Skip to main content

Step by Step Root Canal Procedure

Here's a step-by-step guide to an Endodontic (root canal) procedure. The length of treatment depends on the severity and complexity of the tooth. Give us a call if you have any questions. 

1. The endodontist examines and x-rays the tooth, then administers local anesthetic. After the tooth is numb, the endodontist places a small protective sheet called a “dental dam” over the area to isolate the tooth and keep it clean and free of saliva during the procedure.   





2. The endodontist makes an opening in the crown of the tooth. Very small instruments are used to clean the pulp, nerves, from the pulp chamber and root canals and to shape the space for filling.  
3. In our office we add an extra step in which we use the Waterlase MD laser system in two different settings. The first setting is the cleaning stage; water is introduced into the canals, producing a mini "carwash" so any left over debris is suctioned out. The second setting is the disinfection/drying out stage; this setting dries the canals and disinfects them to a point of sterilization before we proceed to step 4.

4. After the space is cleaned and shaped, the endodontist fills the root canals with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. The gutta-percha is placed with an adhesive cement to ensure complete sealing of the root canals. In most cases, a temporary filling is placed to close the opening. The temporary filling will be removed by your dentist before the tooth is restored.


5. After the final visit with your endodontist, you must return to your dentist to have a crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function.


6. If the tooth lacks sufficient structure to hold the restoration in place, your dentist or endodontist may place a post inside the tooth. Ask your dentist or endodontist for more details about the specific restoration planned for your tooth.
Please note, steps 5 and 6 are typically performed by your general dentist 
Reproduced with permission from the American Association of Endodontists.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Brush (and floss) your teeth!

In the recent Mayo Clinic Health Letter , (Volume 37, Number 4) there was an interesting article on how tooth brushing reduces cardiovascular risks. The article states: Brushing your teeth twice daily is important for maintaining good oral hygiene. This daily routine can also benefit your heart. A study presented at the 2018 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions provides new evidence of this link. The study's 682 participants self-reported their tooth-brushing habits compared with the recommendation of twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Over an average of 28 months of follow-up, those who reported brushing their teeth less frequently and for a shorter duration had three times the risk of a first major cardiovascular event than did those who met the tooth-brushing guidelines. These cardiovascular events included heart attack, stroke, hospitalization for heart failure or dying of a cardiovascular cause. A separate study, published in the December 2018 i...
Post a Comment
Read more

CBCT Scan: Maxillary Resorption by Tooth #1

Despite years of training and practice, it has been difficult to correctly diagnose what can barely be seen on 2-D intra-oral images. The  Kodak 3D extra oral imaging (CBCT) shows the whole picture from the axial, coronal, and sagittal views. CBCT provides additional information that is essential when used in Endodontics for finding evidence of resorption .  This patient was diagnosed with pain in the maxillary right area. The patient was sent to this office for root canal therapy on tooth 2. Ordinary radiographs did not show a clear picture of the area. A CT was taken and the results show resorption of tooth #2 by tooth #1. Clearly the prognosis is poor. CT scans are recommended to diagnose the relationship of tooth #1 in relationship to tooth #2.   If you're in any doubts as to the prognosis of your patient's tooth, please let us help you save a tooth.
Post a Comment
Read more

If Your Teeth Could Talk...More Information

If Your Teeth Could Talk... Following up with more information from a blog post on December 30, 2016 of an article by The Wall Street Journal published on December 27, 2011  written by Melinda Beck. An oral history: A dental exam can reveal some telltale signs of broader health problems. Teeth Front: Don't be fooled by very white teeth. Many oral health problems may be lurking unseen.  Tops of back molars: Worn, flattened surfaces indicate stress-related clenching and grinding.  Back of uppers: Area where stomach acid had worn away enamel could indicate bulimia. Gums Red, puffy and inflamed gums are common during pregnancy. Tiny red hemorrhages with spontaneous bleeding may indicate leukemia. Periodontal disease, in which gums pull away from the teeth, can signal diabetes, cardiovascular problems and respiratory diseases. Inside cheeks and lower gums Diffuse brown patches are a sign of Addison's disease, a hormonal disorder. Ulcerated lesions could mean c...
Post a Comment
Read more