EndoAsleep - The Root Canal Procedure
Following examination of the patient's mouth, assessment of radiographs (x-rays), a discussion of the options available to the patient, and informed consent, endodontic treatment (root canal therapy) is generally performed in one or two visits and involves the following steps:
1. Local anaesthetic ("dental freezing") is administered. The tooth is then tested again to make sure that the freezing is working before the procedure is started. After the tooth is anaesthetized, a rubber dam is placed over the area with a ring in order to isolate the tooth and keep it clean and free of saliva during the procedure.
2. A small opening is made into the pulp chamber. It is very similar to have a deep filling performed. 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 the space is cleaned and shaped, the space is filled with biocompatible materials. In most cases, special rubber (gutta percha) and cement are used. The gutta-percha and the adhesive cement are used to ensure complete sealing of the root canals. A spacer is placed and then 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 at EndoAsleep, 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. It is generally recommended that the permanent restoration be placed as soon as possible. This is to minimize the chance of bacteria getting back into the tooth and re-contaminating the now clean root canal space.