The molar root canal procedure has been simplified by new developments. The first step is to deeply numb the patient. Besides Novocaine, there are dozens of new dental anaesthetics that work well. Intra-osseous anaesthesia is a new technique that injects anesthetic liquid directly into the bone surrounding a tooth.

          The next step in the molar root canal is to make an entrance into the crown's chamber. This is called a root canal access. The top of each canal is found and widened using titanium rotary root canal files. Rotary instruments work with a drill and are new developments in root canal therapy. Titanium alloy is very strong and can easily bend without breaking so it is ideal for these files. An ultrasonic vibrating instrument is inserted in each canal to clean and widen the canal. This is usually done with an antibiotic gel that sterilizes the contents of the canal. The use of an oral antibiotic gel reduces many of the possible complications.

          An apex locator is a sonar like machine that uses sound waves to see inside the root canal like a bat sees without eyes. Each canal is located and the apex locator is used in the molar root canal to determine the exact length of each canal. A series of titanium rotary files are used to widen and precisely shape each canal to aid in sealing off the entire length of the canal. New bio-compatible root canal sealers are used to seal the walls of the root canal and a rubber material called gutta percha is packed into each canal to create a tight fit.

          In most cases, the entire molar root canal is finished in one visit. This is a significant change from years ago when root canals were normally done in two or three visits. One appointment is convenient for patients and for dental staff. Many dentists even extend this appointment to include the core build up and crown preparation. This really decreases the number of visits a patient has to make to the dental office and decreases lost work time tremendously. It has also reduced the amount of root canal pain that patients used to have in the past. If you need endodontic treatment and would like to consult with Dr. Jeffrey Smith, please make an appointment by calling 404-874-7428.