Multi Step Endodontic Therapy

On occasion Endodontic treatment is required to be done over multiple steps. There are two types of multi-step appointments, short-term and long-term.

The very first appointment will be your consultation appointment, the condition of your tooth will be diagnosed and the Endodontist will share his findings. Once you have all of the information and have made an informed decision to proceed with your multi-step treatment, these are the steps below for each scenario.

  

Short term steps(Typically 2-4 weeks from first appointment to second)

First appointment:
The first appointment involves majority of the work. A small opening is made through the top of the tooth(or crown if you have one). The canals of the tooth are fully cleaned and sterilized. Medication called Calcium Hydroxide is placed directly inside the tooth, in the canals. The small opening made in the tooth(or crown) is sealed up with a temporary filling.

Second appointment:
The temporary filling is removed with ease. The medication is removed from the canals of the tooth. The canals are rinsed and sterlized again. The canals of the tooth are sealed off by a material called gutta percha. The small opening made in the tooth(or crown) is sealed up with a temporary filling.
**You must return to your general dentist post-treatment to have your permanent restoration placed. The type of permanent restoration is determined by your dentist and may include a crown or permanent filling.

Long term steps(3 months from first appointment to second appointment)

First appointment:
The first appointment involves majority of the work. A small opening is made through the top of the tooth(or crown if you have one). The canals of the tooth are fully cleaned out and sterilized
Medication called Calcium Hydroxide is placed directly inside the tooth, in the canals. The small opening made in the tooth(or crown) is sealed up with a strong temporary filling which is designed to last several months.

Second appointment:
3 months after your first appointment, you return to our office for a 15-20 minute appointment where a new CBCT scan is taken. The CBCT scan is required to assess the healing of the bone that surrounds the tooth. If the Endodontist is noticing healing then he will recommend to complete the root canal procedure. You will return for a third appointment for this. If the Endodontist does not see healing then he will likely advise extraction which means no additional appointment with us. Your dentist would discuss the extraction with you.

Third appointment(only if healing is seen):
The temporary filling is removed with ease. The medication is removed from the canals of the tooth. The canals are rinsed and sterlized again. The canals of the tooth are sealed off by a material called gutta percha. The small opening made in the tooth(or crown) is sealed up with a temporary filling.
**You must return to your general dentist post-treatment to have your permanent restoration placed. The type of permanent restoration is determined by your dentist and may include a crown or permanent filling.