OUR TECHNOLOGY

At Western Endodontics, we aim to deliver results geared towards your dental wellness and this is achieved through employing the latest innovations in the field of Endodontics. Digital radiography, vision enhancing surgical operating microscopes, electronic apex locaters, rotary nickel‐titanium files and ultrasonic activated instruments will be used during your treatment.

Digital radiographs

Radiography is essential for the successful diagnosis of odontogenic and non-odontogenic pathosis, treatment of the pulp chamber and canals of a compromised tooth, biomechanical instrumentation, evaluation of final canal obturation, and assessment of healing. Digital X-rays offer more precision since we view the image on a computer monitor, instead of holding up a 35mm film up to the light in addition other benefits from the use of digital radiography in endodontic therapy are listed below:

    • Enhancement of the contrast and brightness of the images by the clinician for better visualization
    • Magnification of a specific area of the tooth including the apical zone
    • Immediate production of an image during endodontic procedures
    • Efficient filing and re-calling of all radiographic images from the cumulative database
    • Elimination of cumbersome use of chemicals and dark chamber
    • Improved patient education

The benefits of disease detection, treatment progress and healing against the risk of radiation exposure will be weighed based on the needs of the individual and as indicated by each individual case. We use the highest image quality system to ensure the most accurate and precise images.

The operating microscope

The introduction of the surgical microscope has revolutionized the field of Endodontic Microsurgery. We have invested in the very best quality surgical microscopes, by Carl Zeiss, that provide unparalleled magnification and illumination for our surgical procedures and allows us unparalleled ability to visualize the internal anatomy of the tooth. Magnification and illumination are invaluable tools for performing the technical aspects of endodontic treatment. The following procedures benefit from the use of the microscope:

    • Locating hidden canals that have been obstructed by calcifications and reduced in size;
    • Removing materials such as posts or separated instruments;
    • Removing canal obstructions;
    • Assisting in access preparation to avoid unnecessary destruction of mineralized tissue,
    • Repairing biological and iatrogenic perforations;
    • Locating cracks and fractures that are neither visible to the naked eye nor palpable with an endodontic explorer; and
    • Facilitating all aspects of endodontic surgery, particularly in root-end resection and placement of retrofilling material.

The microscope is an integral and important part of the performance of modern endodontic techniques. Advances in magnification technologies and other treatment modalities will continue to improve endodontic outcomes in the years to come.

Electronic apex locaters

Electronic apex (root-end) locators are used to help estimate the length of the root canal electronically. As the tooth root is a three-dimensional structure, using a two-dimensional radiograph to determine root canal length may be a less accurate method. We combine the two methods (electornic apex locator and digital radiograph) to ensure the best results are achieved for you.

 

Rotary Nickel Titanium Instruments

Rotary nickel-titanium instruments are used in conjunction with antibacterial irrigating solutions and traditional stainless-steel instruments to help negotiate clean and shape the root canal system. As these files are much more flexible than traditional stainless steel files, they provide a more predictable result in shaping the root canal system and can avoid some of the problems associated with traditional endodontic procedures.

 

Ultrasonic Instruments

Ultrasonic instruments can be used for locating root canals, disinfection of the root canal system by agitating root canal irrigant solutions, cleaning out obstructions or debris in root canal systems and also for surgical management of the root end. The aim of endodontic treatment is to disinfect the root canal system and clean it as much as possible, and to this end, ultrasonic instruments aid in achieving this.

 

Cone Beam CT

Our practice utilizes state-of-the-art, small volume cone-beam CT (computed tomography) technology that provides highly accurate, 3-D radiographic images for the diagnosis, planning and treatment of endodontic disease. This allows three-dimensional visualization of teeth, bone, sinuses and surrounding structures with minimal radiation to the patient, enabling a level of anatomical accuracy and patient care not possible with 2-D technologies (regular dental x-rays). With the addition of cone-beam CT technology to our office, our practice is committed to providing innovative, high-quality, patient care.

For more information on Cone Beam CT in Endodontics click here.

Endodontic Laser Therapy

The role of the laser is to enhance the efficacy of cleaning the root canal space.  The term of Endodontic Laser Therapy has evolved to Laser Assisted Irrigation to more accurately describe its role as an adjunct in care.

Through better cleaning of the canals we aim to produce better results through faster healing times and lower post operative discomfort.  The specific action is termed SWEEPS®, produced by Fotona’s LightWalker® Er:YAG laser which harnesses the light of the laser to produce a photo-accoustic affect to assist in delivery of orrigant solutions and debride the canal spaces within the tooth. The Lightwalker laser is also capable of Photobiomodulation to manage pain and stimulate healing in cases where necessary as well as a number of other roles such as tooth whitening.

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