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Hopkinton Endodontics - Judy McIntyre, DMD, MS

Endodontics Hopkinton MA

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508-686-7668
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FAQ

What is endodontics?

Endodontics is a speciality of dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association involving treatment of the pulp (aka “the nerve” or the “root canal”) and surrounding tissues of the tooth. Underneath your tooth, the portion hidden beneath the gum line, is called the root. Inside the root, there are inside channels or the “root canal” which contains the pulp (aka “the nerve”). The pulp is composed of both blood vessels and nerves.

Endodontic procedures include, but are not limited to, root canal treatment, root canal retreatment, surgical endodontic treatment (aka apicoectomy or root end resection), treatment of tooth resorption, cracks fractures, and traumatic dental injuries. Other endodontic procedures that Dr. McIntyre enjoys also include apexogenesis, apexification, internal bleaching, autotransplantation, pulp regeneration, decoronation, instrument and/or post removal, pulp capping, perforation repairs, vital pulp therapy, and more.

What is an endodontist? Why should I see an endodontist for my root canal treatment?

An endodontist is a dentist who has completed a 2 or 3 year specialty program beyond dental school that focuses on endodontic (root canal) therapy. This additional training expands extensively on the dental school endodontic curriculum. As specialists, endodontists specifically perform root canal treatment and associated procedures. These include complex root canal therapy, retreatments of existing root canals, root-end surgeries, whitening of root canal treated teeth and treatment of traumatic injuries in children and adults.

Why are endodontists called specialists?

While all endodontists are dentists, less than 3% percent of dentists are endodontists! Just like a doctor in any other field, endodontists are specialists because they’ve completed an additional two or more years of training beyond dental school. Their additional training focuses on diagnosing tooth pain and performing root canal treatment and other procedures relating to the interior of the tooth. In many cases, a diseased tooth can be saved with endodontic treatment. For this reason, endodontists proudly refer to themselves as Specialists in Saving Teeth.

Why do I need endodontic (root canal) treatment, and what does it entail?

Root canal treatment is a way to help you save your natural tooth (see Endodontic Procedures). You may need root canal treatment for a variety of reasons, sometimes even for more than one reason. Usually, a root canal is necessary because of a cavity (tooth decay), periodontal disease, a tooth fracture or cracks, or a large filling or crown that has ultimately had a nice run has ultimately annoyed the nerve inside your tooth. Or, you might have an abscess at the end of the tooth roots inside your jaw bone. In a few circumstances, your dentist might advise root canal treatment before restoring a tooth just in case the new crown or restoration is too close to the nerve.

During root canal treatment, an endodontic specialist treats the nerve/pulp by removing it and cleaning the “canals” to prevent further infection and inflammation. After successful endodontic treatment, the tooth is allowed to continue to function normally, after a final restoration by your dentist.

Will endodontic (root canal) treatment hurt?

This is the question that we are asked most frequently. The procedure should not be uncomfortable. Modern dentistry has created wonderful options for anesthesia and pain management. Dr. McIntyre’s main goal is for your treatment to be a pleasant experience; she will do everything she can to keep you comfortable and calm.

What happens after endodontic (root canal) treatment?

You may experience some discomfort following root canal treatment. You may notice this if you tap on the tooth or push on it with your tongue or finger. This sensitivity can usually be managed by over-the-counter medications such as Advil/Aleve and/or Tylenol. Dr. McIntyre provides all patients with a sheet of written post-treatment instructions. and she is available by phone should you have further questions.

She will place a temporary filling in the tooth after the root canal treatment is completed. This temporary can seal the opening for approximately 4 – 6 weeks. We recommend that you make an appointment with your dentist for a final (non-temporary) filling or crown within this time period, or as soon as possible. If you are still experiencing symptoms, we request that you contact our office prior to seeing your dentist. Without a final filling placed by your dentist, re-contamination of the root canal system may occur, and the need for a root canal retreatment to be performed resulting in additional time and expense for you.

When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment and the final X-ray will be sent to your restorative dentist and your dentist will plan for your final restoration to make the tooth fully functional again.

Are endodontic (root canal) procedures and materials safe?

Research on root canal therapy done as early as the 1930s and 40s shows no correlation between root canal therapy and general physical illness. Root canal therapy is well accepted in the medical and dental community to be safe as an effective treatment to eradicate a dental infection and save a tooth. The presence of bacteria in the mouth has been proven, even in individuals who do not have any dental disease (cavities, gum disease, etc.). Additional references and information can be found at: https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/myths-root-canals/ . Dr. McIntyre would be happy to answer any additional questions you may have.

What happens if I don’t have endodontic (root canal) treatment?

