Philosophy
My practice philosophy is very simple — Do the Right Thing.
That first means to treat patients as human beings rather than transactional commodities.
It means to give each patient the time and attention they deserve, in order to carefully explain their problem and
the means by which we can resolve it.
It means to utilize the most advanced endodontic technology, regardless of investment cost, in order to
maximize quality, prognosis, and outcome.
It means to give back to the community that has given so much to you.
Social Media
You won’t find Yampa Valley Endodontics on any social media platforms, and that omission is purposeful. Modern social media has been
a net negative in my own personal life as well as the lives of those I love, and I have removed myself and my small business from it entirely. Yampa Valley Endodontics is
advertised via this website, Google Business, word of mouth, and goodwill.
We live in a world polarized by 1/5 or 5/5 star ratings. My feeling is that web review services have robbed us of the ability to process disappointment and moderate conflict.
Please consider the impact your reviews may have on the small businesses in your community. Although it is my lifelong professional pursuit, I have never and will
never admit to being perfect. Adversity is a part of life as well as dentistry—if you feel disappointed with the care you’ve received at
Yampa Valley Endodontics, please reach out to me so we can at least have the opportunity to speak with one another and attempt to resolve the issue.
If you feel you have received care that met
or exceeded your expectations, please feel free to leave us whatever review you feel appropriate. More importantly, please let my hardworking staff know
how you feel; tell your general dentist about your experience; refer a friend or neighbor that may be in need.
Technology
GentleWave Procedure
The GentleWave procedure is a state of the art fluid-irrigation protocol for the use of Endodontic cleaning and
disinfection. Yampa Valley Endodontics utilizes the most recent iteration of this technology--The G4
GentleWave System.
Conventional root canal therapy allows only 5-10mL of liquid disinfectant cycled through the canal system via simple
needle irrigation. The GentleWave procedure allows the practitioner to cycle 350mL of sonically activated fluids through
the canal system--an unprecedented technological advance.
The GentleWave procedure achieves less postoperative pain, increases likelihood of single visit treatments,
results in a cleaner canal system with less instrumentation, treats complex teeth
that cannot be cleaned by conventional methods.
Microscope
Dr. Troxel utilizes a microscope to perform all root canals and surgical procedures under high magnification.
The microscope illuminates and magnifies an otherwise dark and minute area.
The canals of your teeth can be as narrow as a strand of hair, and without the aid of a microscope can be easily
missed.
CBCT
Dr. Troxel is trained on advanced radiography, including dental CT scans.
These scans offer a three dimensional view of a tooth, and allows Dr. Troxel to identify unusual anatomy, missed
canals, cracked teeth, and hidden infections. Dr. Troxel has invested in a brand new state of the art CBCT, the
Carestream 8200 3D with CS MAR technology. CS MAR is cutting edge proprietary technology which
allows Dr. Troxel to significantly reduce metal scatter and artifact production in order to better visualize
hairline cracks and miniscule canal morphology.
Dental Chairs
It may not be strictly endodontic-related, but holy smokes is it nice! Yes, we have both heated and massaging
dental chairs!
Digital X-rays
In addition to CBCT’s, Dr. Troxel also utilizes digital two-dimensional x-rays.
Digital x-rays allow lower exposure to patients, while yielding a higher resolution product.
They are used before, during, and after treatment to confirm progress and quality.
Ultrasonics
The ultrasonic is an acoustic instrument, which allows Dr. Troxel to conservatively access difficult areas of your
tooth.
These instruments are used to treat calcified canals, remove broken instruments, locate extra canals, and remove
posts.
EndoActivator
The EndoActivator uses polymer tips and sonic energy to agitate the antibacterial irrigants used during treatment.
Activated fluids promote deep cleaning into hard-to-reach canal anatomy.
Inadequate cleaning of these spaces can lead to re-infection.
Evidence suggests that the use of the device and its disinfecting capabilities promotes the long-term success of
root canal therapy.
COVID-19
Covid-19 has affected all of us, and dentistry is no different. We have taken additional measures to keep you safe while getting needed endodontic care.
Our office has been contructed such that each dental operatory is a completely isolated and individual
room. There are also pocket doors in each operatory, so we can completely shut out any ambient air from common spaces. Additional time has been added to our schedule to minimize patient overlap, and to allow for more
significant ventilation in between patients. Endodontics is typically done under rubber dam isolation. This is a rubber drape placed on the tooth, which shields
the canal system from your oral cavity. The rubber dam also acts as a barrier between the ambient air and your upper respiratory tract — the source of infection. Our office will
follow all guidance recommended by the CDC.
Location
Yampa Valley Endodontics is conveniently located in Steamboat Springs, in order to better serve the mountain corridor communities of Grand,
Jackson, Routt, Moffat, and Rio Blanco counties. Dr. Troxel is the first and only local full-time endodontist in the
Steamboat Springs area. Endodontically, this has been a historically under-served community, with the nearest endodontist
over 80 miles away!
