Meet Dr. Tina Kell, Endodontist

Dr. Tina Kell joined Dental Specialists of Maine as an Endodontist in 2009.  Dr. Kell practices in both the Portland and Biddeford Maine offices where she specializes in root canal treatment.

Dr. Tina Kell has been a longstanding member of the Maine dental community starting with her dental hygiene career in 1990. Dr. Kell completed her dental hygiene education at the University of New England/Westbrook College in 1993. She then practiced as a dental hygienist in Maine for 9 years.

She went on to study dentistry at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia were she was the recipient of the Dr. David Manual Memorial Prize for Proficiency in Patient Care and received her DDS degree in 2006.

Dr. Kell went on to attended the University of Toronto where she completed her endodontic residency and received her Master’s degree. Dr. Kell joined our practice in 2009 and is currently practicing endodontics in our Portland and Biddeford offices.

During her Endodontic residency, Dr. Kell served as an Endodontic Instructor of undergraduate students for laboratory and patient clinics. She was honored by the American Association of Endodontists and Dentsply with the Resident Award for her research on GTX rotary endodontic instruments. Dr. Kell's numerous publications and research focus on the advancement of endodontic technology and oral pathology.

So schedule an appointment or a consultation with Dr. Kell or one of our doctors, please select the link below.  Thank you for selecting Dental Specialists of Maine for your root canal and dental implant needs.

Dental Specialists of Maine
Endodontics and Dental Implants

Portland - (207) 879-0010
Yarmouth - (207) 846-0005
Biddeford - (207) 571-4655

Root Canal or Extraction and Dental Implant?

I am often asked by my patients what the best treatment option is when a tooth is at risk - a root canal or a tooth extraction and dental implant.

As an Endodontist who does both, I will tell you that it is always best to try and save the natural tooth (via root canal), and if you can't, then it is generally best to extract that tooth, preserve the socket with bone graft, and after a healing period, to place a dental implant and a restorative crown.  By focusing on the tooth at risk, you will avoid damaging adjacent teeth with dental bridges (however sometimes a bridge may be a good option).  Let me explain.

When my office phone rings, it is usually a dentist calling with a questionable tooth.  Can the tooth be saved?  The majority of the time, the crown of the tooth is decayed or we see a cracked tooth below the gum line.  In severe cases, the decay has penetrated beyond the enamel and dentin and into the pulp of the tooth (the portion that is "alive" with blood flow).  

At this point, I have to determine if I can remove the root of the tooth and keep the tooth structure, filling the root and capping the tooth with a dental crown.  It is a complex process, which requires the use of a dental microscope and advanced dental instruments.  But not every tooth can be saved. 

Thanks to modern advances in dental technology, we can extract a failed tooth and fill the socket with regenerative material and replace the missing tooth with a dental implant.

Bone grafting is done at the time the failed tooth is extracted.  Based on the surrounding bone and tissue, the healing process takes anywhere from 4-12 weeks.  Bone grafting is statistically effective in preparing the tooth area for a dental implant.  In some cases, the dental implant can be placed with or without bone grafting at the time the tooth is extracted.

Once the bone has been prepared, the dental implant can be placed.  Varying sizes of dental implants allow for placement in most areas of the mouth.  The process time for dental implant placement includes three visits over a period of 3-6 months.

This includes dental imaging, tooth extraction and bone grafting, the placement of the dental implant , healing time, and the placement of the dental crown.

A good dentist will be in direct contact with the specialist performing the procedure - to ensure maximum results.  In some cases both the dentist and the specialist (Endodontist, Periodontist, Prosthodontist) are in the same practice, but not always.

When having a root canal performed, a tooth extracted, bone grafted, a dental implant placed, all with an esthetic crown, it is worth searching out the best dentist in town, even if it costs a little bit more than you may expect.

And for those of you who are a little nervous about treatment, ask Dr. Steuer or your dentist about sedation dentistry.  Most dental offices will offer some form of sedation dentistry to calm the nerves, ranging from nitrous oxide to conscious oral sedation.

Now that you have made it this far, I would hope you walk away with the following lasting impressions:

• Root canals preserve the natural tooth
• Dental implants replace missing teeth naturally
• Sedation dentistry is a good thing
• Better doctors have longer lasting results - saving you money over time - so select your dentist wisely

 

If you have questions, give us a call at (207) 879-0010.

And lastly, love your dentist, and love your smile!

By David R. Steuer, DMD, MMSc.
Endodontics, Implantology, and Dental Surgery
www.dsofmaine.com


Dr. David R. Steuer received his Certificate of Endodontics from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Louisville School of Dental Medicine.  Dr. Steuer is a noted lecturer on the topics of Endodontics and Implantology.  He is the Managning Partner of Dental Specialists of Maine with locations in Portland, ME, Yarmouth, ME, and Biddeford, ME.

If Tom Brady Were Your Dentist

I'm a big sports fan.  I coach my sons football team and I love to watch the Patriots.  It occured to me the other day, if Tom Brady were a dentist, how would he direct his patient care.  Simple, he would call the plays and lead his patients and staff, just like he does his team.

As an Endodontist, I am more like a receiver or a running back.  I get called in by the quarterback when there is a big issue and I do my part.  Then I give the ball back to the quarterback.  The same goes for other dental specialists, Oral Surgeons, Periodontists, Orthodontists, and Pedodontists.  We are all experts in a facet of dentistry and we partner with general dentists to each what we do best. 

