Having a root canal procedure done is one of the most potentially painful things a dentist can do to their patient. But with new hi-tech equipment and techniques, New York dentists who perform a root canal can now do so without having to do invasive surgery. Dentists now have the resources at hand for a relatively pain free, one visit root canal procedure. What are some of these new techniques and equipment?
* More controlled local anesthesia administration. New anesthesia formulas numb the entire tooth for more pain prevention and also patient stress reduction.
* More precise x-rays and microscopes that allow for closer examination so that the exact area that needs treatment can be manipulated without having to make an incision and “dig “around. Some dentists wear fiber optic glasses with magnifiers so they can see the actual work area better. Some dentist who perform root canals in New York use 3D imaging to allow them a closer and more detailed look at the area that needs treatment.
* Ultrasonic instruments are used to gently clean the tooth’s root with vibrations before the filling is done. Also most hand held tools are stronger and faster, allowing for better controlled and quicker work.
* Apex locators ensure that the canal is cleaned and filled to the very end or tip of the root. If the apex is not found, then infection may still be present. By measuring the tooth’s apex with ultrasonic waves, the dentist can be sure the entire root is cleaned and filled.
* Stronger yet more flexible files. More dentists today use nickel titanium files that are not only more flexible than stainless steel ones, but are stronger and less likely to break.
* Once the tooth’s root is cleaned out, most dental care providers fill it with a specially formulated compound known as gutta percha. This is an anti-bacterial product that is applied once the tooth and root area are flushed with a medicated rinse to remove any leftover debris and disinfect the area. The tooth is then sealed with a non-allergenic sealer so there is less chance of further irritation.
Some dental clinics that perform root canals also use a new laser root canal therapy where a concentrated beam of light and high pressure water stream is used to remove the infection. This technique reduces the amount of numbing needed, is faster and also has less post-operative pain as no drills or files are used. Patients heal quicker as well. This type of root canal therapy is becoming quite popular as more and more dental procedures is being performed using some type of laser and high pressure water stream.Whichever technique is used, the results are the same; the infected tooth is cleaned, filled and restored to health.
