Photo by Ray Bryant, Bryant Studios
cover feature
The team of specialists at Highland Park Endodontics and Rockwall Endodontics from
left, Dr. Craig Deagle, Dr. Thomas Choate, Dr. Antonio Berto and Dr. Murat Ayik.
The Futurists
Ushering in a New Era of Endodontics
W
by Tina Cauller
hile every dental student is taught how to perform a
root canal procedure, not all clinicians have the same
comfort level with endodontic procedures, particularly
when the case is complicated by one or more troublesome factors.
In cases involving retreatment, anatomy-related challenges, phobic
or medically compromised patients, it can be advantageous to refer
the patient to a specialist for treatment, which allows general dentists more time for other procedures and improves patient satisfaction. According to the AAE, endodontists perform an average of 25
root canal treatments per week, while the general dentist performs
6 NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY | www.northtexasdentistry.com
two per week. As a result, the endodontist is more familiar, faster,
and more comfortable with performing a root canal than the typical
general dentist. Forging a collaborative relationship with the right
specialist strengthens the general dentist’s practice and ensures
that patients receive the best possible care.
General practitioners who partner with the specialists at Highland
Park Endodontics and Rockwall Endodontics recognize that their
relationship with this remarkable group is an invaluable resource.
When patients need advanced diagnostics or specialty care, the