Root Canal

Root canals are typically performed when a patient has a lot of discomfort that lingers, a dead tooth, or high sensitivity to hot/cold. When performing a root canal, the doctor is removing the infected pulp or “canals” with a series of different sized files. The Dr. will open access to the pulp chamber in order to start the proceedure. Typically the anterior teeth have 1 canal, bicuspids have 1-2 canals, and posterior molars have 3-4 canals. After the Dr. finds the working length of the canals, he will dry them out with paper points. Once the canals are dried he will place a medicated cement paste, followed by gutta-percha points, which are a hard thermoplastic resin. The gutta-percha is what replaces the roots of the teeth. An interesting fact about gutta-percha is that is it made from the coagulated latex of some Malaysian trees and is also used in golf balls. After the gutta-percha is placed, the Dr. will use a hot instrument to cut off the excess and condense it in place. An x-ray will be taken to verify that the gutta-percha has reached the apex of the tooth. If it is, then the Dr. will fill the hole with cavit. A material that will harden over time and keep the area closed until your next visit when you will reconstruct the tooth for a crown.

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