A root canal is a procedure that removes the infected blood and nerve supply of a tooth and fills the remaining space with a sealer and gutta-percha to prevent reinfection. It is used to treat severely decayed, infected, or broken teeth and allows the affected tooth to be saved from extraction. The root canal system is a naturally occurring space in a tooth consisting of the pulp chamber, main canal, and smaller branches that may connect the canals to each other or to the root surface.
If you are uncertain whether you require a root canal, please visit your local dentist if you experience any of the following symptoms:
If you have noticed any of these signs of infection, we recommend that you contact our dental team immediately to schedule an appointment.
The following is a general step by step guide of the procedure that your dentist will perform. Use it as a guide to ask your dentist questions about the different aspects of the procedure.
The first step in a root canal procedure is to administer local anesthesia to the affected tooth. The anesthetic numbs the gum area around the tooth so that the patient doesn't feel any pain during the procedure. The dentist will make sure that the area is completely numb before proceeding with the root canal.
The dentist will cover the tooth with a rubber dam when the region has become numb. This is a thin rubber covering that is placed over the tooth throughout the treatment to isolate it and keep it dry. The rubber dam also aids in preventing any dental debris or material from entering the patient's mouth from the back.
After the rubber dam is in place, the dentist will begin to clean out the root canal system. This involves removing the infected or inflamed pulp and shaping the canal so that it can be disinfected thoroughly.
Once the canal is cleaned out and shaped, the dentist will disinfect it using a special solution to kill any remaining bacteria. After the canal is disinfected, it is filled with a material called gutta-percha. This is a rubber-like material that is used to seal the canal and prevent bacteria from entering it again.
The tooth can be weaker and more prone to injury when the root canal operation is finished. As a result, the dentist will frequently advise covering the tooth with a crown to prevent additional harm. In order to give the tooth time to recover and solidify, the crown is often put on a few weeks following the root canal. In addition to protecting the tooth from any decay or injury, the crown will give it strength and function again.
After a root canal, it's normal to experience minor discomfort and sensitivity for a few days. Fortunately, taking care of your tooth after a root canal is simple and straightforward. Here are some tips to help you recover and heal properly:
