by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Sep 12, 2017 | Blog, Cracked Teeth, Endodontist
When it comes to your dental health, it’s true that what you don’t know about a condition can hurt you far more than what you do know. Cracked teeth are an especially good example of this phenomenon. Depending on the type and severity of the crack, the impacted tooth may display clearly distressing, perplexing signs, or even no symptoms at all.
Your local endodontist is a specialist in diagnosing and treating cracked teeth. Here is a short list of “must-know” bits of information about cracked teeth.
Cracked Teeth: What Your Endodontist Wants You To Know
There can be many reasons a tooth becomes cracked. If you think that you can’t be experiencing a cracked tooth because you don’t remember anything that could have cracked it, understand that the reasons teeth become cracked vary. Cracked teeth can result from chewing on nuts, hard candy or ice, a blow to the mouth; chronically grinding one’s teeth, and previously losing an extensive amount of natural tooth structure, to exposure of the tooth to temperature extremes.
Teeth can become cracked in a variety of ways. There are craze lines, which only impact the cosmetic look of your enamel; a fractured cusp, which impacts the biting surface of your tooth; a cracked tooth, which is a fracture of the tooth and may or may not have extended to the root yet; and a vertical root fracture, which starts at the root and extends upward to the biting surface of the tooth.
Early diagnosis of cracked teeth is critical. If you believe you might have a cracked tooth, don’t put off a trip to your endodontist for an evaluation. Unlike other types of human bones, broken teeth do not heal. A small crack will get worse, and once the crack reaches the pulp of the tooth, the survival of the natural tooth itself will be in peril. Prompt diagnosis of the condition will give your endodontist treatment options such as fillings or crowns to protect the vulnerable tooth structure, or root canal treatment if the crack is impacting the pulp of the tooth.
“The whole idea of having a cracked tooth can be upsetting, but endodontists have many tools for resolving fractures to your natural teeth that preserve them and keep them healthy,” says Dr. Allen, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group.
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Aug 24, 2017 | Blog, Endodontics, Endodontist, General Information, Phoenix Endodontic Group
In 2001, Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen founded Phoenix Endodontic Group. Our firm has grown tremendously over the past decade and a half.
Over the last 16 years we have seen a lot of changes in the dental profession, technology and patient expectations. While flexibility is necessary when handling endodontic cases in today’s environment, it is equally important to stay true to the core values. Our core values are what brought Phoenix Endodontic Group so much success over the years.
Here are 3 important things to know about Phoenix Endodontic Group:
- Patient Focused: We recognize that the needs, care and treatment of our patients are our number one priority. From her first day in private practice, Dr. Allen’s philosophy is to “treat patients the way I want to be treated.” This idea is the cornerstone of our operation at Phoenix Endodontic Group
- State of the Art: At Phoenix Endodontic Group, we constantly invest in new technologies to keep ourselves on the cutting edge of endodontic therapy. Additionally, Dr. Allen spends a considerable amount of time continuing her education in the endodontic field. She believe strongly in learning and understanding the latest theories and techniques in the field of endodontics.
- Best in Class Care: Our team is focused on making sure you receive the best care. From appointment scheduling, insurance billing and post treatment care we are there to serve our patients and referring offices. Our goal is to make sure that every patient is “delighted” by the service and care provided by Phoenix Endodontic Group.
At Phoenix Endodontic Group, we feel that doing all of the “little things” correctly and attention to detail are two things that separate us from other endodontic dental offices. We are proud of our successes and our team’s dedication to providing top care for our patients. These first 16 years have gone by quickly and we look forward to the next 16 years with the same philosophy and commitment to excellence!
by fisherwebdesign | Aug 10, 2017 | Blog, Cone Beam Computed Tomography, Dental Technology, Endodontics, Endodontist, Phoenix Endodontic Group, Technology
Threats to the inner pulp of your teeth can sometimes be challenging to identify and diagnose, but dental technology has come a long way in the past few years. One of the most exciting pieces of recently developed dental technology that aids endodontic specialists in their work is cone beam computed tomography, or CBCT.
