Page 21 - Boyne Dental E-Mag

How root canal treatment is performed?
The first step in the procedure is to take an X-ray to see the shape of the root canals and determine if
there are any signs of infection in the surrounding bone. Your dentist or endodontist will then use local
anaesthesia to numb the area near the tooth. Actually, anaesthesia may not be necessary, since the
nerve is dead, but most dentists still anesthetize the area to make the patient more relaxed and at
ease.

Next, to keep the area dry and free of saliva during treatment, your dentist will place a rubber dam (a
sheet of rubber) around the tooth.

1. A Deep Infection

When an injury or a large cavity damages the tooth's root the root
becomes infected or inflamed.

2. A Route to the Root
The dentist numbs the tooth. An opening is made through the
crown of the tooth to the pulp chamber.

3. Removing the Infected/Inflamed Tissue
Special files are used to clean the infection and unhealthy pulp out of

the canals. Then they shape the canals for the filling material. Irrigation
is used to help clean the canals and remove debris.

4. Filling the Canals

The canals are filled with a permanent material. Typically this is done
with a material known as gutta-percha. This helps to keep the canals

free of infection or contamination.