Patent ID: 6997714

Claim:
A method for irrigating a root canal of a tooth having a coronal end and an apex end, said canal having been shaped after removal of pulp material, said method comprising: a) inserting a first aspirator into the coronal end of the canal such that an end of said first aspirator is disposed partway within said canal, said end of said first aspirator having an opening; b) performing an evacuation of a coronal portion of the root canal by applying a vacuum to the first aspirator; c) placing a fluid delivery tube adjacent the coronal end of the canal; d) supplying fluid to said fluid delivery tube wherein the fluid is drawn to said opening of the first aspirator, said fluid being withdrawn from said canal by operation of said vacuum; e) removing said first aspirator and inserting a second aspirator into the canal, said second aspirator having a smaller diameter than said first aspirator and is sized so as to enable insertion of said second aspirator substantially completely to said apex end, said second aspirator being closed at said apex end and positioned such that a side vent of said second aspirator is adjacent said apex end; f) performing an evacuation of an apical portion of the root canal by applying a vacuum to said second aspirator wherein the fluid is drawn to said side vent of the second aspirator and is withdrawn from said canal by operation of said vacuum.