This is a video presentation of an actual root canal procedure. It's meant to ease your fear of it, and show you how simple of an experience it is in the hands of a root canal specialist. This patient is not an actress. It is performed by Dr. Nima Dayani, an endodontist who has been dubbed as the best endodontist in New York City by many written independent reviews on the web.
Notice that the sterilization pouch is removed from each instrument at the start of treatment. The key to a painless experience is profound anesthesia. Prior to start of the treatment, the tooth is thoroughly tested to ensure a deep comfortable level of local anesthesia. The patient's crown is removed. A dental dam is draped over the tooth to maintain a sterile working environment.
Notice the digital X-rays on the monitor behind the microscope. These digital X-rays expose patients to significantly less radiation than conventional film. Digital X-rays also produce instant results, reducing the amount of time the patient spends waiting in the chair.
As we move forward we'll be showing you images from the doctor's perspective though the surgical microscope. In Jennifer's case there was deep tooth decay present which needs to be removed prior to the start of the procedure.
The surgical microscope allows modern root canal treatments to be minimally invasive.
Here, the nerve, called the pulp, is exposed as anticipated.
The nerve chamber is accessed and the nerve is extirpated or removed.
A dressing known as RC PREP is then added to help dissolve the tissue more easily.
Hand files are used to scout the inside of the tooth and begin recontouring the canals from inside roots.
The files are used as electrodes to measure the length of the roots with the aid of an electronic apex locator. This allows for extreme precision in measuring the length of the roots, thereby preserving healthy gum ligaments & minimizing post-operative discomfort.
A sequence of rotary instruments is used to recontour the internal anatomy of the roots and remove the diseased tissue.
A sequence of rotary instruments is used to recontour the internal anatomy of the roots and remove the diseased tissue.
The use of our microscope allows us to capture "still images" of your root canal procedure. We can then send then these images as part of the final report to your restorative dentist which helps them to better care for you in future.
The canals are then disinfected with a solution called sodium hypochlorite. As the solution rests, it will fully saturate the tooth.
Note how comfortable Jennifer is and how calm her body language has been throughout the procedure.
For our next step, we use absorbent paper points to remove the solution from canals prior to the sealing process.
The colored material that you will see in a moment is the final filling that will seal the roots.
Called Gutta Percha, here the material is being measured for a precise fit in each of the three canals.
Cement is used with the gutta percha to seal the canals.
Any excess material is sectioned away.
A process known as warm vertical technique is used to melt the sealant and Gutta Percha mixture into the irregularities that characterize each individual canal.
Additional cement is used as necessary to ensure that the sealing process is complete. Melted Gutta Percha is injected to fill in any remaining space in the canal.
A temporary restoration is placed over the access opening to the tooth.
This will conclude the root canal procedure. At this point, post-operative x-rays will be used to document the success.
Patients at this stage must return to their restorative dentist. This dentist will restore the chewing surface of the tooth, either with a final filling or a crown, depending on what will be best for each tooth.
If a patient does not have a restorative dentist, we typically introduce them to a reputable dentist in the area. We make sure all their records and x-rays are sent over once the patient notifies us that he or she has scheduled an appointment.