(2) If a cold thermal test is required, the dental specialist should have a small
pencil of ice ready. The pencil should be small enough to allow the dental officer to apply
it to one tooth at a time and should be prepared with a gauze pad to facilitate handling.
To prepare a pencil of ice, remove the rubber plunger from a 1.8 cc anesthetic CarpuleTM
with an explorer. Fill the glass CarpuleTM with water and place it in a paper drinking cup
which is then set in the freezing compartment of the refrigerator. When a pencil of ice is
needed, the frozen CarpuleTM is run under tap water. The ice slips from the CarpuleTM to
present the pencil of ice.
(3) If a warm thermal test is needed, either a piece of temporary stopping
(gutta-percha) or an egg-shaped burnisher warmed over the flame of a Bunsen burner
may be used. During this procedure, the dental specialist should have the water syringe
ready to cool the tooth if the test causes too much pain.
c. Use of Anesthesia. If the endodontist plans to use a local anesthetic, the
dental specialist should have the necessary instruments ready.
d. Application of Rubber Dam. After the administration of the local anesthetic,
the dental specialist should have the rubber dam equipment ready for use by the dental
officer. Once the dam is applied, the operative area is rendered aseptic by swabbing with
70 percent isopropyl alcohol or other suitable antiseptics. If a rubber dam clamp is used
and a multiple appointment method of treatment is to be followed, recording the number
of the rubber dam clamp used may save time at later appointments.
4-9.
ROOT CANAL TREATMENT (CONSERVATIVE THERAPY)
a. General. In preparing for root canal treatment, the dental specialist should
always refer to the patient's record. By doing this, he can go through each step of
treatment required and lay out each item systematically before treatment starts. This
procedure will eliminate rushing to retrieve materials and make the treatment steps
progress smoothly and orderly.
b. Steps for Treatment. The sequence of treatment for the single appointment
method of endodontic treatment is given below. Also, review figure 4-15.
(1)
Anesthesia.
(2)
Rubber dam application.
(3)
Making the area aseptic.
(4)
Access to pulp chamber.
(5)
Pulp extirpation.
(6)
Trial radiograph with instrument in place.
MD0503
4-18