Information For New Patients
About Your Tooth
 Your
tooth consists of two main parts: the crown, which is that part
of the tooth above the gum and visible in your mouth; and the root
or roots, which is that part of the tooth that lies beneath the
gum and is surrounded by bone. Inside each root is a channel that
runs the length of the tooth. This channel is the root canal and
contains the pulp (nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissue), which
is often referred to as the "nerve" of the tooth. The
pulp may be irreversibly damaged by bacteria associated with decay,
very deep restorations, fractures, trauma, or periodontal disease.
In order to preserve a tooth in which this has occurred, it is
necessary to remove the diseased pulp tissue. This procedure is
known as endodontic therapy. Since endodontic therapy is concerned
with removing only the pulp from the root canal, the tooth will
continue
to function normally because the supporting tissues remain intact.
It is advisable to remove the injured pulp because it may become
infected or act as an irritant to the tissues surrounding the tooth.
Course of Treatment
 Treatment
of teeth with injured pulps begins with a diagnostic examination.
The injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly
cleaned and filled. Endodontic treatment may require one or more
visits depending on the complexity of the case. The prognosis for
the overwhelming majority of teeth treated is favorable.
While there is no certainty concerning healing, successful results
occur in about 90% of cases. On occasion, the chances of success
may fall below this expectancy, or your tooth may not be amenable
to endodontic treatment at all. If your tooth falls within one of
these latter categories, you will be informed at the time of consultation,
or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment.
Your comfort throughout all phases of treatment is a major consideration.
If a problem arises, either day or night, please contact the office
in which you were treated.
Advances in Technology
Digital Radiography
X-ray procedures are an essential part of quality endodontic therapy.
Our offices utilize an advanced non-film dental imaging system known
as CDR (computed dental radiography). The already low radiation
required for dental radiographs is further reduced by over 80% compared
to conventional film. Using this system, an electronic sensor produces
computerized radiographs which appear instantly on a chairside computer
screen. These images can then be optimized, printed, archived indefinitely
and sent to your dentist.
Microscopes and Imaging
All treatment rooms are equipped with operating microscopes. Magnification
and halogen fiber optic illumination are invaluable in aiding
the
doctor to perform all technical aspects of endodontic procedures.
Many of our operating microscopes are equipped with miniature
high-resolution video cameras
or digital still cameras to help document cases for enhanced communication.
Ultrasonics
Each operatory is equipped with sophisticated ultrasonic units which
are used to remove posts and metal instruments from root canals.
These ultrasonic units are also used to prepare the root-end for
filling in case microsurgical intervention is indicated. Diamond
studded microscopic tips vibrate at up to 25,000 cycles per second
to insure accurate and speedy preparation.
Nickel-Titanium Instruments
The cleaning and shaping of the root canal is aided by using tiny
metal instuments made of a unique alloy of nickel-titanium. These
devices are placed into the root canal with a liquid antimicrobial
agent to help remove all traces of bacteria and tissue.
Communication
Patient treatment reports including copies of digital radiographs
and digital color images can be e-mailed to dental co-therapists.
We can also receive digital radiographs via e-mail and diskette.
Pre-Treatment Instructions
We will make every effort to accommodate you on a timely basis.
However, since unscheduled emergency visits can sometimes delay
regular appointments, your understanding is appreciated. Please
arrange your schedule to allow for a possible delay at our office.
Please eat a full breakfast or lunch as applicable. Also, if you
have been advised by your physician or dentist to use antibiotic
pre-medication because of mitral valve prolapse (MVP), heart murmur,
hip or cardiac prosthesis, or rheumatic heart disease, please call
our office for instructions before the day of your scheduled visit.
Please bring with you a list of all medications you are taking.
At each visit to our office, report any changes in your health status.
- If radiographs have been forwarded to our office, please confirm
our receipt.
- All patients under the age of 18 (21 in D.C.) must be accompanied
by a parent or guardian.
- Please do not hesitate to call the office where your visit will
take place if you have any questions.
Post-Operative Care
When your root canal therapy has been completed, it is important
for you to contact your restorative dentist for a follow-up restoration.
This should be done soon after your final visit
to our office.
Your dentist can best decide what type of restoration is necessary
to protect your tooth.
Endodontic Microsurgery
Sometimes a microsurgical procedure may be required to preserve
your tooth. This will depend on the nature of the problem existing
prior to treatment as well as the response of the involved tissues
after endodontic therapy. Should the need for microsurgery become
evident before, during, or after endodontic treatment, you will
be informed.
Endodontic microsurgery is a surgical procedure utilizing a sophisticated
operating microscope and special microsurgical instruments. The
increased magnification and illumination greatly improves diagnostic
capabilities and the precision of surgical procedures. Long term
prognosis is enhanced and post-surgical trauma is reduced.
Instrument Sterilization
Our practice exceeds the highest standards of infection
control advocated by the American Dental Association, the CDC and
OSHA. We utilize the latest barrier techniques and autoclave sterilization
to eliminate any risk of cross-contamination.
Our priority is to provide state-of-the-art endodontic care while
maintaining a strict operating protocol.
|
