Our Technology
High power magnification with Zeiss Dental Operating Microscope
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 solid obturation materials (silver points and carrier-based materials), posts or separated instruments;
• assisting in access preparation to avoid unnecessary destruction of mineralised tissue,
• repairing biological and iatrogenic perforations;
• locating cracks and fractures that are neither visible to the naked eye nor palpable with an endodontic explorer
• facilitating all aspects of endodontic surgery, particularly in root-end resection and placement of retrofilling material.
Additional benefits of the Operating Microscope include the facilitation of enhanced photographic documentation.
Range of Rotary and Reciprocating NiTi File systems
I don’t believe in a one size fits all approach to instrument selection as each teeth is uniquely different. I use a range of file systems to ensure we are aiming for the highest clinical outcome. This is both in the management of the active disease and also ensuring we have a restorative goal in mind baby preserving as much tooth structure as possible. The newer heat-treated NiTi files allow us to create much more conservative preparations safely and efficiently.
Bioceramics
Dental materials advance constantly and it is important I develop this into practice in an evidence based way. The newer bioceramic materials such as Biodentine and range of bioactive sealers are showing good long term outcomes to improve success rates of certain cases.
CBCT - 3D imaging
Prior to treatment an X-ray picture is required to enable the dentist to gain additional information about the condition of the tooth and plan treatment accordingly. For many years this has been a 2D image of a 3D object leading to loss of often valuable information
We have recently installed at our sister practice the CBCT 3D scanner. We are now able to take a 3 dimensional image of individual teeth providing us with a much more detailed picture of exactly what is going on with each tooth, the surrounding bone and any disease present. This enable us to diagnose in greater detail and plan treatment much more thoroughly. The ultimate result is that we can more easily achieve a predictable result for your treatment.
The relative dosage from a 3D scan is higher than a traditional 2D image so we only make the decsion to undertake a scan following a thorough clinical examination and history. A CBCT scan will only be carried out when it is deemed that insufficient information will be obtained from regular 2D images
In general, the use of 3D scans in endodontics should be limited to the assessment and treatment of complex cases, for example:
• Identifying accessory canals in teeth with suspected complex root canal anatomy from a conventional 2D image
• Identifying any root canal anomalies and determination of root curvatures
To aid diagnosis of disease when clinical signs and symptoms are insufficient or contradictory.
• Determine the extent of certain lesions and its effect on surrounding structures
• Assessment of endodontic treatment complications, such as separated endodontic instruments, calcified canals identification and localisation of possible perforations to the root system
Diagnosis and management of dental trauma, especially root fractures
3D Warm obturation techniques
Ensuring complete 3D obturation of the entire cleaned canal space.
