Melissa Dori, DDS

Practice Limited to Endodontics

21031 Ventura Blvd. Suite 101, Woodland Hills, California 91364

info@doriendo.com

818.346.2000

"Endo" is the Greek word for "inside" and "odont" is Greek for "tooth".

Endodontic treatment focuses on the living system inside of the tooth.

What is Endodontic treatment?

Endodontic treatment focuses on the living system inside of the tooth. Endodontics is necessary when the nerves & blood vessels that are inside tunnels within the tooth become inflamed, infected, or necrose (die).

The cause of this is trauma. Trauma can occur in the form of decay, a crack, multiple restorations, or blunt trauma such as a car or sports accident. Some of the signs for this are prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, pain upon biting or release, tenderness or swelling in nearby gums, a dull ache, spontaneous pain, or throbbing. However, sometimes there are no symptoms.

Endodontics is the cleaning, shaping, and filling of the tunnels inside the tooth. This type of treatment allows the tooth to be saved. An infected tooth, without root canal treatment, will eventually need to be extracted.

Why see an Endodontist versus

a general dentist?

Endodontists proudly refer to themselves as Specialists in Saving Teeth. While all Endodontists are dentists, less than three percent of dentists are Endodontists. Just like a doctor in any other field, Endodontists are specialists because they have completed an additional two years of training beyond dental school. Their additional training focuses on diagnosing tooth pain and performing root canal treatment and other procedures relating to the interior of the tooth. In many cases, a diseased tooth can be saved with Endodontic treatment.

Endodontists can treat simple cases, but specialize in the more complicated cases.

Dr. Melissa Dori is an Endodontic Specialist. She graduated from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry in 2001 and then worked as a general dentist for 3 years. In this time, she gained invaluable experience about the entire dental process, not just her specialty. During this time, Dr. Dori was faculty at the USC School of Dentistry in the Division of Diagnostic Sciences.

Dr. Dori completed a two year residency in 2007, specializing in Endodontics at USC, where she was an active member of the Ethics Committee. For 5 years after completing this residency, Dr. Dori was an attending faculty member at both the West Los Angeles & Sepulveda VA Hospitals. She currently practices full-time in her own office, which opened in 2012.

Dr. Dori has 2 sons, and has been married for over 15 years. She enjoys hiking, skiing, and spending time with her family.

What you can expect

Be prepared to experience a different kind of practice.

Dr. Dori and her team provide personalized services that are not rushed, and deliver the level of care you should expect from a specialist. You are seeing an Endodontic Specialist because your problem is complex and requires more involved diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Dori spends the necessary time diagnosing your pain or infection to make sure you are receiving the proper treatment. Dr. Dori uses the most advanced technology while treating you, including a surgical microscope.

Generally, a second visit is necessary to perform the treatment. Also, please inform our office if you are in pain prior to your first visit so that we may address that at your first visit.

get comfortable

Your First VISIT

We are committed to providing you with expert dental care in a clean, calm and nearly paperless environment. We are equipped with the latest 3-D technology that provides the highest quality images and minimizes the amount of exposure.

Cleanliness is one of our top priorities. To provide this we utilize a hospital-grade autoclave system which ensures sterile instruments for each and every patient. Comfort is also very important to us which is why we offer overhead TV's where every patient can choose any show that Netflix offers.

Enjoy your visit in comfort and style.

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This consultation is required in order to acquire an extensive history of your symptoms, along with your medical history. Radiographs (X-rays) will be taken, and likely a CBCT 3D scan. Dr. Dori will perform an extra-oral and intra-oral exam to localize the problem area. We typically do an oral cancer screening, pulp vitality testing and tests to diagnose the problem area. Dr. Dori will then review the results of the imaging and tests with you and present your treatment options. Generally, a second visit is necessary to perform the treatment. Please inform our office if you are in pain prior to your first visit so that we may address that at your first visit.

CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

Cone Beam Computed Tomography(CBCT), or highly detailed 3D imaging, allows us to see more anatomy, and with more clarity, than traditional dental radiographs. Dr. Dori will be able to evaluate, in greater detail, your sinuses, your teeth, bone loss around your teeth, pathology, and tooth fractures.

