Root Canal
Retreatments
Apicoectomy

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Root Canal

A root canal is a procedure that extracts decayed pulp from the central part of the tooth, as well as cleaning, shaping and filling of the canal system with gutta percha and a dental sealer. The procedure enables you to keep your natural tooth, which is preferable to any type of replacement.



Treatment of teeth with injured pulps usually consists of an examination, consultation, and x-rays to determine the type of therapy needed.

Root Canal Process:

• After the tooth is "numbed", a small opening is made into the pulp chamber. The canals are located and measured, so they can be cleansed and shaped using a series of hand files and instruments.
• The canals are filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha and the opening is sealed with sterile cotton pellets and a temporary filling.
• The tooth is restored by your dentist within a couple of weeks. Most often, a crown is placed in order to protect the tooth, and if the tooth lacks sufficient tooth structure to hold the core build-up, a post may be placed inside. Any areas of infection around the roots will begin to heal.


 

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Retreatments

Most teeth that have had root canal treatment can last as long as other natural teeth when cared for properly. Sometimes, a tooth does not heal as expected, or becomes reinfected after successful treatment. In these cases, this may require endodontic retreatment with removal of the old root canal filling for resterilization and treatment. An examination of your tooth will help to determine the continuation or onset of symptoms.

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Apicoectomy

Also known as a root-end resection, an apicoectomy literally means the removal of the apex of the root of the tooth. This procedure, done following a root canal, treats the bony area surrounding the end of your tooth, which has become inflamed or infected. By folding back the gum near the tooth, the doctor can access the underlying bone and extract the inflamed tissue. At the same time, the very tip of the root is removed and usually replaced with a small plug or filling. At this time, the doctor may treat the area with antibiotics and will then close the area with a small suture. Eventually, the jaw surrounding the tooth will fill in with bone, supporting the tooth as before. This procedure helps ensure the lasting result of your endodontic treatment.

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