Rotary Root Canal Therapy
Rotary endodontic files use a handpiece to rotate the endodontic file during root canal treatment. The advantage of rotary endodontics is reduced working time and fewer files used during the procedure. Most times the treatment is completed in one visit. Commonly nickel-titanium files are used because of their greater flexibility which permits increasingly curved roots to be treated.
Endodontics (Root Canal) Facts
- Endodontic treatment, often referred to as a root canal, is a common dental procedure that saves damaged teeth, which avoids having to have the tooth extracted.
- More than 14 million root canal procedures are performed every year in the United States.
- Root canal treatment is necessary when the soft inner tissue of the tooth is diseased or damaged. The tissue is removed and the root canal is cleaned, filled and sealed with a sterile, bio-compatible material.
- With properly performed root canal treatments, teeth function normally for a lifetime. However, after a root canal, it is necessary that the patient return to his or her dentist to have a crown or other restoration placed over the endodontically treated tooth to protect it.
- Endodontic treatment is usually less expensive and time consuming than having a tooth extracted and replaced with a bridge, implant or removable partial denture.
- New techniques in aneshesia make root canal treatment virtually painless for patients.
- Patients who have been advised to have teeth extracted should ask if their teeth can be saved with endodontic treatment.
