From: Patrick Wahl
To: ROOTS
Sent: Friday, March 12, 2010 10:36 AM
Subject: [roots] Today's Meet 'n Treat

Yes, I am aware that the pre-op shown is inadequate. We took two or three additional pre-ops in order to see the
whole tooth, but my assistant emailed me only this one. This tooth had very long roots, and I have noticed that it is
often difficult with digital x-rays to get a good picture of the whole tooth in a situation like this one. Yes,
I am aware that the mesial canals look a bit long -- I certainly drove some sealer a bit long with my PacMac and plugger,
and possibly a bit of gutta percha. Yes, I am aware that I did a lousy job cleaning up the pulp chamber. But the
general dentist was thrilled that the tooth was all ready for his post and core and crown, and he didn't mind at all
finishing the chamber clean up. In fact, he found it much more convenient than having to remove a temporary restoration
on a patient returning from another office.

The patient left with a build-up and temporary crown finished. His final crown will be inserted in a couple weeks.

I have two points:

1) This patient received a fantastic service -- he came in with a toothache, and left with a root canal, post and core
and crown. He didn't have to miss any more work. He got done what he needed to get done without any unnecessary pain
and suffering. And his tooth was protected sooner, not later.

2) Patients value not the number of delays in their treatment; they value treatment which is efficient and effective.
Patients are not stupid.

I am not here to serve my specialty.

I am here to serve my patient.

Finally, my clinical comment for Sanjay:

I use a combination of Twisted Files and EndoSequence files. The more I use the Twisted Files, the less I use
gates-gliddens, sonics, and orifice openers. The Twisted Files do an incredible job of flaring the canal and making
room for the finishing (EndoSequence) files. With no apologies, - Pattycake