ENDODONTICS / ROOT CANAL

Endodontics is a treatment that is carried out inside the roots of the tooth, where the dental pulp is located (popularly known as “the nerve”). Steps of a root canal:

The procedure requires a high degree of preparation on the part of the professional and several sessions. It is performed in most general dental medicine offices. A root canal is really one of the most complicated treatments available. A previous examination of the tooth and an initial X-ray is essential to check the number of roots that this tooth has, as well as its shape, curvature and length, root integrity and the state of the apex. All canals must be treated. For this reason, a molar (with three canals) is more expensive and laborious than an incisor (with only one canal).

1. Beginning of endodontics: we begin with a powerful anesthesia to open the tooth, creating a large cavity that allows us to access the interior of the roots and remove the nerve.

2. Cleaning the canals: after leaving the canals clean, we place a cotton pad impregnated with an antiseptic-anti-inflammatory and leave a provisional filling until the next session a few days later.

3. Instrumentation of the canal: it involves removing the remains of the pulp and the preparation and widening of the canal for the filling in the following session.

4. Definitive filling and/or crown placement: it is done by introducing a filling called gutta-percha adjusted to the length of the root that must completely seals the apex of the tooth and occupy the entire canal. An inert material that will fill out the space once occupied by the diseased dental pulp. Aims to isolate and seal the canal.