Dental Tribune United Kingdom Edition

reduced saliva flow and a dry mouth, which encourages caries. This is also a common factor in age itself. As age increases, the in- cidents of decay and root caries rise and this may be compounded by the patient hav- ing less sensitivity to pain and therefore, less early warning signs of decay. Decay around previous crowns and restorations is a fa- miliar theme in ageing patients who need RCT and these treat- ments can become more difficult and may also be more time con- suming. This poses a problem in people who require shorter appointments for health reasons and also comfort. Often the RCT is a re-treatment of an exist- ing root filling where there has been leakage and this has to be re-addressed. Utilising the best and most modern equipment is the only way to ensure the most efficient work without compromising on quality. Clear visualisation into treatment areas through a powerful light source is essen- tial. Microscopes and loupes are ideal tools for increased vision into the work area, especially whilst working through crowns and searching for very sclero- sed and receded canals. For ef- ficient canal preparation and to really speed up preparations, I find nickel titanium instruments to be excellent. It is also crucial to men- tion that an incredibly impor- tant aspect of successful RCT is the comfort and confidence of the patient. Often people are nervous following a lifetime of poor experiences at the dentist and the reputation that sur- rounds treatments such as root canal therapies. Understand- ing a patient’s reservations and concerns will help you complete treatment fast and efficiently. The possibility of successful treatment has increased with more efficient diagnosis, treat- ment therapies and the oppor- tunity to both treat and re-treat teeth if necessary. Root Canal Treatment is certainly desirable by both patients andprofession- als and in most caes, preferable to extraction and the knock on effects of losing a tooth. DT About the author Dr Michael Sultan BDS MSc DFO is a specialist in En- dodontics and the Clinical Director of EndoCare. Michael qualified at Bris- tol University in 1986. He worked as a general dental practitioner for five years before com- mencing special- ist studies at Guy’s hospital, London. He completed his MSc and in Endo- dontics in 1993 and worked as an in-house endodontist in various prac- tices before setting up in Harley St, London in 2000. He was admitted onto the specialist register in Endodontics in 1999 and has lectured extensively to postgraduate dental groups as well as lecturing on Endodontic courses at Easman CPD, University of London. He has been involved with numerous dental groups and has been chairman of the Alpha Omega dental fraternity. In 2008 he became clinical director of Endocare a group of spe- cialist practices. To talk to a member of the Endocare team call 020 7224 0999 or email reception@ endocare.co.uk or for more informa- tion please visit www.endocare.co.uk Mobility may be an issueMedication may lead to reduced salivary flow 25ClincialJanuary 24-30, 2011United Kingdom Edition