Latest Technology

Maria Bryan, DDS Root Canal Therapy Endodontics Kingsport TN and Greenville Tennessee

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.

High Magnification Eyeglasses

Loupes 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.

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.

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.

©Copyright 2003-2006 Dental WebSmith, Inc. and Maria Wyche Bryan, DDS. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: The information provided within is intended to help you better understand dental conditions and procedures. It is not meant to serve as delivery of medical or dental care. If you have specific questions or concerns, contact your health care provider.