If you choose to delay or decline treatment, several things may happen. You may develop pain or the tooth may abscess, creating a swelling of the gums, face or jaw that may be dangerous and could require hospitalization. The other concern is that bone may be lost around the roots of the tooth in response to the chronic infection. This can lead to mobility of the tooth and ultimately, the loss of the tooth.

Why can’t I just take antibiotics for my toothache or dental infection?

Taking antibiotics (instead of receiving endodontic – root canal – treatment) will only “mask” the problem. An example would be like putting a lid on a trash can. The trash can (the inside of the tooth) is still inflamed or infected; in other words, the trash can is still dirty. The best thing to do would be to clean out the canals (the trash can) so that the symptoms do not recur, and so that other complications do not develop (abscess, swelling, pain). Unfortunately, teeth DO NOT heal, like the rest of our body does. Because the tooth is a hard structure, it is not capable of healing, and that is why the root canal should be performed. The root canal treatment is the only thing that will save the tooth and treat the inflammation and/or infection.

I’m really worried about radiation. Do I need more X-rays?

In communication with your general dentist, often times we can use your dentist’s recent X-ray. However, occasionally, it might not be available or the x-ray your dentist sends us might be different from what might exist in your mouth at the time of your visit. In those instances, we use an advanced non-film computerized system, called digital radiography, which provides significantly lower radiation levels – up to 90 percent lower – than those of already low dose conventional dental x-rays. We then send back to your dentist via mail or e-mail our digital images. Nevertheless, Dr. McIntyre cannot perform her treatment without x-rays, as they are the standard of care during endodontic treatment; at least one X-ray will be necessary during your root canal treatment.

What are my other options?

It is prudent, and we encourage you, to have all possible information prior to making any decisions about your dental care. Other options include extraction of the tooth and replacement with either a dental implant (screw placed in the bone with a false tooth to replace the missing one), a bridge (two crowns cemented on the teeth on either side with a false tooth in the center), or a removable partial denture (a false tooth / teeth to replace the missing tooth / teeth that can be removed from the mouth)

Despite all of the advancements in dentistry, there is no real replacement for your natural teeth. The loss of even one tooth can cause shifting and changes in the bite (occlusion) that may require extensive treatment to correct.

Dr. McIntyre is happy to extensively discuss your treatment options with you at your visit. Of course, your dentist is a wonderful resource as well.

How much will the endodontic (root canal) treatment cost?

The fees depend on several things, including root canal anatomy, location of the tooth in the mouth, the need for medications inside the tooth, what type of filling materials are used and if the procedure is a retreatment of previous root canal therapy or a surgical procedure.

Our staff is happy to provide you with a cost range based on the treatment that you require. A more specific fee can be provided at your evaluation or treatment appointment following the doctor’s evaluation of your specific tooth; it is difficult to accurately discuss fees without a consultation and/or review of your insurance benefits, if you have them. See our Financial Policy page.

Should I be concerned about infection?

We adhere to the most rigorous standards of infection control advocated by OSHA, the Centers for Disease Control and the American Dental Association. We utilize autoclave sterilization, weekly spore testing, and barrier techniques to eliminate any risk of infection.

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Hopkinton Endodontics

Judy McIntyre, DMD, MS
225 Wood Street #1
Hopkinton, MA 01748
508-686-7668

Hours

  • M: 8am — 4pm
  • Tu: 8am — 5pm
  • W: by appointment
  • Th: 8am — 5pm
  • F: 8am — 3pm

Instagram

drjudyendo

All the feels 🥰💕🤗 . #patientcare #teamwor All the feels 🥰💕🤗
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#patientcare
#teamwork 
#patientreviews 
#painfreedentistry 
#rootcanaltreatment 
#rootcanal
Loved having @alexlapierre in the office yesterday Loved having @alexlapierre in the office yesterday during her #farewelltour before her move to the opposite coast!!!!
🥰
Wishing you the best!  Thank you for stopping by!!!
💕
#formeradmin
#teamwork
#caorbust
🌞
🤔🤔 Are you seeing a lot of cracked teeth? I 🤔🤔
Are you seeing a lot of cracked teeth?
I am!
😵😵‍💫😵😵‍💫
Please join me for a FREE WEBINAR (1 CE) on CRACKED TEETH and how CBCT can be helpful in these cases. 
☢️
🗓👉 Oct 5th 
(if you can't make it, sign up and we'll send you the recording!)
🤓
🦷
Please feel free to share with team members and/or anyone who needs the CE :) 
🙌
Instagram post 18026505076617820 Instagram post 18026505076617820
🎉🎉🎉🎉 Today, we had the pleasure of s 🎉🎉🎉🎉 
Today, we had the pleasure of seeing one of our BEST pediatric patients! 
He had his "listening ears" on and ready as soon as he walked into our office. 
It truly warms our hearts to save a child's tooth, and meanwhile also have some fun and giggle! 
Thanks for all your hard work in our office - happy healing! 
🥰
We love saving teeth!!!!
🙌🙌
🦷
Posted w parental consent✔️
🦷
🎉 Thankful for our dental summer intern - her s 🎉
Thankful for our dental summer intern - her second summer working here with us as needed. 
She's off to hygiene school later this week!
...we all start somewhere 

