Non-Surgical Root Canal
What is Endodontic Treatment?
“Endo” is the Greek word for “inside” and “odont” is Greek for “tooth.” Endodontic treatment commonly called root canal treatment treats the inside of the tooth.
Endodontic Procedure
Endodontic treatment can often be performed in one or two visits and involves the following steps:
- We will examine and x-ray the tooth, then administers local anesthetic. After the tooth is numb, we place 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.
- We will make an opening in the crown of the tooth where very small instruments are used to clean the pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals. We will shape the space for filling.
- After the 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 us before the tooth is restored.
- After the root canal is complete, you must have a crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to protect it from breaking and restore it to full function.
