The Molar Root Canal Procedure

Christopher Lillo possesses over 15 years of experience in the general practice of dentistry. Dr. Lillo is the Vice President and partner at Oak Ridge Dental Group in Toms River, New Jersey, where one of his specialties are molar root canals, also known as molar endodontics.

Molar endodontics is one of the most complex types of root canal therapy. Molars contain more than one root, and therefore, this endodontics procedure requires greater precision. Although each patient will require a unique treatment plan, a molar root canal generally proceeds in the following steps. 

First, the dentist prepares the mouth for the procedure by numbing the affected area with a local anesthesia and placing a protective rubber dam over the mouth to isolate the tooth. Next, the dentist drills into the tooth’s crown to extract decay. Once the pulp chamber is opened, titanium files remove dead nerves and pulp within the tooth’s roots. During this step, the dentist measures the length of each root, often using an apex locator, which employs sound waves to detect the end of the root more accurately. This minimizes the risk of leaving infection in this area. Thereafter, the dentist cleans and sterilizes the empty root and the dentin that surrounds it by applying an antibiotic preparation or with laser treatment. When the area is dry, the dentist seals the root walls with a material called gutta percha.

Following the cleaning and filling procedures, the dentist takes an impression, which is used to construct a dental crown at a dental laboratory. Meanwhile, the patient’s root canal is protected with the placement of a temporary crown. Finally, at a follow-up visit, the dentist permanently cements the new crown onto the tooth to complete the molar root canal procedure.