If your tooth cannot be saved, the CBCT can help facilitate implant placement. The focused beam reduces scatter radiation, resulting in better image quality and a lower dose of radiation.

The most advanced equipment means the most accurate results.

CBCT 3D IMAGING

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If you're not already convinced of the amazing technology in the CBCT 3D Imaging treatment, take a look at some of the gallery images below. We feature real results that you can see.

This patient came in with pain on the upper left. The traditional radiograph did not reveal any signs of infection.

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Although we can see small indications of decay from the radiograph, we cannot see any signs of infection.

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Resultant sinus infection and sinus perforation because of infection.

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3D Scan shows the extent of the decay.

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CBCT reveals curved canals.

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We also notice sinus inflammation related to this tooth infection.

This is the 3D image scan of the same tooth (cross-sectional view). You can easily see bone loss around the ends of the roots and onto the palatal side of the tooth.

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The 3D scan shows a much clearer picture of how much bone is missing.

The image to the left is a different view from the 3D scan showing expansion of the bone. This patient did not need a root canal, but did need a biopsy.

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This patient came in for root canal treatment #31. There is a lot of bone missing around the end of the root.

Decay close to the nerves and blood vessels of the tooth, however the nerves and blood vessels tested healthy.

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This patient presented for a

re-treatment of an existing root canal. On this radiograph, no bone loss is noted.

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With a 3D Scan we get a more definitive diagnosis. In this case, we get a better idea of just how much bone loss there really is.

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#30

This radiograph shows periapical radiolucencies/infection, but does not

show a pattern of bone loss indicating a fracture.

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Here you see a "J" shaped lesion indicative of a fracture on the 3D Scan. This tooth is not salvageable. The infection also extends into the nerve canal.

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#30

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CBCT

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Before / After

Dr. Melissa Dori is a preferred provider for almost every dental PPO. Generally, when seeing a specialist, a co-payment is required by your insurance at the time service is rendered. Dr. Dori is also available to see patients without dental insurance. Dr. Dori is not a provider for any HMO insurance plans.

"Dr. Dori has been treating my patients for years. She is kind, thoughtful, and does excellent work. She uses the most up to date technology, and informs my patients of everything."

- Dr. Kleiger

"Dr. Dori was great! I came in for a consult, and as it turns out, I didn't need a root canal. She did a 3D scan of my tooth after doing a bunch of tests, and found that the tooth had a fracture and couldn't be saved. By doing the scan, I was able to avoid an unnecessary root canal. Dr. Dori took her time with me, talking to me and diagnosing me. I'm very thankful I saw Dr. Dori and nobody else."

- Marc H.

"Thank you for fixing my tooth. It feels a lot better now."

Ginger A

“I actually saw a different Endodontist first who told me that I need a root canal, and when I refused, he said 'you'll be back'. I went to Dr. Dori, she diagnosed me as having a sinus infection. It's all cleared up, without a root canal."

- Daniel B.

"Dr. Dori is an excellent Endodontist and a warm, genuine person who is truly interested in the best possible care for my patients. She communicates well with both my patients our office team. I recommend her for referrals when the need arises."

- Dr. J Pasternak

"Who would have thought that getting a root canal would be so pleasurable. Not me! But it was, and I give Dr. Dori my highest recommendation."

-Kathy L.

"Everyone hates root canals. If you have not had one, you have heard horror stories. The office is beautiful and state-of-the-art. Dr. Dori explained everything to me, and gave me all the treatment options and helped me choose the best one. The root canal itself was painless. I got to watch Netflix!! I highly recommend Dr. Dori to anyone who needs a root canal. She is the best!"

- Michelle G.

"After a history of bad experiences, I had the best day in my dentist chair getting Endodontic work done. I highly recommend anyone who is in need of a dental procedure to come see Dr. Melissa Dori, DDS. She is friendly, and the office is state of the art. You can watch Netflix while your procedure is being done. If you are like me, you will fall asleep while Dr. Dori is performing your root canal."

Pattye A.

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Parking Instructions:

• From Ventura Blvd, Turn North onto Paralta Ave.

• Turn LEFT into the Parking Structure

• COMPLIMENTARY Valet

• Additional Self-Parking on Top

• DO NOT USE PARKING METERS

• The meters are 1hr Maximum, and your

appointment will most likely be longer.