There’s a lot of poor information presented about root canals, and many people fear them unnecessarily. The procedure is fairly straightforward and benefits from being time-tested and reliable. Between the realization that a root canal is needed and actually performing it, there are a number of hurdles to cross. The tooth needs to be properly disinfected, cleaned and sealed to ensure there’s no resurgence of infection. Along the way, there are various checkpoints to ensure appropriate progress. There’s also a need to gain a thorough understanding of the patient’s condition and the topography of the target tooth.
The Trifecta That Aids In Diagnosis And Treatment
There are three key pieces of dental technology that have come to play a central role in endodontists successfully treating root canals. These three elements are:
Endodontic Microsurgery And The Microscope
The microscope has been a scientific tool for centuries, but the 1970s saw it introduced as a central part of endodontic care. This tool allowed dentists to thoroughly explore the anatomy of the tooth more thoroughly and use their findings to help plan future care. This improved analysis of the state of the infection and structure of the tooth meant that procedures, such as root canals, saw an enhanced chance of success. This tool, combined with imaging tools such as the x-ray, meant that there was reduced the likelihood of hidden canals and pockets of infection being missed during the procedure. Before the introduction of the microscope to endodontic practices, it was also common for hairline fractures, infected MB2 canals, and calcification in the canals to be missed. Dr. Gary Carr is held as being responsible for introducing the concept of microscopic endodontics and helping continue to advance its use.
Microscopes have become an essential part of many endodontic procedures due to their ability to identify these hidden areas. Further, it has allowed a whole new area of dental surgery to be done in the form of microsurgeries. These procedures can address smaller areas, reduce treatment time, limit collateral damage, and improve recovery time from procedures.
Cone Beam Computerized Technology (CRCT)
While most patients won’t recognize the term CRCT or Cone Beam Computerized Technology, if you bring it up to them, most have experienced it. This technology is an advance in imaging methods that enhances the quality, resolution, and precision of the images produced. These benefits make it an essential part of improving treatments such as implants, surgeries, and a variety of other endodontic treatments. They also play an critical role in boosting the accuracy and speed of getting a diagnosis. Since its introduction, CBCT has made it possible to perform less invasive treatments, reduce the need for extractions, and more thoroughly explore problem areas in the tooth.
When this technology combines with microscopic endodontics, it can result in treatment plans that are more successful. While this technology is present at many practices, it’s a considerable expense to upgrade, so it may not be available everywhere. For those who can afford the equipment, it becomes necessary to undergo training to know how to effectively use it and interpret the results. Further, there are certain legal responsibilities that come with the use of CBCT. The results that are produced must be properly documented, scanned, and read before treatment can continue. While this process is relatively brief, it is required and can make the use of this tech less attractive for some practices.
Perhaps the most important aspect of CBCT technology is its ability to create high-precision 3D images in a digital format. These images can be easily transferred between practices without the risk of losing the original films. Further, they also empower the patient as they can be made available to them without their ever having to visit the office. The patient experience is improved as well, thanks to the elimination of bite-plates. These plates were often reported to be uncomfortable or even painful. While they were only needed for the space of a few moments, they could be the source of significant discomfort for many patients. CBCT is able to obtain superior images to traditional X-ray systems without the need for these bite-trays.
Irrigation/Fluid Delivery Systems
One challenge that endodontists have faced in successfully performing root canals is facing the individual structure of a patient’s tooth. Unique formations, curvatures, and even curved canals can often make it difficult to properly disinfect the entire tooth. Irrigation has long stood as a primary method of accomplishing a full clean and disinfection, but it has struggled with these unique formations. Needles and cannulas have been used to ensure that the irrigation and treatment reach the needed areas. As technology has advanced so, have improved methods of applying these treatments to oddly shaped or lateral canals.
In numerous cases, this has resulted in the removal of cannula and needle methods in favor of more advanced fluid delivery systems. These systems give the endodontic finer manual control over delivering chemical agents to the affected areas. It also helped to reduce complications from incidents involving accidents with the treatment medium, often NaCOL. The result is an improved cleansing and disinfection process that ensures that no later complications occur. Traditional irrigation methods have not been eliminated, but these advancements ensure that the entire process occurs more successfully.
The Synergy of the Endodontic Trifecta
Together these three technologies, CBCT, endodontic microscopy, and irrigations systems, provide advanced insight into the field of endodontics. It’s the cohesive nature of these processes that permits addressing advanced dental challenges that would have been nearly impossible as little as twenty years ago. It’s also important to remember that every year sees ongoing advancements in these technologies, making them more effective and appropriate for a broader range of treatments. Reach out to your endodontist to learn more about how new technology is improving your standard of dental care. They’ll be happy to tell you which equipment they use and how it’s involved in your treatment processes. Welcome to the future of endodontic care, where treatments are faster, more comfortable, and heal more quickly.
