Root Canal

According to the AAE, more than 15 million root canals are performed every year. Although millions of people undergo this procedure, it is still shrouded in mystery and misconceptions. A root canal procedure is relatively simple procedure performed by an Endodontist. 

Here is the procedure step by step:

Preparing the Area

You might possibly be in an incredible amount of pain when you come in for a root canal. First, local anesthetic injections are given to numb your gums and tooth roots. Once the area is numbed, our dentists place a rubber dental dam in your mouth to isolate the tooth while also keeping the area dry and sterile during the procedure.

Accessing and Cleaning the Roots

Next, your dentist will drill through your tooth and gain access to the root canals and pulp chamber, areas where the pulp resides. The entire pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned out thoroughly using special instruments. After this, an antibacterial and antiseptic solution is used to clean and disinfect these canals from bacteria and the remaining debris of the pulp. By doing so, it treats the infection located in these canals.

Shaping the Canals

After the pulp chambers and the root canals have been evacuated, the dentist places a filling and condenses it in place. For this, the canals must first be shaped. Using tiny instruments, the dentist shapes the canals and prepares them to receive the filling material. Once shaped, these canals are cleaned and irrigated for a second time.

Filling the Canals

A core material known as gutta-percha is used to fill these canals. It is a rubber-like material that is placed into the canals and then heated. This allows the material to compress and fit snugly against the walls of the canals. After this, adhesive cement is added to further seal the canals and protect is from contamination.

Filling the Access Area

Now that the canals are sufficiently packed, the dentist must seal the cavity they made in order to access the canals in the first place. Filling this cavity prevents bacteria from entering the tooth and strengthens the overall structure of the tooth. This is only necessary when the tooth is grossly damaged and cannot support restoration on its own.

Healing and Antibiotics

You will be sent home with a prescription for antibiotics and strict post-care instructions. It is normal that you experience slight discomfort for a few days following the procedure. You may take over-the-counter pain medications to alleviate pain and discomfort.

Adding the Crown

If a root canal was done on one of your back teeth, it is important that you come back for a crown installation. On your second appointment (after healing is complete), the dentist will place a permanent crown around the treated tooth in order to protect it from reinfection and to strengthen its structural integrity. This crown is fabricated to match your existing teeth and will allow you to chew and bite down on food as with your natural teeth.