I can't believe the Doctor called to check on me!
Patrick
Endodontic / Root Canal Procedures
Drs. Strand and Wiltbank understand the importance of getting patients out of pain promptly. They are also committed to answering all of your questions and concerns before proceeding with treatment.
From the time you walk through the door, you find that our doctors and their team make every effort to put you at ease. Oregon Endodontic Group is dedicated to providing the highest level of professional care that is as painless and comfortable as possible.
If your tooth ache requires a root canal, you can expect the doctors to complete treatment in one or two visits. Root canal treatment involves the following steps.
1) Dr. Strand or Wiltbank will examine the tooth and determine if there is a need for treatment. If treatment is needed, the doctor will numb your tooth and place a small protective sheet called a “dental dam” over the area for your comfort. The dental dam isolates the tooth, keeps it clean and free of saliva during the procedure, and keeps the water and medications used in the root canal out of your mouth.
2) The tooth decay (caries) is removed and an opening in the crown of the tooth is made to access the pulp. Very small instruments are used to clean the pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals and to shape the space for filling.
3) After the space is cleaned and shaped, Dr. Strand or Wiltbank will fill the root canals with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material called “gutta-percha”, or with another material called Resilon, a synthetic polymer that mimics gutta-percha. The gutta-percha is placed with an adhesive cement to ensure complete sealing of the root canals. In most cases, a temporary filling is placed to close the opening. Your general dentist will remove the temporary filling at the time when they permanently restore the tooth (see below).
4) After your endodontic treatment is completed with us, you will immediately return to your general dentist to have a crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function.