Endodontics

ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

If you're about to have your first root canal treatment, you might be feeling pretty apprehensive about the whole thing, especially given all the stories floating around. Well, don't worry all will be revealed in this step-by-step walk-through of root canal treatment. Knowing what will happen ahead of time is more than half the battle; you will soon learn that it really is much ado about nothing.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Dental decay affects teeth and the bacteria that cause decay produces acid that dissolve the tooth structure. The outermost layer, enamel, is the hardes and decay affecting this part appears as a discoloration without pain. When the decay reaches the next layer, the dentin, which is not as strong as the enamel, you experience sensitivity and mild pain. Underneath this, lies the pulp, where the tooth gets its blood supply, and if the decay reaches this part, then you experience sharp shooting pain. At this stage, it may not be possible to do a regular filling and a Root Canal procedure needs to be done.

Steps in Root Canal Treatment

The doctors at Delta Dental Care ensure that steps are explained to you prior to starting your treatment. But here is a brief preview of root canal treatment;

STEP 1

Local anesthesia is administered via injections to numb the tooth to be treated and the surrounding tissues.

STEP 2

A dental dam a thin sheet of rubber or vinyl will be placed over the affected and adjacent teeth. This allows the root canal treatment to be carried out in a sterile environment free from contamination by bacteria found in saliva or the rest of the mouth.

STEP 3

STEP 2

A dental dam a thin sheet of rubber or vinyl will be placed over the affected and adjacent teeth. This allows the root canal treatment to be carried out in a sterile environment free from contamination by bacteria found in saliva or the rest of the mouth.

STEP 4

The diseased and dead pulp tissue is removed from the tooth with specially designed instruments used to clean out the root canals and pulp chamber.

STEP 5

The canals are disinfected with antiseptic and antibacterial solutions.

STEP 6

The canals are then shaped with tiny flexible instruments to allow them to receive root canal fillings and sealers. The canals are washed and cleaned again to remove root canal debris prior to sealing them..

STEP 7

Root canal fillings are selected that will exactly fit into the freshly prepared canals. Usually a rubber-like material called gutta-percha is used to fill the canal space. Sealing the canals is critically important to prevent them from becoming reinfected with bacteria.

STEP 8

A temporary or permanent filling material will then be placed to seal the access hole that was made to treat the canals, and the dental dam is removed. If the tooth lacks sufficient structure to hold a restoration (filling) in place, the dentist or endodontist may place a post (either metal or a fiber) in one of the canals inside the tooth to help retain it.

LASER ASSISTED ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

The latest technology involves the use of lasers in performing root canal treatments. These soft tissue lasers have advanced antimicrobial properties that help eliminate most of the bacterial load in the root canal and also disinfects the accessory canals not visible to the naked eye. In addition, it helps in controlling the bleeding and with the low level laser; it is biostimulatory thereby enhancing the healing of the tooth post operatively. Delta Dental Care employs the latest in laser technology with internationally qualified doctors to perform these treatments for you and your family. If you have any further questions or queries, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]