Our Advanced Technologies
Advanced Technologies
We remain at the forefront of technological advances in endodontics. This will contribute to your comfort and the best results possible. We incorporate new technology into our practice only after thorough review of independent research. Success of treatment and patient safety is our priority.
Operating microscopes: are used during all phases of nonsurgical and surgical endodontic treatment. High magnification and fiberoptic illumination have allowed us to increase our success in determining complex anatomy, removing fractured instruments and locating additional canals. Advanced microscopic techniques have often made retreatment a preferred choice over surgical therapy with typically a higher degree of success. Where surgery is indicated advanced microsurgical techniques and materials have yielded a significantly great degree of success.
Despite the significant technological advances our specialty has experienced the most Important determinant of treatment success will be the skills of a conscientious clinician.
Intraoral Digital Radiography: All radiographs are taken with digital sensors, providing instant viewing on our computer monitors while significantly reducing radiation levels compared to film-based x-rays. This technology also allows for secure electronic transfer of dental information to our referring doctors.
3-D radiographic images (Cone Beam Computed to Tomography)
In select cases a 3-D radiographic image will provide additional information which may not be revealed on a regular dental x-ray. Dental radiographs used for endodontic purposes may only reveal limited aspects, a two-dimensional view, of the true three-dimensional anatomy. The Kodak 9000 3D device used at our office has an Ionizing Radiation Dosage of approximately 10 to 38 uSv. This is the equivalent to 1-5 “dose days of equivalent everyday background radiation”. Comparatively a mammogram is 106 days and Medical Cat Scan (Spiral CT abdomen) 1,515 days of equivalent background radiation. Despite these Technological advances it is the skilled clinician who is meticulous and caring in their treatment. They provide that will likely be the most important determinant of treatment success.
Operating Microscopes: In addition to digital radiography, we utilize special operating microscopes. Magnification and fiber optic illumination are helpful in aiding the doctor to see tiny details inside your tooth. Also, a tiny video camera on the operating microscope can record images of your tooth to further document the doctor’s findings.