Assisting With An Endodontic Procedure

Front 1

Pass the mirror and explorer to the dentist and then pass a 2x2 gauze to dry the muccobuccal fold and the topical anesthetic. Pass the anesthetic syringe. After the placing of the anesthetic the dental assistant rinses the area with the air/water syringe and aspirates excess water with the HVE tip.

Back 1

step one

Front 2

Place rubber dam on the affected tooth.

Inform the patient of its purpose and to let the dental team know if there is any concerns.

Back 2

step two

Front 3

The dentist creates an opening in the tooth with the high-speed handpiece and bur. The dental assistant stays out of the dentist line of vision while keeping the dam free of debris.

Back 3

step three

Front 4

The dentist uses a slow-speed hand piece and round bur to remove caries and to access the pulp chamber. The dental assistant may quickly rinse the area to improve the dentist field of view.

Back 4

Step four

Front 5

The dentist may use the Endodontic spoon excavator to remove caries and the Endodontic explorer to locate the pulp chamber and canal openings.

Back 5

Step five

Front 6

Pass a barbed broach for the dentist to remove pulpal tissue from within the root canal. The dentist may want several broaches especially if the tooth has more than one root.

Back 6

step six

Front 7

Pass a #10 or #15 reamer with stoppers to measure the length of each canal. the DA exposes a radiograph so the dentist can measure the length of each canal with the files and reamers in place. The radiograph and working length of each canal are recorded in the patients chart.

Back 7

Step seven

Front 8

Pass additional files in progression until the proper width and length of the canal are achieved. Record the size and length of the final file used in the patient chart.

Back 8

step eight

Front 9

Pass the irrigating syringe with the solution to the dentist. The dentist irrigates the canals while the DA keeps the tip of the HVE close to the tooth to prevent to irrigation solution efficiently aspirated and not allowing it to splash the patient or dental team.

Back 9

Step nine

Front 10

Pass paper points with locking cotton pliers and continue to pass paper points until the canals are completely dry.

Back 10

Step ten

Front 11

Pass a small cotton pellet containing medication to the dentist who places it on the tooth.

Back 11

Step eleven

Front 12

A master gutta percha point is selected that matches the width size of the last file used in each canal. The DA exposes a radiograph to verify the proper length and seal.

Back 12

step twelve

Front 13

Mix the endodontic sealer to a creamy consistency and pass it to the dentist so he or she can coat the tip of the master gutta percha point.The dentist places the gutta percha with cement into the canal.

Back 13

step thirteen

Front 14

Pass the endodontic spreader and additional accessory gutta percha points. Continue until the canals are full.

Back 14

Step fourteen

Front 15

Pass the endodontic condenser and prepare the torch. The DA holds some 2x2 gauze squares and holds the HVE tip close to the tooth.

Back 15

Step fifteen

Front 16

The dentist heats the tip of the endodontic condenser and melts off the excess gutta percha material. The DA ensures the HVE tip aspirates any smoke and uses the 2x2 to retrieve the gutta percha.

Back 16

Step sixteen

Front 17

Prepare the temporary filling material and pass the woodson. The dentist places the filling. The DA passes a lightly dampened cotton applicator to the dentist to smooth out the temporary restoration.

Back 17

Step seventeen

Front 18

Use the HVE and air/water syringe to ensure that the rubber dam is rinsed and debris free. Remove the rubber dam and freshen the patients mouth with rinsing and aspirating.

Back 18

step eighteen

Front 19

Dry the tooth and pass the articulating paper to the dentist who will ask the patient to lightly tap the teeth together. If necessary the dentist will adjust the occlusion with the Woodson, cotton applicator, or round bur and slow speed handpiece.

Back 19

Step nineteen

Front 20

Expose the final radiograph and provide postoperative instructions to the patient.

Back 20

Step twenty