Assisting With An Endodontic Procedure

Front 1

Step 1: DA passes mirror and explorer to dentist, then passes a 2x2 gauze to dry the muccobuccal fold and the topical anesthetic. DA passes the anesthetic syringe. When the dentist completes placing the anesthetic, the DA rinses the area with the air/water syringe and aspirates excess water with the HVE tip

Back 1

Step 2: The DA or dentist places the rubber dam on the affected tooth. The DA shoudl inform the patient of the purpose of the dam and that if there are any concerns to let the dental team know

Front 2

Step 3: The dentist creates an opening in the tooth with the high speed handpiece and bur. The DA should keep the rubber dam free of debris but be sure to stay out of dentist's line of vision

Back 2

Step 4: The dentist uses the slow speed handpiece and round bur to remove caries and to access the pulp chamber. The DA may quickly rinse the area to impove the dentist's field of view

Front 3

Step 5: the dentist may want to use the endodontic spoon excavator to remove caries and the endodontic explorer to locate the pulp chamber and canal openings

Back 3

Step 6: The DA passes a barbed broach for the dentist to remove pulpal tissues from within the root canal. The dentist may want several broaches, especially if the tooth has more than one root

Front 4

Step 7: The DA passes 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 or reamers in place. The radiograph and working length of each canal are recorded in the patients chart

Back 4

Step 8: The DA passes additional files in progression until the proper width and length of the canal are achieved. The size and length of the final file used are recorded in patients chart

Front 5

Step 9: The DA passes the irrigating syringe with irrigating solution to the dentist. The denist irrigates the canals. The DA must keep the tip of the HVE very close to the tooth so the irrigating solution is effiecently aspirating and now allowed to splash the patient or the dental team

Back 5

Step 10: The DA passes paper points with locking cotton pliers and continues to pass paper points until the canals are completely dry

Front 6

Step 11: The DA passes a small cotton pellet containing medication to the dentist who places it in the tooth.

Back 6

Step 12: A master gutta percah 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

Front 7

Step 13: The DA mixes the endodontic sealer to a creamy consistency and passes it to the dentist. The dentist places the gutta percha with cement into canal.

Back 7

Step 14: the DA passes the endodontic spreader and additional accessory gutta percha points and continues to pass the spreader and additional point until each canal is full

Front 8

Step 15: the DA passes teh endodontic condenser and prepares the torch. The DA holds some 2x2 gauze and hold the HVE tip close to the tooth

Back 8

Step 16: The dentist heats the tip of the endodontic condenser and melts off the excess gutta percha material.

Front 9

Step 17: The DA prepares the temporary filling material and passes the Woodsen. The dentist places the filling. The DA passes a lightly dampened cotton applicator to dentist.

Back 9

Step 18: The DA uses the HVE and air/water syringe to ensure that the rubber dam is rinsed free of debris. The rubber dam is removed and the DA freshens the patients mouth by rinsing and aspriating

Front 10

Step 19: The DA dries the tooth and passes the articulating paper to the dentist.

Back 10

Step 20: the DA exposes a final radiograph and provides postoperative instructions to patient