Dental Assistant Guide for Root Canal

The dental assistant guide for root canal includes numerous diagnosing, treatment and follow-up procedures aimed at ensuring the dental health of the patient. Because of the complexity and intricacy of a root canal, a certified dental assistant plays a significant role in root canal treatment. The dental surgeon relies on the dental assistant throughout the entire procedure, particularly with instrument handling and sterilization.

Duties

• The branch of dentistry that focuses on the root canal, the pulp or inner part of the tooth and the periapical tissue at the tip of a tooth's root, is called endodontics. The dental assistant role in root canal treatment is in restorative and surgical therapies.

  Along with general clinical responsibilities, an endodontics dental assistant works with infection and deterioration of pulp tissues and procedures to preserve the tooth. The dental assistant is also trained in the various techniques, instruments and materials used in the practice of endodontics.

  An endodontics dental assistant has expertise in basic X-ray techniques because part of his role in diagnosing a root canal is taking and developing X-rays. A dental assistant also needs to know the tooth numbering system for updating a patient's record.

  Because dental surgeons have their own preferences in instrument technique, a dental assistant must know and be able to adapt to the various methods used for a root canal procedure.

Role for Root Canal Treatment

• The dental assistant role in root canal treatment starts with patient care. During the diagnosing stage, the endodontics dental assistant indicates the patient's chief complaint on the record, sets out the instruments needed for the dentist to perform a basic examination, and takes supporting X-rays and other diagnostic tests requested by the dentist.

  During the root canal procedure, the endodontics dental assistant helps the dentist in preparing, filling and sealing the canal by having the appropriate instruments and materials at the ready. The dental assistant is also tasked with preparing the root canal cement and other mixtures for filling and sealing the canal.

Other Responsibilities

• The dental assistant guide for root canal dictates the responsibility of proper sterilization, cleanliness and disinfection to the dental assistant. It is the dental assistant who is responsible for asepsis practices that keep the treatment room free of bacteria, microorganisms and other contaminants that can cause illness to the patient and medical staff.

  The dental assistant also educates the patient about the procedure, answers her concerns and ensures the patient's comfort during the treatment.