Step Inside Dr. Nudera’s Office

Maxillary right central incisor. A lesion found on a routine exam turns complex when the cone-beam scan reveals something that changes the plan — with the patient and referring dentist pulled into on-the-spot treatment planning.

Maxillary first premolar, single-visit. A pulpal exposure from an earlier operative procedure, now symptomatic. Includes a pre-endodontic build-up using the "canal projector" technique and the protocol for navigating a hard file stop.

Maxillary left second molar, single-visit. Localized pain to biting. A traditional approach — navigating and negotiating constricted canals, recognizing cyclic file fatigue.

Maxillary lateral incisor. A history of pain and swelling, first read as childhood trauma, turns out to be a developmental anomaly found on CBCT. Includes an unconventional method for drying a weeping canal.

Mandibular first molar, start to finish. A repeat patient, no pain but slight cold sensitivity, facing a second full-coverage restoration with the prep already close to the pulp. Diagnosis, prognosis, and shared decision-making.

Necrotic mandibular first molar, second visit. Originally an emergency with pain and extraoral swelling. An I&D, pre-endodontic build-up, and full root canal treatment to retain the tooth.

Maxillary left, tooth #15. Three weeks of severe pain, a large restoration proximal to the pulp — symptomatic irreversible pulpitis and symptomatic apical periodontitis. Confirming the diagnosis through clinical exam.

Maxillary left second premolar. Pain on biting and thermal sensitivity; a large restoration into the pulp chamber with no apparent apical pathology or significant bone loss.

A returning patient with a problem that couldn't be resolved on an earlier visit — and a look at the long-term specialist relationship and why patients come back for ongoing care.

Mandibular premolar serving as the mesial abutment of a three-unit bridge — an elevated-risk case given recent symptoms and prior antibiotic use. A two-phase approach (understanding, then treatment), with diagnostic strategy and communication front and center.