Root Canal

We continually strive to make available the latest technology for the expert diagnosis and treatment of dental problems. With use of the ENDODONTIC MICROSCOPE and an ULTRASONIC UNIT Dr. Mee can perform even the most complicated Endodontic procedures. THE ENTIRE PROCEDURE IS DONE IN ONE PRACTICE.

What is a Root Canal?

At the core of the tooth is soft tissue (otherwise known as pulp). The hollow area that houses this soft tissue contains a space towards the top of the tooth called the pulp chamber. This pulp chamber is connected to the root of the tooth via pipe-like canals, giving rise to the term “root canal”. The blood vessels in these canals provide nutrition to the tooth. Occasionally, the internal soft tissue of the tooth becomes infected and can result in a serious infection if left untreated. Root canal treatment should take place before the infection gets too serious.

Infected/Inflamed Pulp Tissue

Technically “root canal” is not the name of the procedure but refers instead simply to the thin tubes that connect the pulp chamber and the tip of the tooth’s root. In fact, the procedure that laymen refer to as a “root canal” is actually known as a pulpectomy to dentists. A pulpectomy is an endodontic treatment to cure an infected root canal. In the old days, damage to the core of a tooth usually meant it had to be removed. Today, however, a “root canal” procedure (or pulpectomy) disinfects and refills the inside of the tooth, thus preventing pain and limiting damage to the tooth.

Some indications of the need for root canal treatment may be:

• Spontaneous pain or throbbing while biting.
• Sensitivity to hot and cold foods.
• Severe decay or an injury that creates an abscess (infection) in the bone.

The Root Canal Treatment Procedure

We continually strive to make available the latest technology for the expert diagnosis and treatment of dental problems. With use of the Endodontic Microscope and an Ultrasonic Unit Dr. Mee can perform even the most complicated Endodontic procedures.
Endodontic Microscope
The use of the dental microscope enables Dr. Mee to perform treatment with greater accuracy because the treatment area is magnified. The tooth is illuminated, often making small canals and hidden fractures more visible. Attached to the microscope is a digital camera. The camera allows Dr. Mee to photograph parts of the procedure and share the treatment of your tooth with you.
Ultrasonic Unit
The ultrasonic unit attaches to small diamond coated tips which vibrate at 20,000 cycles per second. The small size of the tip allows more visibility of the tooth particularly when the microscope is used. The ultrasonic unit is a tool used by Dr. Mee for locating small canals and gently removing objects from previous therapy including posts and filling materials.

Dr. Mee’s training allows him to perform even the most difficult endodontic procedures.

Contact us today to set up an appointment for a root canal treatment with Dr. David Mee.