For people who have been putting off getting their teeth fixed, now is the time to see a dentist, according to a local dentist.
A number of factors, according to Dr. Joe McCartin, prevent people from going to the dentist, but most stem from misconceptions years ago, when dental technology was less advanced. However, he said recent advances in dentistry have been remarkable, and as a result, patients are experiencing less pain, faster healing times and better results.
“People need to know that innovations in dentistry have changed everything,” McCartin said. “We are living in the Golden Age of Dentistry and patients are enjoying the benefits of modern technology.”
Advances in equipment and procedures, he said, have made treating dental problems more efficient — and less painful — for root canals, extractions, dental implants and more.
“A lot of people dread going to the dentist,” McCartin said, “but with today’s technology, there’s no reason to delay fixing a problem with your teeth.”
McCartin’s advice comes from decades of experience.
Now in his 40th year of serving patients at his practice at 10401 S. Kedzie Ave., Mount Greenwood, McCartin knows firsthand how technologies such as cone beam tomography (CBCT), dental/medical lasers and piezosurgery have brought dentistry into a whole new realm.
Although using these tools requires significant investment and training, McCartin said, he and other dentists are dedicated to providing the highest level of care to their patients.
Today’s dental technology is beneficial for root canals, common procedures that preserve a tooth and relieve pain. Compared to the past, McCartin said, advances in root canal treatment provide benefits that are tenfold.
Cone beam tomography, a specialized type of x-ray, is used for root canals and provides more information than conventional dental x-rays. This electronic scan creates a 3D image of dental structures, soft tissues, and nerve pathways, and CBCT allows dentists to produce more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning for root canal treatments as well as tooth extractions, implant placements, and orthodontic evaluations.
In addition, McCartin said, advanced instrumentation and the use of bioceramics to fill the root canal have increased predictability of results and lead to a success rate of about 85 percent.
Dental lasers are also used because the precision of this technology allows dentists to remove excess gum tissue as well as provide the best treatment for periodontal disease, diseased implants, facial muscle pain and TMJ pain.
Piezosurgery, a new microsurgical technique in dental bone surgery, has gained recognition for providing minimally invasive procedures with exceptional precision. McCartin said the piezosurgery device provides precision and safety, and its micrometric cutting allows dentists to selectively cut diseased bone structures. In addition, the device causes less bleeding during and after an operation and the healing process is faster. Dr. McCartin uses piezosurgery technology for root canal treatment and dental cleanings.
According to Dr. McCartin, dental implants have revolutionized dentistry over the past four decades. The use of CBCT X-rays and 3D printing of precise surgical guides have made dental implants widely popular.
During their 40 years of serving patients, McCartin and his wife, Suzanne, who is the office manager, take pride in educating the public about modern dentistry and dental health.
Dr. McCartin is currently affiliated with the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the American Dental Association, the Illinois State Dental Society, the Chicago Dental Society, the American Orthodontic Society, and the Academy of General Dentistry. He earned a fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry and is a fellow in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He is also a Fellow of the International Conference of Oral Implantologists. In 2021, the Illinois State Dental Society awarded McCartin a lifetime fellowship.
When it comes to taking care of your teeth, McCartin said, time is not on your side. Regular visits to the dentist are vital for a healthy body and a healthy smile.
For more information, call Dr. McCartin at (773) 238-2906.
