Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment can often be performed in one or two visits. The number of visits and time required to for treatment depends on your particular case. The root canal procedure involves the following steps:

1. Administration of a local anesthetic to anesthetize the area of treatment. After the tooth is numb, a small protective sheet called a “dental dam” is placed over the area to isolate the tooth and keep it clean and free of saliva during the procedure.

2. Administration of a local anesthetic to anesthetize the area of treatment. After the tooth is numb, a small protective sheet called a “dental dam” is placed over the area to isolate the tooth and keep it clean and free of saliva during the procedure.

3. An opening in created in the crown of the tooth. Very small instruments are used to clean the pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals and to shape the space for filling.

4. After the space is cleaned and shaped, a filling is placed within 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 canal space. A filling is placed to close the opening. In most cases this will be a permanent filling. If a temporary filling is placed then it will be removed by your dentist to allow placement of a permanent restoration to protect the tooth.

5. After the final visit with Dr. Brownstein, it is common for you to return to your dentist to have a crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function. If the tooth lacks sufficient structure to hold the restoration in place, your dentist or Dr. Brownstein may place a post inside the tooth. Ask your dentist or Dr. Brownstein for more details about the specific restoration planned for your tooth.

Root canal treatment can often be performed in one or two visits. The number of visits and time required to for treatment.