When an infection develops in the mouth, it can often spread to the roots of the tooth and cause some complications. When this happens, a dentist will frequently recommend that you have a root canal procedure in order to clear everything up. Years ago, this used to be one of the more complex tasks that the dentist could perform, but a great deal has changed since that time. Special technologies and new procedures make it a great deal easier for dentists to perform this task and a lot less challenging for patients. It may not be necessary to schedule invasive surgery any more due to these developments. What's changed to make this a much simpler proposition?
Latest Technologies
The skill of the dentist is now augmented by the latest in high-tech instruments. Years ago, the only option would be to work with stainless steel, but dentists now have a number of hand tools made from nickel titanium. The big difference here is that the modern material is much more flexible and is able to get into some of those more difficult positions much more effectively. Nickel titanium is also a stronger and longer lasting solution.
Ultrasound is a great revolution in the dental office. This is a way of delivering extremely high frequency vibrations to a location, which will in turn break up any pieces of the root that may need to be removed much more simply than before. Also, the dentist has additional tools that will help him or her shape out the root canal area precisely, in order to accept filling material.
Very high definition microscopes are now attached to fibre optic lighting which can illuminate and focus in on the area much more effectively than before. This means that the dentist is able to quickly do the work necessary.
Making Sure the Job Is Done
One of the more important jobs when conducting a root canal is to find the apex, or the very tip of the root itself. This is effectively where the infection ends and once located and cleared, the dentists work is achieved. In order to ensure that the apex is correctly located, the industry has developed a new electronic tool, which uses sound waves and digital readouts to steer the dentist to the destination.
Space Age Materials
The type of material used in finishing out the job has also changed significantly. Now, dentists use a material called "gutta percha," which has high antibacterial properties and is very efficient. When used with specific sealers, the job can be completed with a minimal amount of irritation.
The Bottom Line
All in all, these new materials, tools and technologies make the root canal of today a much easier proposition for you, the patient.
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