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Computer
Digital Radiography (CDR)
 Dental
x-rays can now be taken using sensors that transmit the image
directly into a computer monitor. This larger image helps
the patient understand the doctor's explanations more easily
and enables the doctor to "zoom in" on a specific
area of the tooth. An important advantage to this new technology
is that it reduces the amount of radiation by up to 90%. Digital
x-rays are also faster. The digital image only takes 20 seconds
to appear in the monitor. In addition, this new technology
is friendly to the environment since no chemicals are needed
for developing the image.
Surgical
Microscope
 Dr.
Bryan uses a Surgical Microscope. It provides enhanced visualization
of the endodontic access or surgical area. This is especially
beneficial for accurate visualization of complex anatomy cases,
for locating root fractures or defects, for root-end surgery,
for removal of separated instruments, and for locating canals.
Orascope
 Dr.
Bryan also uses the Orascope. With the camera eye in a fiberoptic
lens that is less than two millimeters in diameter, it can extend
into the canals showing microscopic detail. This is especially
beneficial for accurate visualization of complex anatomy cases,
for locating root fractures or defects, for root-end surgery,
for removal of separated instruments, and for locating canals.
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High
Magnification Eyeglasses
 Root
canal therapy is a microsurgical procedure. In order to provide
optimal magnification, Dr. Bryan uses surgical loupes, which
are like little microscopes attached to eyeglasses. The use
of this device enables us to work in the most precise and
efficient manner on every case.
Ultrasonic
Instruments
These
instruments utilize ultrasonic vibration to clean and prepare
a root canal for filling. Ultrasonic devises are particularly
useful to clean the root end during surgery or to remove a
post or other obstruction in the canal. With the use of ultrasonic
instruments today, we are able to save teeth that in previous
years would have been extracted.
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Nickel
Titanium Rotary Instruments
Nickel
Titanium has the unique features of flexibility and shape
memory. The instruments are used to clean and shape the inside
of the canal. Previous stainless steel instruments had the
tendency to break and could not take a curve to follow the
shape of the canal, so it was difficult to clean the canal
successfully. Nickel Titanium is 500 times more flexible,
so even canals that are sharply curved can be thoroughly cleaned
and shaped. Routine use of these instruments allows us not
only to be more effective, but also to work faster and more
quietly.
Electric
Handpieces
New electric
handpieces are virtually silent. This significantly reduces
the anxiety of our patients. These handpieces are designed
to be used exclusively with nickel titanium rotary instruments.
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Electronic
Apex Locators
It is
important for the success of root canal therapy to clean and
fill to the very end of the root, without extending beyond
or being short. The electronic apex locator aids in measuring
the length the canal by determining accurately the opening
in the end of the root through a resistance force. This instrument
enables us to reduce the radiographic exposures needed to
complete the procedure.
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