Root Canal Therapy by Redmond Dentist Dr. Derrick Wang

Root Canal Therapy

Our doctors will take an x-ray of the tooth and perform diagnostic tests to determine whether root canal therapy is necessary. If it is, a local anesthetic will be administered. Once the tooth and surrounding area is numb, we place a small protective shield called a “dental dam” over the area to keep it clean and saliva-free during treatment.

With the aid of a microscope, we make a small opening in the crown of the tooth to access the damaged pulp tissue. We use small instruments to clean the pulp tissue from the pulp chamber and root canal system to create a space for the filling.

Once the space is cleaned and shaped, we fill and seal the canal with a bio-compatible material, usually a rubber-like material called “gutta-percha” or “resilon”, and adhesive cement. In most cases, a temporary filling is placed to close the opening.

When the procedure is complete, we recommend that you schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist. Your dentist will remove the temporary filling and place a crown or other appropriate restoration on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function.