Root Canal Therapy

More than 14 million teeth receive endodontic treatment per year.  By choosing endodontic treatment you have chosen to keep your natural teeth for years to come.  Endodontic treatment commonly referred to as root canal therapy involves the removal of the dental pulp when it has become irreversibly inflamed or infected.  This inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes such as deep decay or cracks and fractures leading into the dental pulp.

If needed, the actual root canal procedure is usually completed in one or two visits and involves the following steps:

Dr D'Amelio will examine and digitally radiograph the tooth prior to administering a local anesthetic.  After administering the anesthetic, a small protective sheet called a rubber dam is placed over the individual tooth to keep it clean and free of saliva during the procedure.

Dr. D'Amelio will make a small opening into the crown of the tooth.  Very small stainless steel and nickel titanium instruments are used to clean and shape the inside of the tooth and roots.  This enables the root canal space to be sealed with a biocompatible material.

This biocompatible material called gutta percha is a "rubber-like" material.  Gutta percha is placed with an adhesive cement by Dr. D'Amelio to ensure complete sealing of the root canal space.  In most cases, a temporary filling is placed to close the opening.  The temporary filling will be removed by your dentist before the tooth is restored.

After the root canal is completed by Dr. D'Amelio you must return to your dentist to have a crown or other restoration to protect the tooth and restore it to full function.  Thus enabling you to keep your natural tooth, which is preferable to any type of replacement, for a lifetime.