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What Is Microscopic Endodontics?
Endodontics is a field of dentistry involving the central part of the tooth, the dental pulp, which is right in the tooth’s center. The dental pulp comprises the tooth nerve, connective tissues, and blood vessels. These tissues extend into the root canals in the tooth roots.
A tooth can have several tooth roots, which may be curved and tricky to visualize clearly. It is an extremely small area in which to work, which is why microscopic endodontics is invaluable.
Benefits of Microscopic Endodontics
The benefits of using a microscope can include the following.
- Faster Diagnosis and More Accurate Treatment
By using an operating microscope, we can magnify the area of the tooth in question, enhancing our ability to make a firm, quick diagnosis and provide excellent endodontic treatment, thoroughly cleaning out even the most complex root canals.
- An Enhanced Treatment Outcome
Microscopic endodontics provides a better treatment outcome compared with treatments performed without magnification. Consequently, it is a more successful procedure in saving teeth from extraction.
- A Less Invasive Procedure
Using endodontic microsurgery can be less invasive because it is so accurate. We can perform root canals with a high degree of precision, preserving more healthy tooth structure, which results in less discomfort and quicker recovery.
- Early Detection of Cracks and Fractures in Teeth
The ability to view your teeth under high magnification allows us to quickly detect any small cracks or fractures. We can then provide suitable treatment to restore the tooth, helping to prevent the need for costly and more invasive treatment later.
The Microscopic Endodontic Procedure Step-By-Step
The procedure is the same as for an ordinary root canal, except it involves the use of our operating microscope.
Step One: Diagnostics & Imaging
If you have a problem tooth, we can examine it gently and perform detailed diagnostics, including digital X-rays and a microscopic exam. Sometimes, we may also choose to take a cone beam CT scan, which helps provide a detailed anatomical view of your tooth, including the root canals.
Step Two: Microscopic Root Canal Therapy
After numbing your tooth, we can create a small opening to expose the pulp, which we then remove using our dental microscope. Treatment will ensure that every root canal is located, thoroughly cleaned, and shaped. Using a dental microscope enables us to locate even the smallest and most curved root canals, removing all infected tissue.
Step Three: Sealing and Restoring the Tooth
Once the tooth has been cleaned and disinfected, it is sealed to prevent the infection. A dental crown is placed to help restore and protect the tooth permanently.
About Our Dental Microscope
NYC Dentistry Centre is equipped with an advanced dental microscope, providing motorized Zoom magnification of ~1-20x. It features an integrated camera and video, enabling us to instantly transfer photos and videos to screens in our treatment rooms or to share these files with other specialists or patient records.
FAQs
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Will I Still Need a Crown after Microscopic Endodontics?
Yes, a tooth requiring microscopic root canal treatment has often already lost a significant portion of its original structure. This must be restored with a dental crown to help protect and preserve the tooth.
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Is a Microscopic Root Canal Painful?
No, because it can help preserve more healthy tooth structure and relieve a painful tooth infection quickly.
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Will Microscopic Endodontics Take Longer?
No, treatment shouldn’t take any longer to complete, but it should be far more accurate, so it is well worth searching for an endodontist with a microscope for the best results.
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Is a Dental Microscope Only Used in Endodontics?
We can use our dental microscope in various situations where high magnification is essential. These may include oral surgery, general and cosmetic dentistry, and during implant placement.
However, a microscope is often at its most useful during endodontic treatment due to the intricacy of the root canals requiring treatment.
NYC Dentistry Center6 E 45th Street, 8th Floor, Suite 2
New York, NY 10017
(212) 810-9264