For many patients, dentistry still feels like it did decades ago — drills, discomfort, and uncertainty. But behind the scenes, endodontics has undergone a quiet technological revolution. Dr. [Name], a specialist in root canal therapy and facial pain treatment, has seen firsthand how advanced imaging, magnification, and precision tools are dramatically improving accuracy, comfort, and outcomes for patients. In this interview, she explains what has changed — and what patients should be asking for when choosing a provider.

Dr. Shaindy Silverstein D.D.S. is a practicing endodontist with advanced specialty training from NYU. She focuses exclusively on diagnosing tooth pain, treating complex root canal cases, and managing TMJ-related facial pain. Her practice emphasizes precision diagnostics, conservative decision-making, and the use of advanced imaging technology to improve patient outcomes.

Thank you so much for joining us. Can you start by sharing how the field of endodontics has evolved since you began practicing?

When I first started, we relied heavily on two-dimensional X-rays and experience alone. Today, the biggest change has been diagnostic technology. We now have tools that allow us to see the tooth in three dimensions also known as CBCT. That alone has transformed how accurately we diagnose and treat infections.

For readers who aren’t familiar, what is 3D Cone Beam imaging?

Cone Beam imaging, or CBCT, is essentially a three-dimensional X-ray. I tell patients it’s like an MRI for your tooth. Instead of seeing a flat image, we can see the tooth from every angle. We can measure root length precisely, detect hidden infections, identify fractures, and understand complex anatomy that would otherwise be missed.

How does that level of visibility impact patient outcomes?

You can only treat what you can see. If something is hidden, you risk either missing a problem or treating something unnecessarily. CBCT improves accuracy tremendously. It reduces guesswork. It helps confirm whether there is truly an infection, and it allows us to plan treatment more precisely.

Have you seen cases where technology prevented unnecessary treatment?

Yes. I recently had a patient who was told she might have an infection based on a traditional X-ray. She didn’t feel pain and was hesitant to move forward. We took a CBCT scan and confirmed there was no infection — it was simply an artifact on the two-dimensional image. Without that scan, she may have undergone a procedure she didn’t need. Technology protects patients when used properly.

Beyond imaging, what other tools have improved modern root canal therapy?

Magnification has changed everything. We use operating microscopes and high-powered magnification loops. Dentistry is extremely detailed work. The root canals inside teeth can be very small and curved. The better the visibility, the more precise the treatment. There’s also improved instrumentation and irrigation systems that allow for more effective cleaning of the canals.

You mentioned magnification. Does that really make a difference for patients?

Absolutely. A root canal is microscopic work. If I can’t see it clearly, I can’t treat it accurately. Higher magnification allows me to locate canals that might otherwise be missed. It also helps prevent procedural errors. It’s about precision.

Many patients still associate root canals with pain. Has comfort improved as well?

Yes. Anesthesia techniques have improved significantly. I always tell my patients that the infection is painful — the procedure itself should not be. Modern numbing techniques and technology make the experience far more comfortable than people expect.

You also treat TMJ-related pain. How does technology intersect with that area of your practice?

TMJ and facial pain can sometimes mimic tooth pain. Accurate diagnosis is critical. If a patient comes in with jaw pain, I need to determine whether it’s coming from a tooth infection or from muscle tension. Technology helps rule out dental causes so we can treat the real source.

How do you treat muscular TMJ pain?

In many cases, targeted Botox injections into the masseter muscles — the chewing muscles — are very effective. When those muscles are overactive from grinding or stress, they create pain. Relaxing the muscle relieves that tension. It’s not primarily cosmetic. It’s functional treatment.

For patients choosing a provider, what questions should they ask?

They should ask whether the office uses 3D Cone Beam imaging for diagnosis. They should ask about magnification and whether the provider is a specialist. And they should feel comfortable asking about experience. Technology is only as good as the person using it, but it’s an important foundation.

What is the biggest misconception patients still have about root canal treatment?

That it’s outdated. Modern endodontics is extremely precise, technology-driven, and focused on preservation. It’s not what people remember from 20 or 30 years ago.

In closing, what do you hope patients understand about the current state of dentistry?

Dentistry today is far more advanced than most people realize. With proper diagnostics, magnification, and careful technique, outcomes are very predictable. The key is accurate diagnosis and thoughtful decision-making. When we combine experience with modern tools, we can treat patients more safely, more comfortably, and more effectively than ever before.

About the Interviewer: Chad Silverstein is a seasoned entrepreneur with 25+ years of experience as a Founder and CEO. While attending Ohio State University, he launched his first company, Choice Recovery, Inc., a nationally recognized healthcare collection agency — twice ranked the #1 workplace in Ohio. In 2013, he founded [re]start, helping thousands of people find meaningful career opportunities. After selling both companies, Chad shifted his focus to his true passion — leadership. Today, he coaches founders and CEOs at Built to Lead, advises Authority Magazine’s Thought Leader Incubator.