Meet the doctors
Dr. Jennifer Gibbs
Dr. Gibbs was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. She completed her dental school degree (DDS) and PhD in Neuropharmacology at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.
Dr. Katarina Pavlicic
Dr. Pavlicic is a graduate of the Boston University Dental School.
In 2005, she attended Lutheran Medical Center’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program and was awarded a Certificate of Advanced Dental Graduate Study.
Root Canals / Endodontics
One of the most common dental procedures is a root canal. The root canal is the space inside the tooth’s root that contains the tooth’s pulp. The pulp is the soft tissue that holds the tooth’s blood vessels and nerves. When the pulp becomes infected, it can cause a great deal of pain and can lead to an abscess.
The infection can be caused by several things, including a deep cavity, a crack in the tooth, or trauma to the tooth. In that case, bacteria infiltrate the tooth’s root canal. A root canal procedure involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning the tooth, and sealing it. This can usually be done in one or two visits to the dentist. However, if the infection is severe, you may need additional treatment, such as antibiotics or surgery. In rare cases, an infected tooth may need to be extracted.
If you’re one of the millions of Americans who suffer from dental anxiety, having a root canal procedure can be downright scary. The idea of a root canal probably conjures up images of a lengthy, painful process. But the truth is root canal procedures are pretty gentle and relatively pain-free. With advances in technology, root canals have become much less invasive and more comfortable for patients. One of the most significant advances in root canal therapy has been the microscope.
The use of microscopes in root canals has revolutionized the field of endodontics. With a microscope, endodontists can get a close-up view of the inside of the tooth, which allows them to remove the damaged tissue and clean the area. This results in a more successful root canal procedure and a quicker, more comfortable recovery for the patient.
At South Shore Dental prosthetics, we pride ourselves on providing top-notch root canal and endodontic care. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect when you come in for a procedure:
First, Dr. Gibbs will numb the area around the tooth to be treated. This ensures your comfort throughout the procedure.
Next, she’ll access the tooth’s pulp chamber and clean it out. This involves removing the infected or inflamed pulp tissue and any debris.
Once the pulp chamber is clean, Dr. Gibbs will fill it with a special material called gutta-percha. This helps to seal the tooth and prevent future infection. Finally, Dr. Pavlicic will place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect it from further damage.
Here at South Shore Dental Prosthetics, we use the latest microscope technology, dental materials, and techniques to ensure that our patients are comfortable and relaxed during their root canal procedures. We make sure to take extra care in numbing the area before we begin, so you shouldn’t feel any pain.
Once we’re finished, you’ll likely feel some relief from the tooth pain that you experienced before. And, with proper care, your tooth will be good as new! Root canals and endodontic procedures can be daunting, but our experienced team, led by Dr. Gibbs, is here to ensure the process is as smooth and comfortable as possible. So, if you require a root canal or endodontic treatment, don’t hesitate to call us!
Root canal viewed with a dental microscope