Apex Locator

Most people get very worried when they need a root canal. Dr. McCann hears this story all too well. At Precision Endodontics we utilize new root canal technology such as the apex locator to ensure you receive top-quality treatment. Call our Buffalo Endodontist office today to set up a consultation.

Buffalo Endodontist Explains the Benefits of the Apex Locator

This educational video was brought to you by Dr. Aaron McCann, an experienced Buffalo Endodontist specializing in root canals.

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As an experienced Buffalo Endodontist, I regularly use an Apex Locator.

  • When you visit us, you’ll notice that we use numerous technologies to perform our procedures.
  • One machine we use is the apex locator, which helps locate the tooth’s apex – the end of the root.
  • The apex locator allows us to precisely identify – within half, or even a quarter of a millimeter – the exact end of the root.
  • While we clean and fill the inside of the tooth, we depend on that precision to make sure we’re exactly where we want to be.
  • The other benefit is that fewer x-rays are needed and treatment is more comfortable.

Are you or a loved one in need of a root canal?  Contact dedicated Buffalo Endodontist Dr. Aaron McCann to examine and treat you gently through the procedure.

Root Canal/ Apex Locator FAQs

How can I choose the best endodontist?

The first thing we suggest is a recommendation from your general dentist. If you have confidence in your dentist, you can have confidence in the specialist to whom they refer you. Speak with friends and family who can share their personal opinions. Do some research on the specific doctor, such as where they did their training and how much training they’ve had, what types of technology they’re using, and to ensure that they offer state-of-the-art treatment that follows the standard of care in every aspect.

Are endodontic treatments covered by insurance?

When patients ask about dental insurance coverage, we tell them that most dental insurances will cover at least part of their procedure – and some even cover 100%.

The extent of coverage is based on your employer and your specific plan, but our office staff will work with you and help submit your paperwork.

We can also provide a pre-estimate to give you a clearer picture of your potential out-of-pocket cost.

What is an apicoectomy?

A patient may be having difficulty with a previously performed root canal that might become re-infected. Maybe there’s infection in a tooth on which you’ve had extensive restorative work. We can use a local surgery called an apicoectomy to help take care of that infection. We numb the area just as if you were having a regular root canal and, while looking through a microscope, work down from the top of the tooth, removing the source of infection and performing a reverse root canal.

What is a dental dam?

The purpose of a dental dam is to keep an area clean to prevent bacteria – even your own oral bacteria and saliva – from getting back inside your tooth. The intent is to disinfect the inside of your tooth by using the dam to isolate the tooth. It’s also beneficial if you are a gagger because nothing enters your mouth except your own saliva.

What are the success rates of root canals and crowns?

The success rate for root canal treatment is very high. When we complete treatment on a tooth that had no prior infection and was just beginning to show symptoms, a crown installed by your dentist will give you years – or even decades – of success with your tooth.

How can a dentist help with oral pain?

Teeth may hurt because of cavities that make them susceptible to cold, heat, or sweets. We can help determine why it hurts and find a way to relieve the pain. If there’s swelling, you might have an abscess, and we can eliminate the infection, returning you to your pain-free life.

How does oral health relate to my general health?

Physicians and researchers have conducted studies that reveal direct relationships between periodontal gum disease, heart disease and diabetes. Our bodies work interdependently. So if you’re unable to keep your mouth in its healthiest possible condition, it can actually affect other issues such as diabetes. It’s essential to see your dentist regularly and keep your mouth as healthy as possible.

Will antibiotics take care of a tooth infection?

The dental infection itself is really inside the tooth so, in order to solve the problem, we have to actually go inside that tooth and fix it. Antibiotics simply mask the symptoms and, if the problem isn’t fixed, it usually comes back worse than the first time.

Can a tooth infection cause an infection in my body?

The focal infection theory, which contemplates the possibility that a tooth infection can cause infection in the whole body, is a question that frequently appears online and in discourse at holistic centers.

Systems throughout our bodies are connected, and dental, oral, and periodontal infections can affect other aspects of the body – including heart conditions and diabetes.

Normally, however, a dental infection coming from a tooth is a localized infection. If left untreated, such infection can spread and become more generalized.

How did my tooth get infected in the first place?

One way or another, bacteria found its way inside your tooth and caused infection. There may be a crack in your tooth or you may have had trauma to your tooth. Cavities are caused by bacteria slowly working their way inside the tooth and causing problems. The tooth will become inflamed, and you might have a toothache or sensitivity when you drink ice cold water or eat ice cream or other sweets.

What are the main causes of tooth decay?

Diet and/or hygiene-related habits are the main causes of tooth decay. The best way to prevent tooth decay is to brush your teeth several times a day (with a toothpaste containing fluoride) and to floss one time every day. As much as possible, avoid items such as acidic foods, soft drinks and candy. Foods containing sugar feed bacteria and cause cavities.

Why should I see a dentist after losing a tooth?

If you dislodge a tooth and a dentist or an emergency room staff member replaces it, contact an endodontist within two weeks. The timing is very important because root canal therapy can both save the life of and ensure the health of that tooth.

Why would I need a root canal?

A lot of people ask, “Why can’t I just take an antibiotic and make the infection go away?” If you take an antibiotic, it will help your symptoms go away, but the problem is inside the tooth. The only way to fix the problem is to go inside the tooth with a root canal procedure. We can actually go in and take care of the problem once and for all.

How do I know I have a root canal problem?

The pressure of chewing your food may start to bother you more. Cold temperatures may cause pain, or the heat of your coffee may bother your teeth. Those issues may indicate a root canal problem and, if you notice lumps, or swelling, you should be examined.

Can all teeth be treated with a root canal?

The benefit of seeing an endodontist who specializes in root canal therapy lies in the extra training they undergo. This extensive training enables us to perform endodontic treatments on virtually any tooth. Because we use a microscope to guide every procedure, we can locate canals and highly calcified areas that others might miss. They would, therefore, be unable to complete the same type of treatment and help save your tooth.

How is a root canal repaired if it didn’t heal correctly?

In certain cases, when a prior root canal is not working, we might have to perform an endodontic surgery called an apicoectomy.

If a prior root canal hasn’t healed the way it was expected to, we can do a reverse root canal, remove whatever is unhealthy, and enable the patient to save the tooth.

The major advantage of this procedure is that we can help save the tooth without affecting any of the patient’s restorative work, so they won’t have to revisit their dentist.

What is root canal retreatment?

Most root canal treatments are successful. However, retreatment is sometimes needed. Cases that were done elsewhere are sometimes sent to us for evaluation and help in developing a remedial plan. A root canal procedure that fails is usually attributable to bacteria that remain in the canal or, gradually seep back in and re-infect the tooth.

Can a root canal cause an illness?

A common question currently circulating on the internet concerns the possibility that root canal therapy can cause other medical problems.

We encourage patients to visit the American Academy of Endodontists’ website and read their published paper. It includes hundreds of references – none of which support any such claims. A dental infection is a localized infection which, if not treated, can become a systemic problem. Because the materials we use are inert, the focal infection theory is no cause for concern.

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