticky candies often get caught between the teeth and if you aren’t a good flosser, can cause cavities in that area, says Dr. Allen.
Another dental problem could be caused by eating hard candy. Extremely hard candies that are “chewed” can also cause damage (cracks) to the tooth, explains Dr. Allen. This type of damage allows bacteria to invade the tooth and infect the inner pulp and root system. Eventually a problem of this nature may require your endodontist to perform a root canal. If you are going to consume hard candies, avoid biting or chewing them, especially with your more vulnerable front teeth.
As well-intentioned as patients are in their desires to follow a healthy diet and practice good dental habits, no one is perfect in either arena. If you are going to enjoy a sugary snack, then always attempt to brush afterward. If that is not possible, then rinsing your mouth out with water can help, but minimally, states Dr. Allen. Be as diligent as possible in flossing after sticky treats.
Sugar is acceptable in moderation, especially if you practice good dental habits when you eat sweets. However, it is far more common that it will cause problems with your teeth. If you are a lover of these kinds of treats, talk to Dr. Allen, your Phoenix endodontist, for advice on how to prevent dental damage.
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Aug 4, 2014 | Blog, Endodontics, Endodontist, Root Canal
Avoidance is a problem that often leads patients to postpone visiting their Phoenix Endodontist. Many have waited too long for their root canal, and are now in major pain. Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen of Phoenix Endodontic Group explains why you should never wait to have a root canal done.
When your dentist has told you that you need a root canal, you may have many emotions and may not take action immediately. Dr. Allen observes a few common reasons people put off their root canal: The three biggest fears of dental treatment are #1- Time (this will take too long), #2 – Pain (I hate going to the dentist, it always makes me hurt), and #3 – Money (patients don’t want to spend their hard earned money on an emergency dental procedure). While all of these reactions are reasonable, delaying the procedure will make things worse.
Your Phoenix Endodontist frequently has a bigger job ahead if you’ve waited to have a root canal. More extensive work may be required, or you may lose the chance to save the tooth altogether. The biggest risk is that a patient can develop an infection that becomes difficult to control. Additionally, waiting too long puts the patient at risk for having to have the tooth extracted. Waiting too long could cause the tooth to be condemned. A tooth with a damaged nerve or deep infection will not get better on its own.
Having a root canal done immediately after being told you need one provides several advantages. When the problem is caught early, it may be resolved more quickly and successfully. You’ll suffer less pain since you’ve dealt with it quickly. You are less likely to need the tooth pulled, which would result in the added expense of bone grafts and tooth implants down the road. You’ll prevent other medical issues that can occur as a result of the infection present in the tooth.
If you are told that you need a root canal, act quickly. Call Dr. Allen, your Phoenix Endodontist, to bring your smile back to life!
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Jul 7, 2014 | Blog, Endodontics, Endodontist
Patients go to Phoenix Endodontist Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen for dental situations requiring expert or specialized care. One advanced procedure performed by Dr. Allen is called an Apicoectomy, which is a microsurgery performed when the root of the tooth is endangered.
To understand an apicoectomy, knowing about the structure of a tooth is helpful. Your tooth is made of a hard outer coating surrounding a soft pulp. Within this pulp are the tooth’s blood vessels and nerves, which extend through the root of your tooth. The tooth’s root(s) come to a point called the apex. When this point is compromised by infection, it becomes necessary to remove it is an apicoectomy.
Often, a previous root canal therapy that became infected or did not completely remove existing infection can be the cause of a problematic apex. Non-healing previously treated teeth are most likely to need apicoectomy. Sometimes the tooth has a large post that is hard to remove or the restorative on the coronal aspect of the tooth is compromised too much if trying to drill through it. Anatomical considerations can be a factor as well, Dr. Allen states.
During the apicoectomy, Dr. Allen will make a miniscule incision in your gum near the troublesome tooth. Through this access point, she enters the root structure of the tooth. With the help of a microscope and special tools, Dr. Allen removes the infected apex and ensures any infection in the surrounding area is thoroughly cleaned away. Once this process is complete, Dr. Allen cleans and seals the end of the tooth canal.
While you are recovering from your apicoectomy, you’ll want to heed a few details. Take care not to brush in the area until sutures are removed, Dr. Allen advises. “Use an ice pack to reduce any swelling that may occur and no heavy activity or exercise.”