Dental CBCT machines are a special type of x-ray equipment used when regular dental or facial x-rays are not sufficient. An endodontist may use this technology to produce 3-D images of teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways and bone in a single scan. During a CBCT scan, the the machine rotates around the patient, capturing images using a cone-shaped x-ray beam. The resulting images can capture what is happening in the patient’s mouth, jaw and neck, as well as in their ears, nose and throat.
The biggest advantage of CBCT dental technology is that it allows the practitioner to visualize a patient’s condition as it actually exists in their mouth, because it is able to differentiate between many types of structures and airspaces — including bone, teeth, airway, sinuses, and soft tissue. This allows for a more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning process. CBCT can also be used after treatment to ensure that a root canal or other procedure has adequately addressed all problems that existed prior to the intervention.
Patients need to do very little to prepare for a CBCT scan, other than to wear loose clothing and leave all jewelry at home. CBCT scans are low-dose x-ray examinations compared to a standard medical CT scan.
“We’re thrilled that we can provide CBCT scans for our patients to deliver comprehensive endodontic treatment. This is a piece of dental technology that allows us to provide better care to everyone,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group.
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Jul 10, 2017 | Blog, Dentistry, Endodontics, Endodontist
The human body is an amazing organism. It experiences a variety of physical phenomena throughout one’s lifespan in order to keep us on a proper developmental pathway. One phenomenon that is completely normal in childhood is root resorption in the primary teeth. Our “baby teeth” lose their roots, which is why they eventually fall out to make room for our adult teeth.
However, once we have all of our adult teeth, root resorption becomes an unexpected and abnormal process. In some cases of dental resorption a patient can experience pain, numbness, and discomfort, in addition to changes in the shape and size of the teeth; however, often the symptoms can be far more subtle.
Here’s a quick list of things to know about root resorption so that you and your Phoenix endodontist can ensure your natural teeth remain healthy and functional.
How to avoid root resorption problems
- Understand how root resorption can happen. Some causes of dental resorption include excessive orthodontic force being used on teeth, trauma to a tooth that damages the periodontal ligament, and conditions such as bruxism (grinding one’s teeth).
- Understand how root resorption is diagnosed. If root resorption is suspected, your Phoenix endodontist or another dental specialist can use radiographs, photos, x-rays, and diagnostic models to determine how far the resorption has progressed and how severely your natural tooth has been impacted.
- Understand how root resorption is treated. If the resorption activity is primarily occurring on the exterior of the tooth, single-tooth orthodontic or periodontal treatments may help. However, more advanced cases that involve the tooth pulp often require your Phoenix endodontist to perform a root canal to try to save the natural tooth.
“Root resorption allows our baby teeth to make way for our adult teeth, but after that, it is considered abnormal,” says Dr. Allen, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “If you suspect you have this condition, make an appointment with your Phoenix endodontist as soon as possible.”
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Jul 5, 2017 | Blog, Endodontics, Endodontist, General Information, Phoenix Endodontic Group
Meet 
Sarah Apostolakis. She is one of our many talented dental assistants that we have here to assist during procedures at the Phoenix Endodontic Group. Sarah has experience in periodontics, oral surgery, and general dentistry. She is a very active, outdoorsy person and is passionate about coming into work every day. She is great with caring for our patients and wanting them to get the best out of their experience here at the Phoenix Endodontic Group. She has great tips and advice for our patients about helping to improve oral health.
What do you find most rewarding about being a dental assistant?
What I find most rewarding about being a dental assistant is changing someone’s fear of going to the dentist. My goal is to give every patient the best experience I can provide and to remove their fear of coming back.
What is the biggest piece of advice you have for patients to ensure good oral health?
The best advice I can give is – floss the teeth you want to keep!
There are a lot of individuals and research that say electric toothbrushes are better. Do you agree and why?
My opinion on electric toothbrushes is they can be a good tool if used properly. I always recommend using a soft bristled head to prevent damaging the gums and tooth. The best technique is to brush in small soft circles.
