CBCT Software

Technology has progressed to the point where it is possible to make 3D images or pictures of teeth and the surrounding structures. The Carestream 8100 Computed Tomography unit allows for root canal specific images to be made that allow us to determine the exact shape of your tooth. This technology helps us in preventing problems from arising in cases where the current 2D images aren't clear, situations of calcified teeth or unusual tooth anatomy or pathology. This is also very helpful when we are evaluating teeth for retreatment because it allows us to see all the way around a tooth's roots and uncover signs of fracture that might not be present on 2D imaging. It's painless, no sensors are put in your mouth, and it only takes about 7 seconds to take a picture.

Computer Digital Radiography (CDR)

Dental radiographs (aka x-rays) are taken using sensors that transmit the image directly to a computerscreen. This image can be seen readily by the patient as the dentist reviews the diagnosis and treatment. Digital radiographs can reduce radiation over conventional radiographs by up to 90%. They are also faster, taking only 20 seconds to appear on the computer screen. Because no chemicals are needed to develop the image, digital radiographs are friendly to the environment.

---

Surgical Microscope In our office, we use a Zeiss Surgical Microscope. It provides enhanced visualization in the mouth by up to 25 times. It is used to visualize complex tooth anatomy, to confirm suspected root fractures, during root-end surgery, for removal of separated instruments, and for locating calcified canals.

---

High Magnification Eyeglasses with Fiber Optic Illumination

Root canal therapy is a micro-surgical procedure. In order to provide optimal magnification, we also utilize Orascoptic Loupes, which are like little microscopes with a fiber optic light attached to glasses. The use of this device enables us to work in the most precise and efficient manner on every case.

---

Nickel Titanium Rotary Instruments

Nickel Titanium has the unique features of flexibility and shape memory. The instruments are used in an electric handpiece (see below) to clean and shape the inside of the canal. Previous stainless steel instruments were inflexible and did not negotiate sharply curved canals. Nickel Titanium is significantly more flexible, so even canals that are sharply curved can be thoroughly cleaned and shaped.

---

Electric Handpieces

New electric handpieces (aka "drill") are virtually silent. They are used exclusively with the nickel titanium instruments to clean and shape the canal quietly, quickly, and accurately.

---

Electronic Apex Locators

Electronic Apex Locators help us to determine the end of the root canal without taking radiographs. Successful healing after the root canal treatment occurs best when the root canal seal fills the entire canal without extending beyond or being short of the root end. The electronic apex locator tracks the file within the canal until the end of the root is identified.

---

X-tip delivery of local anesthetics

The X-tip local anesthetic delivery system allows us to deliver the local anesthetic into the bone next to the tooth making for profound anesthesia on a "hot" tooth. Your comfort is our main concern and this technique is used as an adjunct to regular local anesthesia when conventional techniques aren't enough. X-tip anesthesia is simple to do, painless to perform, and gives you relief from your toothache so that endodontic treatment can be done comfortably.