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 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.
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 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 | Oct 17, 2016 | Blog, Endodontics, Phoenix Endodontic Group
At Phoenix Endodontic Group, we believe our staff is what makes our practice so successful! As part of our employee spotlight series, this month, we are highlighting Dallas Clary, one of our dental assistants! With over 17 years of experience in dentistry, she loves to disprove the negative reputation and impressions of endodontics and root canal procedures many patients have prior to treatment. Read on to learn more about Dallas!
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself—where are you from? What hobbies do you enjoy?
A: I grew up in Eagar, AZ. I got my dental assisting degree from White Mountain School of Dental Assisting in Linden, AZ. As for hobbies, I love crafting, and Pinterest definitely inspires me!
Q: Did you always want to work in the dental industry? How did you end up at Phoenix Endo?
A: My mother worked in a dental office when I was growing up, so I guess I followed in her footsteps. Since I’ve worked in the endodontic industry for so long, I looked for an office closer to home, and fortunately, Phoenix Endo was looking for a dental assistant.
Q: What is your favorite part of working at Phoenix Endo?
A: I love helping patients have a comfortable and enjoyable experience during a root canal. It gives me great satisfaction to disprove the bad reputation that root canals have been given. Since they relieve the patient of pain, root canals shouldn’t be thought of negatively.
Q: What do you admire most about Dr. Allen?
A: Dr. Allen is so generous and truly cares for her patients and those in need. She spends tireless hours in and out of the office providing treatment to people.
Q: What are the most rewarding aspects of working at Phoenix Endo?
A: We have great doctors and a great team! We all work very hard to make sure that our patients have a great experience, despite the fact that they are having root canal treatment.
Tune in next month for to get to know another member of our team!
