procedures
ENDODONTIC TREATMENT
A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed. This treatment can save your natural tooth and prevent the need for extractions, bridges, or dental implants. Endodontic Treatment is necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess. This traditional procedure is considered a non-surgical root canal.
Endodontic RETREATMENT
With appropriate care, teeth that have had endodontic treatment will last as long as other natural teeth. Yet, a tooth that has received endodontic treatment may fail to heal or pain may continue to exist. Sometimes, the pain may occur months or years after treatment. If so, Endodontic Retreatment may be needed.
Incomplete can be caused by: Untreated canals during the initial treatment; lack of an appropriate restoration; new decay or cavity exposed to a root canal filling; a crack.
During Endodontic Retreatment, Dr. Hosking will reopen your tooth to remove the root canal filling material. Dr. Hosking will clean the canals and carefully examine the inside to correct the cause of failure. Once cleaned, the canals will be filled and sealed.
Apicoectomy
At times, a traditional root canal won’t be enough to save your tooth and surgery will be recommended. After a root canal is completed, occasionally an infection can persist at the end of a root. This can be due to small fractures or hidden anatomical variations previously undetected. Dr. Hosking would directly access the area and remove any inflamed and/or infected tissue around the root tip and remove a portion of the root itself. A very small filling is placed at the end of the root canal and sealed to prevent further infection. If a bone graft or other additional treatment is required it will be discussed at your consultation visit so you are prepared and have time to ask questions.
Cracked Tooth Evaluations
Whether you crack a tooth from an injury, grinding or general use, you can experience a variety of symptoms ranging from sudden pain/sensitivity to temperature changes or erratic pain when chewing. These symptoms can come and go and may be difficult to localize to a single tooth making a definitive diagnosis confusing. Endodontists specialize in the evaluation of these teeth and Dr. Hosking will cater the treatment of that particular tooth taking into account your symptoms, extent of crack, and the longevity of the tooth. Endodontic therapy may or may not be recommended pending the outcome of imaging, clinical diagnosis, and your symptoms.
Our technology
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
CBCT allows us to evaluate your tooth from every angle and literally view the tooth and surrounding tissues in three dimensions. This technology is extremely useful when treating the difficult cases we see in a specialty practice. This technology may also decrease the need for multiple visits and aids in our commitment to provide high-quality patient care.
Dental (Surgical) Operating Microscope:
When performing microsurgery, there is no substitute for a magnified, brightly illuminated operating field provided by a surgical operating microscope. By magnifying the area of interest, we can locate minute calcified root canals and small cracks, greatly enhancing treatment success. Dr. Hosking uses a surgical microscope for all endodontic treatments.
Gentlewave®
The GentleWave® Procedure is an innovative alternative to standard root canal treatment. It presents a major advancement that helps us achieve our goal to effectively clean a tooth’s entire root canal system, no matter how complex. The root canal system consists of intricate channels of nerves and blood vessels. We pride ourselves on incorporating the latest technologies that we believe will help us provide a higher level of care than previously possible.
The GentleWave® System delivers a broad range of sound waves within the complex anatomy found within the tooth along with continuous irrigation. In a matter of minutes, this procedure results in complete cleaning and disinfecting of the canal system, while conserving more tooth structure than ever before. Schedule a consultation to determine if you are a candidate for the GentleWave® Procedure.
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Digital Radiography
Digital radiographs allow us to capture images instantly and view them on a computer. The images can be digitally enhanced to better diagnose issues, and allow patients to better understand their treatment. Another benefit is that patient radiation exposure is reduced to a fraction of what was traditionally required.