Root Canal Therapy Steps

Root Canal Therapy Steps

Step 1

Dental Radiograph (X-rays)

Intra-oral dental x-rays before, during, and after the procedure are essential.

 

Step 2

Pain Control

Regional Nerve Blocks, just like the novocaine blocks you would receive at the dentist, are one of the tools used to help with pain management.

 

Step 3

Pulp Canal Access

A small hole in the crown of the tooth is made and the pulp canal system is accessed.

 

Step 4

Instrumentation

The canals are cleaned and shaped with hand or engine-driven rotary files.

 

Step 5

Obturation (Filling)

After the canals are cleaned and dried, they are filled with a material. The filling material is seen in all three roots in the x-ray to the left.

 

Step 6

Restoration

A final layer of composite (the white material that is often used for fillings in your own mouth) is placed on the tooth to provide a hard, protective outer layer. A crown could also be considered if needed for extra protection.