The root canal procedure has been simplified by new developments. The first step is to completely 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 directly into the bone surrounding a tooth. An intraligamental injection can also be used. It's done by placing the dental anasethetic into the ligament surrounding the tooth. Deep anaesthesia allows the patient to relax and remain comfortable during his or her root canal therapy. This is always an important goal of every appointment.
The next step in a root canal procedure after the tooth is asleep is to make an entrance, called a root canal access, into the chamber containing the root canal. The top of each canal is found and widened using titanium rotary files. Titanium alloy is very strong and can easily bend without breaking so it's ideal for these files. An ultrasonic vibrating instrument is inserted in each canal to clean and widen the canal. This is done with an antibiotic gel that sterilizes the canal. The use of an antibiotic gel reduces many of the complications. An apex locator is a sonar machine that uses sound waves to see inside the root canal. Each canal is located and the apex locator is used to determine the exact length of each canal. A series of titanium rotary files widen and precisely shape each canal to aid in sealing off the entire length of the canal. New bio-compatible root canal sealers 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 root canal procedure is completed in one visit. This is a big change from years ago when these procedures were done in several visits. Many dentists even include the core build up and crown preparation, all in one appointment. This really decreases the number of visits a patient has to make and decreases lost work time. It also helps reduce the amount of root canal pain that patients may have since there is no chance for decaying tissue infecting the end of the tooth and causing discomfort.
The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients. Being free of dental pain and tooth infections is an important necessity for good dental and overall health. Dr. Jeffrey Stephen Smith, our root canal dentist, performs most of the root canal treatment for our dental group. If you need a root canal procedure and would like to schedule a free dental consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Stephen Smith, please make an appointment by calling 404-874-7428.