Ellis Endodontics

Dental Specialists In this blog, we hope to address some of the questions people have about dental specialties, including endodontics (the specialty typically associated with root canal treatment).... Dentists with additional training: All dentists attend three to four years of dental school learning to perform a vast array of routine dental procedures such as extractions, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, etc. Dental specialists are dentists who have gone on to receive additional post-doctoral training in a particular, limited field. The recognized dental specialties include oral surgery, prosthodontics, periodontics, orthodontics, public health, oral pathology, oral radiology, and endodontics. Endodontic residency programs are 2-3 years long. These years of additional education make dental specialists better equipped to handle more complex cases. Specialists are also good sources of information for general dentists regarding newer, proven techniques and materials (1). Why did my dentist refer me to a specialist? One must first understand that not all teeth are created equal. Some teeth are more difficult to treat. Some conditions are more difficult to diagnose. General dentists often refer their patients to specialists for these complex cases. Being referred to a specialist does NOT mean your general dentist is incompetent. On the contrary! The most skilled, experienced dentists are aware of their limitations and know when it is best to refer! Your referral to a specialist indicates that your dentist is fulfilling an ethical obligation to ensure you receive the highest level of dental care. Dentists who are members of the American Dental Association abide by a code of ethics and professional conduct, which states, Dentists shall be obliged to seek consultation, if possible, whenever the welfare of patients will be safeguarded or advanced by utilizing those who have special skills, knowledge, and experience. (2) What are specific reasons for being referred to an endodontic specialist? The reasons for a referral to an endodontist are too numerous to list, but we will mention a few. Any one or a combination of conditions may be reasons for referral. These conditions include, but are not limited to: Difficult diagnosis, questions about prognosis, limited mouth opening, aggressive infection/pain, difficulty with radiographic imaging, difficult-to-access canals, challenging tooth/root morphology, and complications with previously-done root canal therapy (3). In the end, perhaps the most important reason for referral to a specialist is to provide the patient with the best dental care possible. 1. Hazelkorn HM, Robins LS. Building the relationship between general practice and specialty dentists. J Am Dent Assoc. 1994;125:1392-6. 2. ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct 3. Rosenberg RJ, Goodis HE. Endodontic case selection: to treat or to refer. J Am Dent Assoc. 1992;123:57-63.

Have a safe and happy Labor Day everybody.

Why didn’t I get antibiotics to treat a dental infection? A double-edged sword: Ever since the discovery of penicillin, antibiotics have benefited humankind greatly; however, overuse of antibiotics has resulted in the development of many resistant strains of bacteria in the environment. Although penicillin is still an inexpensive, safe and effective antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections, more and more patients are getting infections from bacteria against which... penicillin does not work. Strains of bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE), are developing in the environment that are resistant to even stronger antibiotics (1). The number of antibiotics available to treat resistant bacterial strains is limited, particularly for those patients allergic to certain types of antibiotics (like penicillins). To help prevent the development and breeding of resistant bacterial strains, healthcare professionals have a responsibility to prescribe antibiotics only when a patient truly needs it (2). Additionally, let's not forget that medications are rarely without side-effects. Certain antibiotics are known to cause gastro-intestinal distress, yeast infections, and serious adverse drug interactions, to name a few. Treatment of dental infections: The fact is that the normal, healthy human body has an excellent natural immune system capable of handling many low-grade infections on a daily basis. Simple mechanical removal of most of the bacteria via decay excavation followed by a filling, deep cleaning of tooth and root surfaces, extraction or root canal therapy of contaminated teeth is often sufficient in treating certain dental infections without the use of antibiotics. In fact, most of the time antibiotics alone will not completely cure dental infections; you'll need the corrective procedure too. Feel free to ask your dentist about the appropriateness of use of antibiotics in your situation, but do not be surprised if your dentist does not write a prescription 1. ADA Council on Scientific Affairs. Combating antibiotic resistance. J Am Dent Assoc 2004;135:484. 2. Sweeney LC, Jayshree D, Chambers PA, Heritage J. Antibiotic resistance in general dental practicea cause for concern. J Antimicrobial Chemotherapy 2004;53:567.