If you need root canal therapy, it’s best to go to an endodontic expert like Dr. Allen to ensure the best outcome and minimize your risk for a future apicoectomy. If you are already facing this procedure, call Dr. Allen at Phoenix Endodontic Group immediately for the best outcome!
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Jun 9, 2014 | Blog, Endodontics, Endodontist, Featured, Root Canal
Chances are that most adults know of root canal treatment, but may not know what it involves. Root canal therapy is an extremely effective way to repair cracked or decaying teeth and prevent tooth loss. Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen of Phoenix Endodontic Group explains how this procedure can help you restore a bad tooth and why you shouldn’t be fearful of a root canal.
Gone are the days when root canal treatment was a major ordeal that left a patient in pain. With today’s methods and technology, many patients report minimal discomfort and compare it to having a filling done.
During the procedure, the infected pulp of the tooth is removed, the inside cleaned thoroughly, and the tooth refilled. This process restores the structure of the tooth. Any discomfort from the repair is mild and can be easily managed by using over the counter pain medication. As well, the materials used in the procedure have changed over the years. At one point in time, the material used to fill the roots was silver. Now it is gutta percha with antibacterial sealer, says Dr. Allen.
With time and experience, Endodontists have developed best practices to minimize complications, especially for patients who have severe symptoms or an unusual anatomy. We now use a rubber dam screen for all root canal procedures. This is to isolate the tooth so no bacteria from saliva can get in the tooth, as well as keep all instruments and disinfectants from falling into the mouth and possibly down the throat, Dr. Allen mentions.
Additionally, microscopes with optimal lighting are used to clean out the tooth roots more thoroughly, she states. All of these accumulated improvements equate to a better outcome, less risk of complications, improved comfort, and a great likelihood that your root canal treatment will be successful.
Once you’ve noticed a problem, it’s important to get treatment right away. Once the tooth has irreversible pulpitis or necrosis, the problem will not go away on its own, Dr. Allen says. Acting quickly improves your odds of a successful repair. For additional questions on root canal treatment or to schedule your appointment, contact Phoenix Endodontic Group today!
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | May 23, 2014 | Blog, Endodontist
In 2012 and 2013, the Central Arizona Dental Society Foundation has hosted its Dental Mission of Mercy (AZMOM) event at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix, AZ. Due to the overwhelming success of these events, we are proud to announce our 2014 CADS AZMOM Event. On December 12th – 13th 2014 we will once again be conducting our clinic @ the State Fairgrounds.
We utilize 100 portable dental units and require over 1,500 volunteers to make this event occur. Our first two events changed the lives of so many people. 300 dentists, along with at least as many dental assistants and hundreds of dental hygienists along with about 600 lay Volunteers. Dental supply companies contributed supplies and materials which assisted us in treating 2,020 patients and provided $1.5 million in free dental care over the two day period. These events were the largest charitable dental clinics ever held in the State of Arizona.
The emphasis will again be on basic dental care such as fillings, extractions and cleanings. Limited lab work (i.e., stainless-steel crowns for children, treatment partials) will be offered. The program is unable to treat patients with specific medically-compromising conditions (e.g., extremely high blood pressure, severe disabilities).
Our CADS AZMOM event focuses on:
- Providing free access to dental care while placing a high priority on patients suffering from dental infections or pain;
- Raising public awareness of the increasing difficulty low-income adults and children face in accessing critical dental care; and
- Creating health care advocates via the hundreds of lay volunteers participating in the event
Arizona residents suffer from higher rates of dental disease and benefit less from proven preventative methods than other states. A recent survey revealed that 21% of Arizona adults and 31% of Arizona children have never had a dental check-up.
The good news is that most oral diseases are preventable. In Arizona, 5% of children ages 6 months through 2 years have had tooth decay. By the time children reach 11 to 13 years, over 65% have experienced tooth decay, and by the time adults reach age 45, more than 99% have had decay.
Additionally, Arizonans report one of their major barriers to receiving dental services relates to finances. While 24% of Arizonans lack medical insurance, over 44% of adults and 38% of children lack dental insurance.
In summary, more Arizonans have dental disease than found nationally, while many report difficulty accessing dental services. Efforts such as AZMOM, which has treated over 3,500 individuals (two years), are needed to improve the oral health for children and adults in this state.
To learn more about this important event or to volunteer, log onto http://www.azmom.org, https://www.facebook.com/cadsazmom or https://twitter.com/CADSAZMOM.
» Learn more about Arizona Dental Mission of Mercy and the Event
