Advanced Technology
Patient Benefits
Our specialty practice is committed to excellence and using the latest state-of-the-art technology available to enhance patient care. Advanced training and use of new technologies result in a positive patient experience and make root canal treatment more effective and predictable. By using these advancements Dr. Elena is able to render a more conservative treatment while providing for a thorough, biologically sound treatment of your tooth.
The following are some of the important advances we use to better serve our patients:
Digital X-rays
By using computerized digital x-rays, we can reduce the radiation to our patients by nearly 90%. A comfortable sensor pad is used, instead of film, to capture an instant image, which also means shorter appointments for our patients. Because they’re digital, these x-rays can be enhanced by the computer for improved visualization and diagnosis. A printed report, including these x-rays, is sent to your dentist after your visit with us.
The Microscope
Dr. Elena uses a special microscope during treatment to allow for enhanced vision through illumination and magnification. This technology greatly improves the doctor and assistant’s view inside the tooth facilitating a more thorough treatment, especially in locating calcified canals and diagnosing root fractures.
Digital Imaging
Through the microscope we are able to take digital pictures of your tooth. These pictures can be sent to your dentist for increased communication of your specific needs. This helps bridge the gap between our office and your referring dentist.
Ultrasonics–An Alternative to the Drill
Instead of using a drill inside your tooth, this device vibrates a diamond coated metal tip at high frequency. Because it is very small, it can be used under the microscope for precise removal of small amounts of tooth or fillings, allowing for conservative treatment of your tooth. Dr. Elena also uses quiet electric handpieces (drills) to help eliminate the sound of the dental drill.
Apex Locator
This device helps Dr. Elena to precisely measure the length of the tooth’s roots electronically for complete cleaning of the tooth. Since it is very accurate, it reduces the number of x-rays normally needed during the procedure. Used along with digital x-rays, this device lowers patient radiation exposure even further. The use of advanced training with new technologies help us to provide treatment that is safer, faster and more effective for our patients.
Sonic Activation
Cleaning of the root canal space and its many minute complexities is an important aspect to a successful outcome. Dr. Elena uses a device that utilizes sonic energy to energize irrigating solutions to help disrupt and remove pulp debris and bacteria from the root canal spaces.
Biocompatible Root Fillings
Root canal cements or sealers from the past were irritating to the surrounding tissues. Dr. Elena uses a 100% biocompatible sealing material called Bioceramic, which assures the best seal while having been shown to be nontoxic, antimicrobial, causing minimal inflammation and also stimulating bone growth. This material provides your body an excellent chance to repair itself following our treatment and restore function to your tooth.
3D Imaging
Having access to Cone Beam CT imaging allows Dr. Elena the capabilities to see your tooth in 3D. This aids her in detecting and treating complex root anatomy, calcified and extra canals in your tooth that would not be easily seen by conventional 2D digital x-rays. It can also help in complex diagnosis of more difficult cases such as upper teeth near the sinus cavity and cheek bone where traditional x-rays can sometimes be limited. Watch video here.
Conservative Instrumentation
Conserving tooth structure during the root canal procedures is important to avoid weakening of the root and potential tooth fractures. Recent scientific improvements in material science has provided us a revolutionary advancement in root canal therapy through an instrument called TruShape 3D Conforming Files (Dentsply Inc.). Due to their decreasing taper and unique shape, these instruments remove less of the tooth during use as compared to standard file instruments. Since it contacts a higher percentage of the canal wall, more bacteria are removed by the disruption of their home or “biofilm”. The super elastic properties of this instrument can adapt to different canal shapes by flattening in small, narrow parts of the canal while expanding into wider more ribbon shaped areas. TruShape files are designed for use by endodontic specialists and training is required prior to utilizing the instruments in a clinical setting. We are excited to offer our patients the benefits of treatment with this cutting edge technology as it offers a truly unique advancement in root canal therapy.
