Assisting Root canal treatment

In order to be efficient and work properly when doing a root canal treatment, having the right equipment on hand and knowledge of how to take care of it is of upmost importance.
It is also a great addition to the team if the nurse/assistant know what is needed and when so the veterinarian can save time and work in an aseptic matter.
There are an array for equipment and materials that can be used in a root canal treatment.
Usually there is need for dental radiographs, instruments for assessing the fracture, gain access to the canal, clean and prep it, and obturation and restoration of access point and crown. And local blocks.In order to work as sterile as possible when working in the mouth, a rubber dam should be applied. This can sometimes be a little tricky but with good clamps and practice its is possible. Before starting the procedure make sure that all instruments, equipment and materials are present, clean and ready to be used. A good routine is to have sets for these procedures, then you know that what you need should always be ready. All fractured teeth require treatment! But not all fractures need root canal treatments. Before gaining access to root canal we need to assess the fracture both clinically and with dental radiographs to make sure what treatment is the right treatment.
The veterinarian will assess both fracture and radiographs to check for symmetri of the canal, if there is any opening into the canal from the crown.

1. access canal
2. debridement and shaping canal
3. clean and dry canal
4. measure canal length and width (write this down)
5. Obturation of canal
6. restoring access and crown

During the procedure there are several dental radiographs taken in order to make sure everything is going to plan. There should be at least 3 radiographs pre, master files to apex, and post.
After procedure the tooth is ready to be used, but we always recommend to keep a close eye on it, and control with radiographs after 4 months and then annually. Owner should also reach out if they notice anything changes post treatment.
For dogs in active service like police, military, dogs with large buccal musculature (staffies and such) and search and rescue dogs placement of a titanium crown might be recommended. Root canal treated teeth are usually a bit more brittle than a vital tooth.