How did you become interested in the dental field?
I knew I wanted to be in the dental field since I was a kid. Going to the dentist was a fun experience for me.
What advice would you give people that are afraid of or dislike dental treatment? What would you say to ease those fears?
Most people’s fear of the dentist stems from a bad experience they had or heard of. It can be difficult to relax in a situation you feel a lack of knowledge or control. That is why I think communicating with the patient is so important. I like to assure we will not start until they are ready and comfortable and talk them through the procedure so they are informed about what is going on.
What is your favorite part of working with Dr. Allen?
My favorite part of working with Dr. Allen is how relatable and compassionate she is with her patients. Dr. Allen has undergone a lot of dental work herself which has given her empathy and understanding on what it is like to be in the chair. She treats every patient how she would want to be treated.
When you are seeing patients, what is the most common problem you see with their dental health or general dental care?
The most common problem I see in dental health is gum disease. Tartar and plaque build up under the gums and in between the teeth that can only be removed properly by a hygienist. It is easy to fall out of the habit of flossing and getting your teeth cleaned twice a year with our busy lives but it’s important for your oral health to make time.
Since one’s diet is said to influence their dental health, do you have any diet recommendations?
Diet does directly influence dental health. Acidic and sugary foods are the most harmful to the teeth. I love candy and oranges and eat them all the time but I always try to rinse my mouth out after. That way I do not leave an acidic or sugary environment in my mouth which can be harmful to my teeth and gums.
Do you have a favorite dental brand or product that you use at home?
My favorite dental brand is Colgate. I have never had issues with their products, but any toothpaste with fluoride and mouthwash without alcohol will work.
Take your oral health to the next the level with Sarah’s simple tips and tricks. Giving advice and making every patient feel comfortable when they come in for a procedure is why Sarah is a prized dental assistant at the Phoenix Endodontic Group. Make sure to keep your smile bright and healthy by visiting Phoenix Endodontic Group.
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Jun 28, 2017 | Blog, Endodontics, Endodontist, Phoenix Endodontic Group, Root Canal
When we think of tooth saving tips, we immediately think of oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) or prevention like wearing your mouthguard during sports or other physical activity. But, rarely, do we think of the choice to be made once a tooth is compromised.
The American Association of Endodontists has an array of tooth saving tips once a tooth needs intervention: “Saving a natural tooth through endodontic treatment should always be the first choice for the best health and cosmetic results. There are many advantages to saving your natural tooth: efficient chewing; normal biting force so you can continue to eat your favorite foods; maintains a natural appearance; limits the need for more costly, ongoing dental work”.
Tooth Saving Tips
- If you are given a choice between root canal treatment or tooth extraction, always choose the root canal. Dentures, bridges or implants don’t look, feel, or function as well as natural teeth.
- If your dentist recommends tooth extraction, ask whether root canal treatment is an option.
- If your dentist says that an endodontic procedure is not an option, ask why, and request a referral to an endodontist. Endodontists specialize in saving teeth and have at least two years of advanced training in root canal procedures. They use advanced equipment to treat patients quickly and comfortably, diagnosing the condition, and relieving pain.
What to Avoid
- Never choose extraction because you think it will be cheaper or less painful! When a natural tooth is extracted, it must be replaced with an artificial tooth to prevent other teeth from shifting, and to prevent future dental problems. The cost of a denture, bridge or implant, plus the extraction, is higher than the cost of an endodontic procedure that would save the tooth for years to come. Modern techniques and anesthesia make root canal treatment virtually painless. Most dental plans cover endodontic treatment.
- Never choose extraction because you think it will be quicker! Endodontic treatments generally require 1-2 visits lasting less than an hour. An extraction requires one visit, but the denture, bridge or implant will require several additional visits.
Endodontists are our local superheroes that save teeth! Want to learn more about root canal treatment? Visit Phoenix Endodontic Group at www.phoenixendodontist.com.
