• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
cropped-hopkinton-endo-logo-opt2

Hopkinton Endodontics - Judy McIntyre, DMD, MS

Endodontics Hopkinton MA

  • Meet Dr. McIntyre
  • Office Tour
  • Reviews
508-686-7668
SE HABLA ESPAÑOL
  • Home
  • About
    • COVID-19 Updates
    • Boston Endodontist
    • Meet Dr. McIntyre
    • Meet the Team
    • Office Tour
  • Procedures
    • Root Canal Therapy
    • Endodontic Retreatment
    • Endodontic Surgery
    • Cracked Teeth
    • Traumatic Dental Injuries
    • For the Anxious Patients
  • Patient Information
    • New Patient Forms
    • Why Choose an “Endodontist”?
    • Fees & Financial Policy
    • Dental Insurance
    • Instructions
      • First Visit
      • Before Endodontic Treatment
      • During Treatment
      • After Completion of Endodontic Treatment
      • Home Care Instructions
    • About Your Tooth
    • Technology
  • FAQ
  • Referring Doctors
    • Refer Your Patient
    • Colleagues for Excellence Newsletter
    • Endodontic Case Assessment
    • Treatment Planning Options
    • Regenerative Procedures
    • Links of Interest
  • Blog
  • Contact

Radix

December 29, 2022 by Dr. Judy McIntyre

Honestly, this 2D PA didn’t look that suspicious to me.
🙈
Truly!
🤷‍♀️
I honestly wouldn’t have suspected a radix behind here!
🤔
Why does this matter??
In the literature the frequency of Radix Entomolaris can be as high as 30%!!!!
Usually on the DLs of mandibular first molars
😬
2nd screenshot abstract article by Calberson, et al. JOE 2007 shares that we should remember and appreciate how tricky these cases are.
On my very 1st radix ever I separated a file.
💔😔
It happens to almost every endodontist I’ve spoken with, especially when you don’t realize (without 3D imaging) that you have a radix (can sometimes appreciate it on the post op Xray).

To say that I fear these is an understatement.

Pearl: Use CBCT for endo!

Even 3 years ago, I wouldn’t have taken a #cbct for a lower molar for primary (non-retx) endo… I’ve done plenty of lower molar endos without cbct…. But, now, I am SO glad I have this technology and I take FULL advantage of it. I never regret taking a scan.

Without my CBCT imaging, I would have gone into this tooth without as much caution, and might have separated an instrument (like I did on my first radix). I am thankful the CBCT scan provided me the info I needed to avoid any mishaps.

I am extremely cautious and practically hold my breath during the entire procedure when it comes to honoring these severe radix curves.

And, my final PA also looks like this tooth is more benign than it was – radix, calcified, through a crown, and it was a HOT tooth tooooooo!

Trifecta +++++

X02655_1
SCREENSHOT_11-09-2022-10_00_08
1-1
4
2-1
5
6
3-1

Category iconroot canal treatment

Footer

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

Follow on Instagram

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as medical advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, a doctor-patient relationship.

Copyright © 2023 Hopkinton Endodontics. All rights reserved. HIPAA Notice Return to top