#alwayslearning
#futurerdh #hygienist #dentalstudents #gapyear

Fun Fact - my first job in a dental office was in college! 
I worked in an orthodontic office; they eventually trained me as an OTJ #DA
Through college and #dentalschool I worked as an ortho DA!

Wishing you all the best!
🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷
Happy 1 year Anniversary, Karsyn! 🎉 Thankful fo Happy 1 year Anniversary, Karsyn!
🎉
Thankful for her fun, kind spirit that puts patients at ease!
🥰
#teamwork
Leaving a review of our office not only helps our Leaving a review of our office not only helps our team continue to treat our patients with the highest level of care, but it also helps other patients find an endodontic office that suits their needs best! 
☺🦷 
.... and reassures them that they are being sent to a place that cares!
🥰🤗🥰

#teamwork 
#saveteeth
Tricky case, happy with the outcome Medicated in b Tricky case, happy with the outcome
Medicated in between
Enjoy the gorgeous day out!!!!
Purulence LR7, left open, then medicated LR6 medic Purulence LR7, left open, then medicated
LR6 medicated
Both sent many #cfiles to the graveyard
Cheers to the weekend and to healing
🍻 
#fingerfatigue
Another week of saving teeth! 💕 Another week of saving teeth!
💕
2 years ago, I was approached by an applicant for 2 years ago, I was approached by an applicant for my main office administrative position.  

She had worked in an optometry office and was totally green to dentistry.  And, she was honest... she was leaving back to her beloved home state of OH "soon".  

Investing in any candidate always has risks, but one with a known end was a bit scary-er. "Soon" even could've been 1 year, she shared.  Yet, I liked her honesty and her dedication from the get-go.  

One year turned into two 🥰💕....

Over two years, Danielle learned ALL aspects of dentistry administration including radiology and insurance claims, and actually, in the process has come to love dental insurance (and, I'd like to think endo too).  She's never confused Xrays that come in, always assigning them properly and correctly orienting them.  She's helped me on my presentations😆, learned all my quirks (so many), and been patient with me the *entire* time🤭.  She's a great balance to me, and always kind to patients.  

Her dedication and loyalty have been more than appreciated, and she will be greatly missed.  

She's a smart cookie, and I can't wait to see how things pan out for her in OH, where her heart lies!  

Thank you, D💓💓💓
💕 We love #savingteeth 🙌 #teamwork 🦷 💕
We love #savingteeth 
🙌
#teamwork 
🦷
About Horizontal Root Fractures ⚡️ This swimme About Horizontal Root Fractures
⚡️
This swimmer hit their face (!!!) on a diving board at a high speed.  
😳
Thankfully, I saw them within 24 hrs - d/t astute #pediatricdentist RD
🙌
My DIAGNOSES that day after their injury: 
#7 Ir/reversible pulpitis with symptomatic/acute apical periodontitis; s/p trauma with horizontal root fracture in the mid-coronal third as well as an oblique crown/root fracture, pulp blushing - uncomplicated crown fracture 
#8 Ir/reversible pulpitis with symptomatic/acute apical periodontitis; s/p trauma with 2mm extrusion and pal alveolar bony fractures, sl mobile 
#9 Ir/reversible pulpitis with symptomatic/acute apical periodontitis; s/p trauma with complicated crown fracture in the mid-coronal third as well as an oblique crown/root fracture (Fx inv enamel/dentin/pulp

I was also curious about #10 and mentioned to the pt/family that it might eventually need endo as well. There were also MANY lip and other head/neck lacerations and a plastic surgery consult was also later obtained. 

✅️ Most often HRFxs do NOT show up on PAs (this one did!)

The IADT recommends angled films so as to better detect horizontal root fractures post-dental trauma (if one cannot access a CBCT)
Even then, they can elude even the keenest of eyes.  
☢️
CBCT is highly recommended and is super helpful to detect HRFxs and their 

🦷 Purposes of sharing this case: 
CBCT is best imaging modality for thorough diagnosis of all #dentaltraumaticinjuries when they occur
👉 and NO, Horizontal Root Fractures DO NOT require RCT
🙏🤞 Very recent PVTing was cold wnl on #7/UR2!!!!!!!