Having practiced in New England for some years now, I have seen both good and bad general dentists quarterback patient care.  My classic story is with my own brother-in-law.  His general dentist told him to see an Orthodontist to adjust his bite, which he did.  That Orthodontist then told him he needed some dental work before he could put on braces and sent him on his way.  A month rolled by and no one called him back.  So what happenened?  As the quarterback, the dentist called the right play but failed to execute.  As the specialist, the Orthodontist dropped the ball.  Who lost, everyone.  My brother-in-law changed dentists.

So how do you make sure you are getting the best quality care from your dentist?  Here are a few tips: 

1. Ask the Right Questions

When you have your new patient exam, ask your dentist, "Who is the quarterback of my dental care?"  If they say, "I am", then move on to the next question.  Ask them how they integrate with specialists.  Some dentists have specialists in-house, but most refer complex cases out.  Lastly, ask them how they would handle a referral and what is their communication process.  Use a molar root canal or a dental implant as an example and see what they say.

2. Pick A Preventative Dentist

By the time a patient makes it to my chair, they usually need a root canal or a tooth extraction and a dental implant.  Believe me, it keeps me in business, but some times good dental care can keep teeth healthy longer.  Don't be nervous if your dentist suggests a crown over a large filling.  Crowns prevent cracking and preserve the natural tooth.  And make sure your dentist has a solid dental hygiene program with six month cleanings and exams.

3. Look for Leadership

Tom Brady is not just one of the best quarterbacks in football because he can throw far.  He is a leader.  He gets things done.  He inspires his team and they follow him.  His players and coaches have confidence that he will deliver quality and move the ball.  Good dental care is no different.  A good dentist will lead your care.  They will tell you what is best for you, present you with options, and help you get that care.  Look for leadership in your dentist.

4. Ask An Expert for Help

If you have any questions about picking a good dentist, feel free to give our office or your local dental association a call.  In Portland Maine, I am surrounded by quality general dentists who do good work.  Same with our offices in Yarmouth and Biddeford.  We trust our referring dentists and they trust us.  The process is working.  I see good quarterbacks - and so should you.

Good luck and if you need help give us a call or book a consultation online today.

By David R. Steuer, DMD, MMSc.
Dental Specialists of Maine
www.dsofmaine.com

(207) 879-0010

 

Show This To Your Kids And They Will Brush Their Teeth

How To Brush Your Teeth

As a Portland Endodontist, I see the results of poor dental hygiene every hour on the hour.  I tell my kids to brush their teeth after every meal and floss at night or they will end up in daddy's dental chair getting a root canal.  And believe me, not a night goes by when I am not hounding my kids to brush, floss, and rinse out the 'sugar bugs'.  I am a self-made expert at flossing the teeth of 5 year olds. 

Parents, if you teach your kids the following five dental tips, you will put your children on the pathway to healthy teeth and gums and save thousands of dollars in the future.

Tip 1: Be Positive

Associate good oral health with happiness.  I know this sounds funny, but as a father of five kids and a dental specialist, I can tell you that when kids associate something good with something potentially scary like dentistry, they enter my dental office with a smile and look forward to cleanings and accept treatment.

Tip 2: Make Brushing Fun

We have a drawer full of SpongeBob, Dora, Superman, Spiderman, and generic colorful toothbrushes, regular and electric.  We always use a soft brush with kiddos.  I cringe when my kids pick the first toothbrush they see at home, but I tell myself it is OK, they are learning.  Our kids use mouthrinse too, Listerine Agent CoolBlue - which tints the teeth blue to make brushing fun.  We have flossers, floss, and more floss.  And if they don't brush for 30 seconds per quadrant like we learned in dental school, so be it.  I'm just glad they are brushing.  We make it fun!

Tip 3: Start Early and Be Consistent

Most Portland dentists will tell you give your baby a tiny toothbrush to teeth on - nothing wrong with that idea.  My 3-year old niece Jane walks around the house at night with a toothbrush in her mouth and cry's when her parents put her to bed without the "opportunity" to brush her teeth.  That dedication comes with consistent positive reinforcement of good habits by parents.  Kids also mimic their parents for good or bad - so let them see you brush and floss and they will do the same.  And be consistent!

Tip 4: Have Regular Exams

Kids teeth develop at varying stages, but as soon as they have teeth they should brush them.  The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says you should take your child in for a dental check up when their first tooth appears, and no later than their first birthday.  I take my children to the dentist every six months for a regular cleaning and exam and we get regular x-rays once every two years.  And don't forget about braces.  Most Orthodontics want to see a child around the age of seven and treatment can begin as early as 8-9 years old.

Tip 5: Be Proactive

Preventive dentistry is the best dentistry.  Be proactive in getting your children loving their teeth.  Do this and they will love their dentist.  If they love their dentist they will brush their teeth.  If they brush their teeth they get to keep them, and you get to save money in the long run.  The more teeth you have the more money you have and the more time on your hands to read great dental blogs like this one:)

If you have any questions, give your local dentist a call and tell them you read The Maine Dental Blog and that you would like to schedule a new patient exam.  If your dental health has issues beyond brushing, give our office a call and we will see what we can do for you.  And lastly have fun!

David R. Steuer, DMD, MMSc.

Endodontics and Dental Implants
Dental Specialists of Maine
Biddeford, Portland, Yarmouth
(207) 879-0010