Dental Health Check with Dr. Linda Niessen
Dental health topics from Dr. Linda Niessen of Baylor College of Dentistry
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 Dental Advances

By Web Communications
Baylor College of Dentistry
The Texas A&M Health Science Center
Monday, August 23, 2004

STORY: Dental Advances
Script #569 Shoot: 7/14/04
AIRDATE: Monday, August 23, 2004
Daybreak and Midday
DHC Master #19 Timecode: 54:14

Dentistry has changed dramatically since Bruce Endendyk had his first root canal forty years ago at the age of twelve.

“Which," said Bruce, "was a tremendous ordeal, to one several years ago, which was less of an ordeal, to this one today which was really no different than having a normal filling done.”

Once portrayed as a profession of torture, dentistry and its tools provided painful scenes for movies and television.

The contrast today is truly remarkable.

Digital x-rays provide instant images, improve diagnosis, and reduce radiation exposure. Surgical microscopes light up and magnify the darkest, smallest roots of an Infected tooth. Quiet, electric low speed drills perform root canal treatment quickly and with virtually no pain.

“And because many of the cases we can do now, because of the technology, we can do in one visit," said Dr. James Gutmann. "They also are enthralled by the fact…’I only have to come once. The needle is only placed once. I can have my case done’ and guess what? We call them the next day, Linda, they say ‘that was comfortable. That was a wonderful experience.’ And it really is a procedure to get people out of pain.”

“Lot more pleasant experience than it used to be,” said Bruce.

Advances in endodontics has reduced the risk of complications in patients with chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes or stroke. Almost anyone can have a root canal now, often in just one visit. For Baylor College of Dentistry, Texas A&M System, I’m Dr. Linda Niessen, Channel 8 News.

Dr. Linda Niessen, clinical professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences and  the Office of Communications and Development at Baylor College of Dentistry, hosts Dental Health Check, the only weekly dental feature shot on location in the nation.

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