Patient Education Section - GotoDentistry.com

ENDODONTICS (Root Canal)

Abscess: the formation of a sac of bacteria.

Apicoectomy: surgical procedure removing the root tip(s) of re-infected root canals.

Direct pulp cap: when the pulp is exposed, the medication is placed directly on.

Fistula: tract made by infection exiting often through the gingiva and resembling a pimple.

Gutta percha: rubber like material used to fill root canals.

Indirect pulp cap: when approaching the pulp, the medication is placed on the area. Sometimes cavity is left in the tooth because the proximity is very close to the pulp and the medication can sometimes kill the remaining cavity.

Perforation: when a root canal is performed, it is possible while accessing not to directly find the chamber but drill through the tooth. Sometimes, these teeth can be saved.

Pulp cap: placing an antibacterial product on the pulp.

Pulpectomy: accessing the pulp and removing the pulp without filling the canal(s).

Pulpotomy: accessing the pulp and removing the pulp chamber.

Retrofill amalgam: sometimes used in conjunction with apicoectomy, amalgam is placed after the amputation of the root tip to fill and seal the canal from that end.

Root canal: removal of the nerve tissue due to infection from cavities or trauma and filling with gutta percha.