Dr. Adams was the answer to my prayers after a horrific experience with a root canal. From the evening of the first of two days of canalling, I had experienced a metallic taste, dripping from my nose and down my throat, waking up sweaty and feverish in the wee hours with interrupted sleep, and a general feeling of being increasingly sick. I expressed my concerns to both the endodontist and the "holistic" dentist who referred me to him on several occasions, and the pair discounted my symptoms and passed me back and forth. It wasn't until five weeks after the root canal that the endodontist finally did a CBCT scan and subsequently left an alarming voicemail about an apparent large infection that was linked to my symptoms.
My research caused me to conclude that I needed the tooth holistically extracted and replaced with a zirconia implant. Unfortunately, neither of those desires are easily fulfilled in the DC Metro area! I have determined that there is something wrong with how most 21st Century dentists are still trained, given the knowledge and tools that are available to them.
I learned that optimal extractions are gently performed, accompanied with ozone to clear out residual infected areas, and include the placement of your own PRF (platelet rich fibrin), made in the office just prior to the extraction. Why would I want biologically incompatible pig, chicken or synthetic bone grafts when my own blood easily produces a far superior healing mechanism? I was willing to travel to Connecticut, where the closest dentist I discovered was located. Then my situation took a turn for the worse, my tooth area was constantly swollen and painful, and I knew that my hotter night sweats might be signalling that the infection was becoming systemic. I continued Google searches until I located Dr. Gary Adams in Burtonsville, MD, about an hour from both my work in DC and home in Virginia. I was ecstatic. I filled out an online form late that night, noting that Dr. Adams promises to see emergency cases the same day. I was hopeful to get the tooth out very soon and start my healing process for the zirconia implant.
Dr. Adams' office staff began their contacts with me early the next morning, offering me an appointment for that afternoon. Their sincere concern, empathetic attitude, and professionalism shone uniformly across the office. They were understanding when the endodontist didn't timely provide all my requested test results, and they assured me that they would just repeat anything that was needed by my arrival. The same professionalism was exhibited throughout my visit, and the dental technicians and Dr. Adams alleviated my concerns and provided me with all the knowledge I needed to move forward with the complex extraction. Dr. Adams took me through the procedure as he performed it, even providing a mirror for me to view the extraction area at one point. I knew I was in competent, confident hands, and I was at ease knowing that my PRF was robust in consistency and that the bone should be able to sustain a zirconia implant in about 3 months. When the infected areas were removed, I finally felt validation for all the horrible symptoms I'd experienced as a consequence. Root canals should never be performed in my opinion, as I've learned that they never are completely cleaned out. In the age of ceramic implants, they seem quite obsolete. Most importantly, they can compromise an otherwise healthy person's well being.
I look forward to Dr. Adams being my dentist, along with his wonderful staff, who have followed up on my ongoing well being via email. Dr. Adams is thoroughly engaged in his profession, including the use of state-of-the art tools and processes. I look forward to entrusting my zirconia implant and general dental health to him on an ongoing basis, and I feel blessed to have discovered his practice. read more
