Houston Dentistry Volume 2 Issue 1 2017 HOUSTON ISSUE 1 DE | Page 7

tations. Patients are greeted by a spa-like space where comfort is a priority and they have a sense of control over their experi- ence. The office offers massage chairs, televisions with high- quality headphones, and a library of more than 300 movies. For patients who need additional help relaxing, different levels of sedation using nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, or IV se- dation are offered after a thorough review of the patient’s med- ical history. Dr. Wan and his associates take pride in ensuring that patients are reassured and relaxed and that their endodon- tic treatment is painless. Dr. Wan and his associ- ates take pride in ensuring that patients are reassured and relaxed during their endodontic treatment. Patients and referring doctors can have confidence in the care provided at Contemporary Endodontics. In addition to possess- ing expertise built on a foundation of specialty training, the endodontists at Contemporary Endodontics are equipped with sophistic ated equipment like high-powered microscopes, digital radiographs, and high-resolution CBCT to improve diagnostic accuracy and optimize treatment outcomes. “The more data we have, the greater our chance for successful treatment,” notes Dr. Wan. “New high-resolution cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology enables us to evalu- ate the treatment area in three dimensions and visualize the exact dimensions of the lesion. We have a blueprint going into treatment rather than relying on trial and error. This informa- tion guides exactly how much to remove and where to clean, and clearly shows any missed canals. CBCT’s powerful imaging also allows us to help determine if a root is fractured, so we can avoid the cost and frustration of treatment that will ultimately be unsuccessful.” Dr. Wan and his team offer apicoectomy as an option for saving teeth, even for posterior teeth which can be extremely challenging to evaluate effectively and treat successfully. He explains, “CBCT imaging prior to treatment allows us to obtain precise measure- ments of the tooth anatomy. This technology also helps us to make informed decisions about the quantity and quality of bone that will guide treatment and ensure a predictable result.” The apicoectomy procedure itself is performed using ultrasonic instruments to clean the root ends under an operating micro- scope. For patients, the positive experience often serves to reinforce loyalty to the dentist for their role in securing a successful outcome. The team of Contemporary Endodontics is committed to ongoing education to stay informed on new tech- niques, the latest products and most advanced equip- ment to provide state-of- the-art dental care. The team at Contemporary Endodontics offers instructional classes and group studies to help general dentists learn how to increase their comfort level with endodontic treatment and hone their endodontic skills. Attendees learn techniques to pro- www.houstondentistrymagazine.com | HOUSTON DENTISTRY With the help of this imaging technology, Dr. Wan reports that patients who are referred for re-treatment of an old, failed root canal can expect a higher success rate with the preservation of form and function. “We always strive to preserve the natural tooth if possible, and our chances of successfully saving teeth are higher now than ever before,” Dr. Wan notes. 7