HRFxs: 
- Often, 80% heal with splint alone
- Only ~20% need endo Tx
- the highest failure rate of these injuries is if the HRFx is in the cervical third of the tooth (like this injury)

Cont below 🤭
🇺🇸 May is Military Appreciation month. #did 🇺🇸 
May is Military Appreciation month. #didyouknow
🇺🇸 
There are multiple days in May that acknowledge those you serve in the military and for our government.  
🇺🇸 
Hopkinton Endodontics gratefully acknowledges our military and veterans and all service persons who offer us our daily freedoms.  
🇺🇸 
The father of our very own DA, Karsyn, served at Ft. Bragg with the 82nd Airborne and their family was recently able to go back and visit.  
🇺🇸 
Must have been fate as her dad's barracks were close to the dental clinic!  And, at their recent visit, she was able to share this picture. 
 🇺🇸 
On this Memorial Day, we are thankful and appreciate all current and past service persons and also remember all who died serving in the military.  
🇺🇸 
#freedomisnotfree
#thankful
👋 When a practitioner feels that a patient trul 👋
When a practitioner feels that a patient truly understands the testing and the information that you are asking of them in terms of *differences* in feeling across the teeth being tested, what do you do? 
🤷‍♀️
This case is from a great, smart RD who does a lot of their own endo - good endo. 👍 
I know they know testing and nuances and differences, and how to discern the pts' responses; I trust their testing.  Their testing was cold wnl on this canine🦷 "vital tooth"
(I was not there.  And, I did not do the testing.)

Obviously, the communication asking my opinion about the case was purely digital, so I didn't have clinical information, and I did not do the testing.  But, I'm often asked, as are many other endodontists, thoughts about a case over text/email/IG.  It's tricky to respond over all these media, and none should be concluded as definitive without the entire picture. 
🌟 
Nevertheless, my point in sharing is 1) a reminder that even necrotic 🧟‍♂️ 🧟‍♀️ tissue can conduct cold 🧟‍♂️ 🧟‍♀️ 
2) trace the PDL (see my responses back to RD)
and
☢️
3) take a CBCT! 
⚡️ 
4) bust out that EPT, when in doubt.... I'm sure this EPT reading would've been super helpful, esp if this RD didn't have access to CBCT 
🌟 
Keep the questions coming.
#protip 📢 Use your EAL as an adjunct to help in #protip 📢
Use your EAL as an adjunct to help inform you which #crackedteeth are more dire 
And, which ones should be saved🙌
Hard to believe, but sometimes, the scary-looking ones may not be as bad as we think they are
Let's put all the information together!
My teeth math, as I call it, is a full assessment of clinical + radiographic + symptoms = prognosis > save with #rootcanaltreatment or not (exo)
Clinical includes 📏 ppd + transillumination💡 + bite test
Radiographic includes BW/PA but must include #cbct > most determining factor for me 🙋‍♀️
Symptoms include recent and past history
And the EAL informs me MORE once I'm inside,  esp if pt is returning and now was a crack internally that may not have been fully appreciated before
Pt understanding of prognosis is 🔑
Another tooth saved! 🥳🙌🥳 The preop PA mi Another tooth saved!
🥳🙌🥳
The preop PA might not convey the extent of this destruction/infection, but we could suspect sinus involvement based on the sinus being cloudy, even on
the PA!
CBCT, however, showed the full extent of this infection/PARL!
🤢🤮
Medicated in 2 visits and 🥰9+ months later, the pt presented for a check up, which showed 
COMPLETE HEALING!!!!!!!!!!!
🥳
Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
🙌
#rootcanals work!
#endodontists #saveteeth
#anothertoothsaved
PARL and sinusitis GONE!
A great trip to Newark for an #alwayslearning @dex A great trip to Newark for an #alwayslearning @dexisimaging event with colleagues Dr. Lisa Koenig & @drpareshshah 
🥳
Thank you Dexis team for the awesome CE and support!
🥰
Thanks to the 45 #dentists (1 #periodontist , 1 #pediatricdentist and 2 #endodontists ) for your kind attention and feedback.
🙌
Was thrilled to debut and share 6 #crackedteeth cases and hope to share future follow up 🙏🤞
✈️
Enjoyed some time down South!   And, there's not Enjoyed some time down South!  
And, there's nothing like Southern hospitality.... 
🥰
Thank you Dr. Grissom for taking the time out of your day to treat us.  

🙌🙌🙌 That sure is a big sign!!!

Here's to your new practice and many years of #savingteeth
🍻 
The area is lucky to have you and your team!
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