Greystone Smile Design » Root Canals

Hoover Dentist – Dr. Trent Buchanan

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 04:19:18 +0000

Dr. Trent Buchanan, of Greystone Smile Design, recently attended Dental Education Laboratories in Santa Barbara, CA for The Art of Endodontics two-day hands-on laboratory course.

This demanding seminar featured the newest technology and techniques in root canal treatment. The course is taught by renowned Endodontist L. Stephen Buchanan, DDS (no relation), who lectures domestically and internationally on Endodontic Innovations and Procedures.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Buchanan at Greystone Smile Design, call 205-433-9452.

Root Canal or Implant?

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:30:25 +0000

This question has recently become more and more popular as materials, techniques, and success rates continue to improve. Root canal treatment is needed when the nerve and blood supply of a tooth becomes irreversibly damaged. This is usually caused by bacteria (large cavity), but may also be caused by trauma or tooth fractures. An implant is a “screw” that goes into the bone with a crown attached (cemented or screwed). Implants are the treatment of choice for missing teeth. Both procedures have greater than a 90% success rate, offer great esthetics, function normally, and have mild post-operative discomfort.

When a tooth is irreversibly infected, two options exist: 1) Save the tooth with a root canal, or 2) extract the tooth and place an implant, if desired.

So which is better? Since some root canals fail, should I just go ahead and get the implant? Or, why pay more money for an implant if I can save my tooth?

Studies have recently taken place to evaluate these very questions. Conclusions show: 1) patients are just as happy with their root canals as they are with their implants; 2) patients could not feel a difference between their natural tooth and their restoration (implant or root canal); 3) root canal treated teeth may have a slight advantage in chewing efficiency and may require less maintenance.

You still didn’t answer my question – which one should I get?

As stated earlier, two options are present when a tooth is irreversibly inflamed. A root canal may be the preferred treatment if an excellent long-term prognosis is expected. If there is any hesitation of whether the root canal will be successful, an implant may be indicated. Your dentist will explain this in detail so you can make an educated decision on which treatment option you prefer. The difficult part is that both procedures can fail – although this is rare, it can happen because biology is not always predictable. Which ever treatment you and your dentist choose, excellent oral hygiene is needed to maintain your new restoration for years to come.

Related Articles:

Take the Oral Cancer Self Exam

The Link Between the Mouth and the Body

Which Toothpaste is Best?

What Every Mom Should Know about Pregnancy and Oral Health

Related Links:

Greystone Smile Design

Birmingham, Alabama Family Dentist

Greystone Smile Design Blog

Dr. Trent Buchanan – Journal of the Academy of General Dentistry – March/April ‘08

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:47:23 +0000

Dr. Trent Buchanan was recently published in General Dentistry, a premier peer-reviewed journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Published bi-monthly, it presents the latest advances in science, pharmacology, dental materials, and technology.

Dr. Buchanan teamed up with Dr. Paul D. Eleazer, chair of the UAB Department of Endodontics, and Dr. Bradley S. Alley, currently an Endodontist in Huntsville, AL. The article was entitled “Comparison of the Success of Root Canal Therapy in HIV/AIDS Patients and Non-Infected Controls.” Results showed no correlation between suppressed immune function and root canal success.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Buchanan at Greystone Smile Design, call 205-433-9452.

Related Links:

Greystone Smile Design Blog

Hoover, Alabama Dentist

Dr. Buchanan to Receive FAGD Award