Root Fillings

When teeth are very decayed or have infected roots they will require a root canal filling if they are to be saved. This is a procedure where the tooth is cleaned and shaped inside, and then thoroughly filled.

To keep the inside of the tooth absolutely clean I will stretch a rubber dam mat over the tooth and hold it in place with a clip. Generally I take two visits about a week apart to root fill a tooth. During preparation of the root I use the latest rotary nickel titanium ( NiTi ) instruments coupled with a specially designed torque control handpiece.

The results of root work are good given a careful approach. I aim to give predictable long-term results, and my root fillings are often the foundations for crownwork.

I make sure that the tooth is very numb at all times.

A lower molar tooth with a large filling has been causing pain. An area over the root tips of the middle tooth can be seen on this X-ray. This tooth has an infection, in fact a root abscess is present.
On goes a clip and the rubber dam mat, sealing the tooth from the mouth. The patient can still breath and talk and no debris can go the wrong way.
The roots are cleaned and then measured with fine wires........
.....the root lengths are checked on X-ray
Further shaping to the correct length is followed by filling of the root with tightly packed rubber points.
A check X-ray shows the points in place. An important strategic tooth has been saved and more complex treatments avoided.