ROOT CANALS
What is a root canal?
Endodontic treatment can often be performed in one or two visits and involves the following steps:​
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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 from
the pulp chamber and root
canals and to shape the space
for filling.
3. After 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.
4. 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.
Why an Endodontist?
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’ve completed an additional two or more 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. For this reason, endodontists proudly refer to themselves as Specialists in Saving Teeth.
An endodontist limits his or her practice solely to endodontic treatments, performing an average of 25 root canal treatments a week whereas a general dentist may only do two a week. Specialized treatment will give you the best outcome and you’ll heal faster. For this reason, dentists and endodontists often work as partners in care so that the best member of your dental team is handling each appropriate issue with your teeth.
