Digital Radiography
DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHS
X-rays are a focused beam of x-ray particles passed through teeth and bone which produce an image, showing the structure through which it passed. This provides the familiar black and white images that dentists use to diagnose dental disease.
Without an x-ray of the entire tooth and supporting bone, there would be no way to detect decay and/or pathology that requires attention. In our office we use digital radiography which allows us to take x-rays using much less radiation than conventional film x-rays. Using this technology, we are able to take an x-ray of your tooth by using a small sensor which records the image and sends it to our computer. The result is a highly detailed digital image of your tooth that can be enhanced to better diagnose dental concerns and determine the very best treatment for each case.
CT/3D Imaging
ORTHOPANTOMOGRAPH-OP300 / Cone Beam CT Scan
The OP300 is a state-of-the-art 3D digital imaging system that is invaluable in today's "root canal" practice.
Dr. Struble began using the CT scan in 2012 and was one of the first in Parker County to have this amazing technology available in his office. The CT scan provides an advanced 3D image which allows Dr. Struble to better visualize your tooth and the surrounding structures. This is technology that was not possible with previous radiographs. As a component of treatment planning for a root canal procedure, three dimensional images can be particularly helpful. A cone beam computerized tomography scan (CBCT) can produce such images, allowing us to better prepare for the procedure, which may be more predictable when this technology is available.
These images are tremendously valuable because they offer a more lifelike view than a traditional two-dimensional x-ray does. They can provide a more accurate depiction of the structures of the teeth, including the root canal chambers in the tooth's interior. Dr. Struble can use these pictures to determine if there's anything unusual or unexpected about these structures. With advance knowledge of the root canal's structure, we may be able to complete the procedure more efficiently. It is extremely helpful in diagnosis, retreatment of failing root canals, cracked teeth, multi-canal teeth, dental trauma and other dental concerns.
*FYI: The amount of radiation exposure is quite small with the CBCT image. To help you to compare, X-ray radiation is measured in microsieverts. A 3D imaging dose of radiation for a molar tooth is approximately 18.8 microsieverts. A mammogram is 700 microsieverts; a chest X-ray is 170 microsieverts. An airline flight across the United States exposes you to approximately 40 microsieverts. A year of background radiation is 2400 microsieverts. There is even radiation in the foods that you eat like bananas, potatoes and beer! The point is that the digital CT scan dose is very low and the image it produces is VERY helpful in treating your tooth.
Sedation
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous Oxide sedation, also known as "laughing gas" is commonly used to make treatment more comfortable. This sedation is inhaled through your nose, and induces a nice state of relaxation. We tell patients that this is like having a glass of wine (or two). When we are finished the patient breathes 100% oxygen and the feeling goes away, typically allowing the patient to drive home.
Sedation can be used when a patient has a high level of anxiety or dental phobia. We are happy to offer several options for our patients to make their dental visit as comfortable as possible. Sedation dentistry techniques enable the patients who might otherwise avoid the dentist to receive dental treatment necessary for a healthy smile.
TDO Software
We use TDO Software as it is considered the best endodontic software available. It is used to manage all patient records and information and has comprehensive modules that make our office paperless, a great convenience for our patients and referring dentists. The website integration allows our patients to securely access the site to complete the medical history and consent forms online before their appointment. The software allows our referring dentists to make referral and receive their patients’ reports and imaging through secured HIPAA compliant portal right after the patient is seen. This technology enables us to diagnose and treat our patients more efficiently and to communicate more effectively with both the patient and referring doctor that is secured and HIPAA compliant.
Patient Experience
At Magnolia Endodontics, we aim to provide our patients with a first class experience. Our state of the art dental chairs are recognized as one of the most comfortable and ergonomic chairs in the field. To add to your comfort each room provides wall and ceiling-mounted TV monitors that not only stream satellite TV (HGTV, etc.) but also provide direct HDMI connections, allowing the doctor and patient to review pertinent dental information including digital x-rays, live video and 3D scans.