Ever wonder about that dark tooth? There are many reasons why a tooth might be discolored, and it's important to figure out the cause in order to determine the best way to lighten it, if it's even possible to do so. Surface stains (like from coffee) tend to affect many teeth, and are easily removed with a cleaning and polishing....Continue reading

Introducing our newest member of our team!

59 friends 33 reviews Erika H. Harbor City, CA... 4/27/2012 1 Check-in Here I've had 2 root canals done here by Dr. Nakata and I have absolutely ZERO complaints or pain as a result!!! I've heard so many stories of people who have had pain during and after root canals... The first time I stepped into the office, I immediately felt relaxed... it's so nice and peaceful in the office... and NO paperwork!!! Everything is done electronically... I don't know the name of the girl at the front (she's the one with glasses) but she is so very nice and friendly... Dr. Nakata's assistant Angie is the BEST!!! (I really hope that's her name lol... she's Filipina) and Leia (who handled the billing for me) is great also... the entire office is the best! Dr. Nakata is very thorough and explains everything before and as well as during the procedure... He always makes sure you are comfortable and not experiencing any pain at all... If I ever need any more work done (crossing my fingers I don't! lol), I will definitely come back here... Was this review ? Useful Funny Cool

3/8/2012 Dr. Todd Nakata is amazingly competent and confident. Because of reconstructive surgery decades ago, it is very difficult to work in my mouth. I have had 6 root canals with him and have experienced little, if any, discomfort and have always had successful outcomes. He is able to anesthetize me without even the injection hurting. Very unusual in my experience. His office is technologically advanced and I think that one of the reasons the outcome is so positive i...s that he uses a computer-generated microscope to place the canal filling material so precisely. His assistant, Pam, is very calming and competent, as well. I just had another root canal yesterday, came home and resumed my usual routine. I am extremely grateful for his skill. Claudia M. Ph.D. Rancho Palos Verdes, Ca

3/8/2012 Usually people fear going to these types of appointments...but after wakening up with HORRIFIC pain from a tooth/nerve gone dead, my appointment couldn't come soon enough. The staff is AMAZING, very understanding and very accommodating. I was seen that same day. Unfortunately, my teeth are something I have always struggled with, but it is so wonderful to know that offices like these exist. I have seen both Dr. Nakata and Dr. Kyomen, both (the least to say) are in my ...opinion some of the best! Felt little or no discomfort. I hope I don't have any issues with my teeth anytime soon, but if I do I feel happy I have them to count on! THANKS GUYS, no more pain! Carmen S. Wilmington, Ca

10/23/2007 Ron G. Had my very first root canal done a couple of years ago by Dr. Kyomen. She is quite pleasant and personable (and attractive as well). Her hygienist, Doris, explained things in great detail and was also very nice.... Can't really tell you if the cost was reasonable because I don't know what other endodontists charge. Seemed kind of expensive (over $900 for one tooth), but the procedure ...for a root canal is fairly labor intensive (almost 2 hours). I was surprised how her fingers were able to hold up from all of that scrubbing. Most importantly, there was absolutely no pain. I've always heard horror stories about how bad root canals were, but I've had cavities filled that were more painful than what I went through this morning (I grew up going to a dentist that never used Novacaine, but that's another story). I had the foresight to bring along some ibuprofen to take right after the procedure, so I'd be ready for when the anesthetic wore off. The most uncomfortable part of the procedure was learning how to swallow with my mouth propped open, but I guess that's a situation that's common with all root canals. One negative that I'll mention is that I noticed a pair of radio headphones on a hook mounted on the wall, but they weren't offered to me. Didn't really matter, because I had brought my own MP3 player, which I used to help to pass the time.See More

Have a safe and happy New Year!!! We will resume our normal business hours on January 2nd..