Photos provided by Gary Jackson.

Endodontics Can Jump Start a GP Practice

COLUMBUS, OHIO - The introduction of endodontic tools has the potential to expand your range as a dentist as well as boost your bottom line, according to Garry Bey, DDS, who lectured on this topic during the Updates in Contemporary Dentistry Meeting recently. Dr. Bey said that recent advancements in endodontics and handpieces, such as rotary instrumentation, has revolutionized the world of endodontics, and has made it accessible to practitioners of all skill levels. Dr. Bey began his discussion by providing an overview of the goal of endodontics, saying, The goal is to give the body the best possible chance to fight off bacteria by mechanically removing as much bacteria and debris as possible. He advised those in the audience to look for performance and ergonomics when selecting handpieces, and noted specifically the KaVo COMFORTdrive, which he said features precise cutting performance in a lighter, shorter, and quieter handpiece. Getting Started Dr. Bey said on the day of his procedures, he anesthetizes the patient, prepares the proper access, and then creates a path. He then uses the LightSpeed LSX, from Discus, which he said enables him to create root canal preparations that thoroughly clean without unnecessarily removing root structure. He said LightSpeeds unique, nontapered design assures him that the canals, which are oval in shape and can be difficult to completely clean, are properly instrumented.

Final Irrigation Once the instrumentation is complete, Dr. Bey advises final irrigation with Discus Dentals EndoVac system. Dr. Bey cited data demonstrating that many irrigation techniques are effective at cleaning root canals coronally, but significantly less effective apically. Peer-reviewed research has EndoVac is completely safe, kills 100% of bacteria, and can result in significantly less postoperative pain for the patient than current systems, Dr. Bey said. EndoVac pulls irrigant deep into the canal and evacuates it safely through a combination of cannulas, avoiding the risk of extruding sodium hypochlorite beyond the apical foramen. It enables safe irrigation to full working length, allowing the dentist to reach the critical 3 mm to 4 mm that are often left untouched, Dr. Bey said. After all instrumentation is complete, the EndoVac is inserted to full working length, where its 12 micro-suction holes pull irrigant all the way to the apical constriction and create a vortexlike cleaning of the apical third. More Options, Better Results Summarizing his presentation, Dr. Bey said that the combination of new high-performance handpeices, coupled with the LightSpeed technique for apical enlargement, facilitates effective irrigation with EndoVac. He noted that safety and efficacy are the key elements of all of these products, and that every dentist should consider incorporating them into their practice. Colleen Platt

Photo credit: Picture America

Garry Bey, DDS is in private practice in New

Jersey, specializing in Endodontics. He graduated from Syracuse University with a BS in Biology and received his DDS from New York University College of Dentistry. Currently National Board Eligible, Dr. Bey is a member of the American Association of Endodontists, American Dental Association, New York State Dental Association, New Jersey Dental Association, and he is the Past President of the Rockland County Dental Society.
Dr. Bey reports receiving an honorarium from Discus.

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Photo credit: Picture America