What is a root canal procedure?

Has your dentist recently told you that you may need a root canal cary north carolina? Were your immediate thoughts of pain? Well, despite what you may have been told, root canals are a common procedure designed to save a tooth and alleviate pain. Root canals are usually recommended if you have a tooth that is infected or has a dying root. In the center of each tooth, the fiber-like tissue called the pulp, can become infected. This infection may be result of a serious injury, a bad cavity, or another infection in your mouth. If left untreated, the infection may become so bad the entire tooth needs to be removed. During the multiple step procedure, the dentist will remove any part of the inside of the tooth that is dying or infected and then fill it, so you can retain your natural tooth without pain. Thanks to scientific advancements the root canal procedure has come a long way. Today, the treatment only requires one or two trips and little pain and swelling. Below is some more information on the steps of the root canal procedure.

The Step by Step of a Root Canal

The root canal process usually involves 4 steps and often occurs over two visits to the dentist. Here are the steps:

  1. The dentist will give you a localized anesthetic to help numb the area in your mouth where they will be working. Then once the area is numb, they will place a rubber dental dam in your mouth to help isolate the area and keep it clean and dry while they work.
  2. Next, using a drill, your dentist will create a small opening in the back or top of your tooth, so they can access the inside. This opening allows them to clean out the damaged and diseased pulp from inside the tooth. This cleaning is usually done with a small file. How much work needs to be done inside depends on which tooth is infected and how severe the infection is. In addition to removing the pulp, your dentist will clean up the inside of the tooth and canal, sometimes using water to wash away any debris.
  3. After the inside of the tooth is cleaned out and dry, your dentist will fill it. This filling may be temporary to be replaced at a later visit or may be permanent. The filling is a rubbery material called gutta percha. Then they will close up the tooth with a temporary filling.
  4. The final step is making sure your tooth is durable and matches your other teeth, which usually involves adding a permanent crown. This step may occur a few weeks after your first visit. How much work is needed during this step is dependent on the condition of the tooth and how stable it is.

Recovery

After a root canal, you may experience some minor pain and swelling. Your dentist may prescribe something to help with this. The most important step in recover is making sure to take care of your teeth and gums and visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups.

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