How to tell if your root canal treatment is properly done

A root canal treatment is also called endodontic treatment. This is a dental treatment when an infected pulp(nerve inside tooth) is removed, the pulp chamber is cleaned, shaped and filled. The tooth that has completed root canal treatment are nerve-less, thus becomes painless and often stay functional inside our mouth as long as we take good care of it....

Root canal treatment is a complex treatment with very optimum success rate if it is done properly. As a general public, how can we tell if a dentist is doing a proper root canal treatment with care?

1. Proper and clear periapical x-ray is taken before and after root canal

A properly cleaned and filled root canal can only be confirmed by an X-ray taken after the completion of root canal treatment. X-ray should also be taken before the start of treatment to assist the dentist to assess the tooth. We need to know the morphology and the condition of the tooth before we start. With the help of advanced computer program, digital image can be used to estimate the tooth length too.

In our clinic, X-ray is perfectly taken using digital sensor and this provide clearer image with lower dosage of radiation. Some dentist do have special imaging like CBCT (conebeam CT) to take 3D image of the tooth. However, due to huge price tag of the specialised machine, these are reserved for specialist in the field.

2. Use of dental Rubber dam

Root canals treatment requires a sterile environment to ensure success. As we work on the tooth, it needs to be isolated from saliva in our mouth that contains numerous oral bacteria.

Isolation of the tooth also for safety reason. The dam prevent chemical solution used during root canals from flowing into our mouth. Root canal treatment involves tiny and very fine drills and files. Usage if dental dam ensures our patient safety by preventing accidental ingestion or aspiration of these tools.

3. Usage of apex locator

Apex locator is a small electronic machine that accurately help the dentist to measure the length of the root canals. In our clinic, we uses J.Morita apex locator - a reputable japanese brand.

4. High-tech endodontic drills and motor

With the advancement of technology, high-tech nickel titanium files are used with corresponding micromotor. Our clinic uses TF-adaptive files by Sybronendo a leader in endodontic system. These files have the advantage of great flexibility with strength and it ensures the cleaning and shaping of canals are done faster, safer and efficiently.

5. 3D obturation (filling of root canal system) with advanced obturating machine

The completion of root canal involves 3 dimensional obturation of the cleaned canal. Properly filled canal, using high-tech machines are proven to be better than manually filled canal. In our clinic we utilises warm vertical filling of the root canal system, in which heat melted material are carefully injected into the canal system. Our machine is Endoapex from Korea.

6. MTA sealer

Sealer is a thin layer of cement used during obturation. Latest product recommended, with the best property for successful root canal is MTA sealer. It's a type of bioceramic that has excellent antibacterial property with good biocompatability to our body tissue. Our clinic uses Endoseal MTA by Maruchi of Korea.

7. Keeping up-to-date

Our dentist attends regular training and conferences to keep up-to-date with the current advancement in root canal treatment. These updated knowledge and skills will ensures we always give the best to our patients.

Conclusion:

Root canal treatment are costly because it involves multiple machines and technologies. Do find trust in a dental clinic that are doing a proper root canal by following the latest guidelines.....

#rootcanaltreatment #endodontictreatment #rootcanal