Root canal treatment . basic procedure

Root canal therapy step by step

The following is an outline of the steps a dentist follows when they provide conventional root canal treatment for a tooth. (The basic procedure most frequently performed for teeth.) for more reading download amazing book in this topic end .

“non-surgical” and “orthograde” endodontic therapy. Both of these names indicate that the procedure is performed through an opening made in the tooth’s crown (the portion that lies above the gum line), as opposed to accessing the root directly via some type of surgical procedure.

root canal procedure is relatively simple. The dentist needs to clean out the infected pulp and fill the canals. Patients usually need a temporary crown after the procedure. .

Preparing the area

The dentist begins by numbing the area. Injections are used to send the numbing agent into the gums and the tooth’s root. Once the area is numbed, the dentist places a dental dam in the mouth.

The dentist will “isolate” the tooth by way of placing a rubber dam. A dental dam is simply a sheet of “rubber” (actually, latex in most cases) that’s pulled over the tooth

Why is tooth isolation so important?

One of the fundamental goals of root canal therapy is removing contaminants from within the tooth. Why that’s important.The barrier created by a dam aids with this goal by preventing saliva (a source of bacteria and debris) from gaining entry into the tooth while its work is being performed.

Note: Placing a dam is part of the “standard of care” that any and every dentist must responsibly provide. the vast majority of cases, it’s use is considered absolutely essential.

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Accessing and cleaning the roots

Next, the dentist drills through the tooth to access the root canals and pulp chamber. The dentist uses instruments to clean out the pulp chamber and root canals. An antibacterial and antiseptic solution (irrigation) is used to clean and disinfect the canals. This eliminates the bacteria and treats the infection located in the canals.

As a start point for actually beginning to perform the work, dentist will need to create an opening to the nerve space. This step is called creating the “access cavity.”

All tooth decay must be removed from the tooth. Any portions of the tooth that have been structurally compromised by a cavity might fail (break off, crack) during the treatment process, thus allowing the entry of contaminants into the tooth. Fluids might seep through or past the decayed areas.

A primary objective of creating an access cavity is that it provides straight-line access to the tooth’s individual root canals to clean them for the full working length .

Measuring the length of the tooth.

There are two commonly used methods that a dentist typically uses to measure a canal.

a) By taking an x-ray.

Traditionally, dentists have established/confirmed/documented canal length measurements by way of taking an x-ray after a root canal file What’s this? has been positioned in it. (Since root canal files are metal, they show up distinctly on an x-ray.)

b) Electronic measurements.

In recent decades, the use of electronic length-measuring devices has become commonplace. These units are referred to as “electronic apex locators.”

Several individual measurements may be needed for a single tooth.

A separate length measurement will need to be made for each of the tooth’s individual root canals. (Teeth can have several canals and/or roots. It depends on the kind of tooth.)

Shaping the canals

The dentist must place a filling in the root canals. First, the canals must be shaped. The dentist will use tiny instruments to shape the canals, so they will be ready to receive the filling material. Once shaped, the canals are cleaned a second time.

Filling the canals

The dentist will use gutta-percha to fill the canals. This rubber-like material is placed inside the canals and then heated. The dentist compresses it, so it fits snuggly against the walls. The dentist adds adhesive cement to further seal the canals. Properly sealed canals keep bacteria out.

Filling to the access hole

The dentist must also seal the hole made to access the canals. The filling prevents bacteria from entering the tooth. The dentist also might need to place a post in a canal to strengthen the tooth. This is only necessary if the tooth is severely damaged and cannot support a restoration on its own.

Healing and antibiotics

The dentist might send the patient home with a prescription for antibiotics. The medication kills the rest of the infection. The patient will also have post-care instructions. It is normal to experience some discomfort for a few days after the procedure. Over-the-counter pain medications usually alleviate the discomfort.