Root canal therapy is a gentle way to preserve your natural teeth, avoiding the need for removal by carefully clearing away any unhealthy or injured tissue from within the tooth’s delicate inner chamber.
As your trusted endodontists serving Gaithersburg and Kensington, we want to clearly explain what patients can expect from this common therapy to reduce any anxiety.
Diagnosis
Our thorough examinations determine if root canal therapy is needed based on clinical signs and symptoms like sensitivity to hot/cold, lingering dental pain, swelling, or tenderness upon biting. Advanced imaging technology like cone-beam CT further investigates complex tooth root anatomies.
Anesthesia and Isolation
A series of local anesthetic injections ensures patient comfort during the procedure. Rubber dental dams or cotton rolls isolate the treatment site by protecting the operating field from contaminants.
Access Opening
Carefully planned openings through the chewing surface allow entry into the pulp chamber. Finely tuned surgical drills remove all coronal pulp tissue above the root canals.
Cleaning and Shaping
Finer endodontic files gently widen and clean out any remaining inflamed or infected pulp material from the intricate root canal system under microscopic vision. Progressive tapering and twisting motions flush out debris without injury to tooth structures.
Medication and Disinfection
Biocompatible chemicals like sodium hypochlorite solution or EDTA irrigants dissolve organic matter and disinfect canals. Intracanal medication like calcium hydroxide may be placed for 1-2 weeks to further eliminate microbes.
Obturation
Gutta-percha cones precisely packaged with biocompatible sealers create a three-dimensional fill conforming to canal curvatures. This hermetically seals the root end to prevent reinfection.
Restoration
Lastly, teeth receive stainless steel crowns or composite fillings to fully encase treated teeth, restoring proper chewing function and preventing damage.
Through specialized training and state-of-the-art techniques, our goal remains saving your natural teeth and providing long-lasting solutions for optimal oral health and confidence. We’re happy to answer any other questions!
