Progressive Endodontics
Saving teeth through root canal therapy
Root Canal Treatment
Your tooth consists of two main parts: the crown (the part of the tooth above the gum and visible in your mouth) and the root (the part of the tooth that lies beneath the gum and is surrounded by bone). Inside each root is a channel that runs the length of the tooth. This channel is the root canal and contains the “pulp” (nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissue) of the tooth.
Healthy Tooth
Diseased Tooth
Step by Step Guide to Root Canals
Step 1
The endodontist examines your tooth before administering local anesthesia. After the tooth is numb, the endodontist places a small protective sheet called a “dental dam” over the area to keep it sterile and isolated from saliva during the procedure.
Step 2
After making an opening in the crown of the tooth, very small instruments are used to clean the pulp from the chamber and the root canals, and to shape the space for filling.
Step 3
Once the space is cleaned and shaped, the endodontist fills the root canals with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like substance called “gutta-percha.” 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.
Step 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.