OUR OFFICE USES ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY TO AID IN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, GENTLE AND EFFECTIVE TREATMENT, WHILE DELIVERING AN EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE FOR PATIENTS.
Why is technology so important to endodontics?
In the right hands and with the right technology, the days of uncomfortable root canals can be over. The advanced technology available at League City Endodontics, some of which is highlighted in more detail below, enables Dr. Schaefer to provide the best care possible with the lowest chance of discomfort.
GentleWave®
We are excited to be the first endodontist within Galveston County to be certified by Sonendo for the state-of-the-art GentleWave® procedure. In many circumstances, the GentleWave® technology provides a minimally invasive option that delivers a higher standard of clean.
In standard root canal treatment, a series of files are used to reach inside the tooth and mechanically remove the infected tissue. This approach can be highly effective for certain anatomies, so for decades it has been the prevailing method of cleaning root canal systems. However, root canal systems can be highly complex, with twists and turns that make it difficult for files to reach everywhere. In addition, there can be microscopic places along the canal walls where bacteria can hide and multiply.
The GentleWave® Procedure is an alternative to traditional approaches to root canal therapy. It uses advanced fluid dynamics to create a vortex of procedure fluids that travel through your root canal system. Unlike standard root canal treatments, the GentleWave Ultracleaning® Procedure is able to reach all throughout your tooth—even in the microscopic places where bacteria can hide. This broad spectrum acoustic energy helps remove the tissue, debris, and bacteria that live throughout your root canal system and cause infection.
Fotona Dental Laser
Our practice utilizes the advanced Fotona LightWalker dental laser for endodontic (root canal) treatments. This cutting-edge technology ensures precise cleaning and disinfection of root canals, eliminating bacteria more effectively than traditional methods. Patients benefit from a gentler, minimally invasive procedure with the goal of less pain, faster healing, and enhanced success rates for long-term oral health.
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
Cone beam imaging, available only in limited locations such as our practice, has radically transformed the way that endodontists can gather information. It gives our office the ability to capture high-definition, three-dimensional images of the mouth and/or specific teeth if necessary. By doing so, we can diagnose even the most complicated cases.
The transformation from interpreting two-dimensional information to diagnosing from 3D imaging – allowing for visualization of all structures from multiple angles – is a quantum leap and has forever altered the way we practice dentistry. The results provide Dr. Schaefer with the ability to diagnose and treat in a manner that previously could not even be imagined.
Digital Imaging
Dental radiographs are invaluable aids in diagnosing and treating your dental health. They provide us with an excellent view inside your tooth that we cannot see with our own eyes. This enables us to determine bone level and analyze the health of your bone. We can also examine the roots and nerves of teeth and assess damage when injury has occurred. Exposure time for dental radiographs is extremely minimal.
League City Endo uses Digital Imaging within the office, which uses tiny sensors to collect the image, send directly to our computer, and reduce exposure time to approximately 90% less than previous radiographs you may have had done. To further minimize exposure, our office also follows many guidelines to determine how and when radiographs are taken. Digital x-rays are also faster, normally taking only seconds to appear on the monitor. In addition, this new technology is friendly to the environment since no chemicals are needed for developing the image.
For you, this means that our advanced imaging helps us maintain your health by providing valuable diagnostic information to improve your prognosis. The larger, higher quality digital image helps us explain your specific case more clearly and allows Dr. Schaefer to “zoom in” on a specific area of the tooth. If necessary, we can also quickly and securely share the images with your dentist, other specialists, or insurance company to coordinate care.
SURGICAL MICROSCOPES
To complement digital imaging inside your tooth, surgical microscopes magnify details which are invisible to the naked eye and illuminate the area where Dr. Schaefer is focusing, allowing her to work with precision to restore your tooth to health. Dr. Schaefer uses the microscope throughout the procedure, and it many times provides her with the last bit of detail needed to ensure your procedure is completed correctly.
OZONE THERAPY
Ozone, a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms, is a natural, powerful antimicrobial agent that combats bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
At League City Endo, we incorporate ozone treatment alongside other therapies to restore oral health and effectively treat various oral health conditions through minimally invasive procedures.
Ozone therapy involves administering ozone gas into the teeth or gums to address issues like gum disease and tooth decay. This method works similarly to antibiotics, but without relying on pharmaceuticals, to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
TDO SOFTWARE
Our office uses specialized endodontic practice management software to create a fully integrated, paperless digital office. It is the cornerstone of our office and is used by all members of our staff to diagnose and treat patients more efficiently and run our office effectively.
From the initial check-in process to the time a patient checks out, our computer software allows us to enhance every aspect of a patient's office experience. The software is specifically designed for endodontics so that we can manage and place patient outcomes at the forefront of everything we do. By securely having all record keeping and charting occur digitally, we eliminate double entry and problems faced by more traditional endodontic practices.
