The Isthmus
Jeff Devoted readers and astute clinicians know of the importance of the isthmus. I found this definition for isthmus online on dictionary.com: a connecting, usually narrow, part, organ, or passage, especially…
Jeff
Root Canals and Dental Implants: The Rest of the Story
At a recent local implant seminar, the clinician speaker, a representative of a leading implant manufacturer, reportedly told the audience that endodontic retreatment had a success rate of 46% in…
The Dental Operating Microscope Prevents Procedural Errors in Challenging Teeth
In case you are a new reader, it merits repeating that the dental operating microscope is the most valuable tool available for providing endodontic care. The light and magnification provided…
Re-Apicoectomy.
Occasionally, we see cases that have had previous treatment, retreatment, and apicoectomy, often times many decades ago, and now require intervention. The prognosis on these cases is often guarded at…
Root Canal Retreatment or Implant?
Stan, a recent reader of the blog, commented, “I’m 66 and have an abscessed pre-molar that had rct and a cap 25 years ago. Went to my dentist (who does…
Value and Limitations of CBCT in Endodontics-Case Report
For the longest time, I have been skeptical of the ability of the CBCT to detect vertical root fractures. Especially in previously treated teeth, where scatter radiation produces artifacts in…
Finding Missed Canals Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
We have had lots of discussion regarding the use of CBCT in endodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. CBCT is the future of endodontics. 3D imaging as an adjunct to 2D…
Value and Limitations of CBCT in Endodontics-Case Report
For the longest time, I have been skeptical of the ability of the CBCT to detect vertical root fractures. Especially in previously treated teeth, where scatter radiation produces artifacts in…
Challenging Isolation
Occasionally, as an endodontist, we are referred a patient for a difficult, maybe questionable, save. This patient was 85 years old and was undergoing cancer treatment. He was referred late…
Persistent Post-Treatment (Apical) Periodontitis.
When endodontically treating a tooth experiencing symptoms to percussion, that is symptomatic apical periodontitis or acute apical abscess, it is reasonable and normal to expect those symptoms to persist a…