Advanced Technology

LATEST TECHNOLOGY

At Endodontic Associates of Central Texas your care is our top priority. We want you to have the best care possible which is why we combine compassionate, patient centered caring with the latest in computer and endodontic technology.

THE GENTLE WAVE BY SONENDO

The GentleWave® Procedure is an innovative alternative to standard root canal treatment. It presents a major advancement that helps us clean out the inside of your tooth. The root canal system in multi-rooted teeth, especially molars, consists of intricate channels for the nerves and blood vessels. While our standard methods of cleaning out the inside of your tooth do a very good job with the main canals, we are always evaluating technological advancements and incorporating them into our practice when we believe that doing so will help us provide a higher level of care than previously possible and help us save more teeth for more of our patients. 

The GentleWave® System delivers a broad range of sound waves within the complex anatomy found within the tooth in conjunction with continuous irrigation. In a matter of minutes this results in complete cleaning and disinfecting of the entire network of canals. The incredible effectiveness of this system also allows us to conserve more of your tooth structure than ever before.

We are very proud to be able to offer this level of care to our patients. Dr. Michael Ford and Dr. Brian Bickel are fully certified in the use of the GentleWave® System and will gladly answer any questions you may have about this exciting new technology.

CBCT SCANS

an image of Sirona Orthophos XG machine in a white room

Dental cone beam computed tomography, or CBCT images, are essential in assisting with the diagnosis and treatment planning of root canals. While most cases are straightforward and can be planned with conventional 2D x-rays, sometimes a more precise, detailed image is necessary. This is where this innovative technology comes into play. With our in-office CBCT machine we are able to produce a three-dimensional view of your tooth to ensure the most precise and accurate treatment planning possible.

While conventional x-rays are still necessary and are an important part of the treatment planning process, the CBCT image gives us a much more detailed image. Traditional images can show us the tooth and surrounding bone in a 2D view. However, our CBCT machine will not only show us the tooth and bone in a 3D view but also has the ability to show soft tissue and nerve pathways all within a single scan. Due to our scan coming through a cone beam, you, as our patient, receive less scatter radiation making it safer while getting a much more precise image of your teeth. The scan is painless, non-invasive and accurate, and takes less than 15 seconds to complete. A single scan will produce four different views of your case so that our doctors can make the most informed decision about what is right for you.a 3D rendering taken from the Sirona Orthophos XG machine of someone's dental anatomy

MICROSCOPESa photo of an endodontic microscope on a movable metal arm

We fully utilize special dental operating microscopes, also known as DOMS. These are more powerful than the magnifying glasses commonly seen in most dental offices. Most of these glasses have a fixed magnification range that is between 2.5- and 6-times normal view; our microscopes provide a wider range of view with a range from 3- all the way up to 30-times the normal view. LED lighting affords an unprecedented view into the tooth. This magnification and fiber optic illumination are crucial in aiding the doctor to see tiny details inside your tooth, thus providing you with the best care possible.

NOMAD AND DIGITAL X-RAYS

The safety of our patients is very important to us. That is why we use only digital (computer) x-rays. They are documented to use 90% less exposure and have none of the environmental concerns of conventional film. The multi-angle views, and contrasting levels of shading it shows will give us the most detailed information for treatment of your tooth. This often allows us to show you the problems, concerns, and the treatment challenges your tooth may present. It also allows you to be in and out of our office quicker so you can get back to your day. With the instant transfer to the computer there is no longer a need to wait for processing. Combine these benefits with those of the Nomad and you are getting the safest, fastest, and best treatment.