The team at Infinite Endodontics agrees that root canal treatments should be as unremarkable for you as having a cavity filled. They are committed to making sure that you are comfortable and at ease while you are in their care.

YOUR ENDODONTIST

Dr. Spencer Carl Saint-Cyr will be performing your root canal procedure. Dr. Saint-Cyr is an endodontist, a dentist with special training in diagnosing and treating problems associated with the inside of the tooth. To become an endodontist, Dr. Saint-Cyr completed dental school and an additional year of advanced training in general dentistry and two more years specializing in endodontics, one of the nine specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. He uses a microscope to perform routine as well as difficult and very complex endodontic procedures, and endodontic surgery. He also utilizes intravenous sedation if requested in advance of the procedure. As an endodontist, Dr. Saint-Cyr is also experienced at finding the cause of oral and facial pain that has been difficult to diagnose.

WHAT IS A ROOT CANAL?

Underneath your tooth's outer enamel, within the dentin is an area of soft tissue called the pulp, which carries the tooth's nerves, veins, arteries and lymph vessels. Root canals are very small, thin divisions that branch off from the top pulp chamber down to the tip of the root. A tooth has at least one but as many as six or more root canals.

WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF THE PAIN?

If a tooth becomes diseased or injured, bacteria build up inside the pulp, which causes the infection to spread from the natural crown of the tooth to the root tips in the jawbone. Pus accumulates at the ends of the roots, forming a painful abscess, which can damage the bone supporting the teeth. Such an infection may produce pain that is severe, constant, or throbbing, as well as prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, swelling and tenderness in the surrounding gums, facial swelling, and discoloration of the tooth. However, in some cases, the pulp may die so gradually that there is little noticeable pain.

Root canal treatment is usually performed under local anesthesia. Dr. Saint-Cyr also utilizes general anesthesia. Please discuss this option with Dr. Saint-Cyr before your appointment.

YOUR PROCEDURE

A thin sheet of rubber, called a rubber dam, is placed in your mouth to isolate the infected tooth. Dr. Saint-Cyr will make an opening through the natural crown of the tooth into the pulp chamber and he will determine the length of the root canals.
Small instruments are used to clean the entire canal of diseased tissue and bacteria. The debris is flushed out with various anti-bacterial solutions. Cleaning out the canal also relieves the pressure inside the tooth and can dramatically ease pain.

Once the canals are completely clean, they are filled with gutta percha, a rubber like material coated with antibacterial sealer cement. The tooth is protected by a temporary filling until a permanent restoration can be made.

AFTER TREATMENT

For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Follow Dr. Saint-Cyr’s instructions carefully.

Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your root canal treatment is completed. However, if you have severe pain or pressure or pain that lasts more than a few days, don’t hesitate to give Infinite Endodontics a call.

We will call you the day after your procedure, to make sure you’re feeling good and to answer any questions.