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What is root canal therapy?
Using technologically advanced digital x-rays and microscopes, the endodontist removes the injured pulp, and your tooth is then filled with a rubber based, FDA-approved material called gutta-percha. After a successful tooth-replacement procedure, your tooth will function just like other teeth, but will no longer be connected to your nervous system.
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If treated early, root canal therapy need not be uncomfortable. With the use of local anesthetics, the entire procedure can usually be totally painless. When treated late during an infection, it may be more difficult to numb the area and may require a second visit.
The first step in a root canal is to obtain access to the nerve. This is accomplished by establishing a small access opening in the top of the tooth. It will be done under a local anesthetic. The tissue will first be numbed by a topical paste, before an injection is given. |
The length of the root canals are determined and the
infected pulp is removed. Some teeth have two canals while
others have three. Some canals are hard to locate, but Dr Lea
uses a microscope for his procedures which helps to locate even the
smallest of canals. |
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The canals where the nerves are located will be reshaped and
prepared to accept a special root canal filling material. This
filling procedure may not occur until your next visit. The number
of visits necessary to complete your root canal will depend upon
several factors including the number of nerves in the tooth, the
infected state of the nerve and the complexity of the
procedure. Dr Lea prefers to complete the therapy in one
visit, when possible. |
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The final step in your root canal will be the sealing of
the root canal with a sterile, plastic material, called gutta
percha This is done in order to prevent possible future
infection. The tooth
will then possibly need a post and core and a crown in order to
re-establish normal form and function. This decision will be based
upon several additional factors |
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