Apicoectomy after a Root Canal

An apicoectomy is performed after an unsuccessful root canal. When an infection will not go away or returns after a root canal have been performed this procedure is usually necessary. Dr. David Bishop of Bishop & Bishop Dental is known for taking a comprehensive, but gentle approach to dentistry. In most cases, he may suggest a second root canal before an apicoectomy since it is a simpler, less invasive procedure.
Most apicoectomies take between 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the location of the tooth and the complexity of the root structure. Procedures on front teeth are generally the shortest. Those on lower molars generally take the longest. Before the procedure, Ballston Metro Dental will provide you with a consultation to see what action best fits your needs. With the advances in endodontic microsurgery at Bishop & Bishop Dental, you’ll feel confident about the quality of care you’re receiving.
If you have questions or concerns regarding endodontic treatment, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.bishopdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Drs. David Bishop, Dorienne Taylor-Bishop, and Alicia Reynolds at Bishop & Bishop Dental here in Silver Spring, Maryland, call 301-608-9270.

Dental Instruments

We don’t want patients to feel nervous at Bishop & Bishop Dental in Silver Spring. Too many people have preventable tooth decay because they’ve missed regular appointments. Since dental instruments are often the source of patients’ anxiety, we wanted to get patients used to them by explaining how they work.
The instruments dentists and hygienists use the most often are the handheld mirror and the explorer. The handheld mirror allows us to move the patient’s cheek away from their teeth in addition to providing different views. The explorer, also known as a probe, is the hooked instrument used to scrape tartar off teeth. We also use the explorer to test the hardness of tooth enamel and to clean debris out of the gum pockets.
When patients have tooth decay, there are several tools we use to provide fillings. Modern dental drills emit a stream of water to prevent heat damage. We mix white resin composite material on a small spatula and place it on the cavity using an instrument called a burnisher. A burnisher is a metal instrument with a blunt end, and they come in many shapes for contouring fillings. If a tooth ever needs to be removed, we rock it back and forth with a small, flat spoon called an elevator to loosen it before removing it with reverse-action forceps.
David Bishop, DDS, Dorienne Taylor-Bishop, DDS, and Alicia Reynolds, DDS, operate Bishop & Bishop Dental at 8757 Georgia Ave, Suite 810, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20910. To set up an appointment, call 301-608-9270 or visit Bishop Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

Sleeptember

People suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can count on quality care at Bishop & Bishop Dental in Silver Spring. We are providers of custom-fitted oral appliances that keep peoples’ airways open at night. But sleep apnea is one of the most underdiagnosed conditions, which is why the American Sleep Apnea Association has launched the Sleeptember campaign to raise awareness of it.
OSA is a potentially life-threatening condition. When people have it, their throat tissue sags into their airway when they’re asleep, causing them to be taken out of deep sleep throughout the night. In the short-term, they may have a harder time waking up if they stop breathing and will feel tired the next day. In the long-term, they are at increased risk for heart disease and depression. Sleep apnea is also a major factor in vehicular accidents and is often the cause of nighttime teeth grinding, also known as bruxism.
Snoring is one of the most significant red flags for sleep apnea. Other signs are lax eyelids and inexplicable fatigue. Patients can visit a sleep center for a diagnosis. If they test positive, we’ll work with their care team to fabricate a night guard that will protect them from bruxism and keep their jaw in a position that is less likely to cause an obstruction.
David Bishop, DDS, Dorienne Taylor-Bishop, DDS, and Alicia Reynolds, DDS, operate Bishop & Bishop Dental at 8757 Georgia Ave, Suite 810, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20910. To set up an appointment, call 301-608-9270 or visit Bishop Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

Thank You for Your Positive Testimonials!

Here at Bishop & Bishop Dental, our staff appreciates feedback from patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our staff would not only like to thank Gerald Y. for this positive review, but we would like to thank him for being a dedicated patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!
“Professional, knowledgeable and convenient location is important factors for me in continuing to see him. I have been satisfied with his care and treatment.” – Gerald Y.
If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.bishopdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Drs. David Bishop, Dorienne Taylor-Bishop, and Alicia Reynolds at Bishop & Bishop Dental here in Silver Spring, Maryland, call 301-608-9270.