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Have you been told you need a root canal? No worries! While root canal therapy once had a reputation for being painful, modern dentistry has changed the game. Today, most patients find that a root canal is no more uncomfortable than a simple filling.
Thanks to state-of-the-art technology—like digital radiographic imaging, ultrasonic instruments, and operating microscopes—we can diagnose, locate, and treat root canals with incredible accuracy. Root canal treatment is designed to relieve pain, not cause it, and it helps save millions of teeth each year!
Let’s walk you through the steps of a typical root canal, so you know just what to expect.
Here’s an overview of the steps involved in a typical root canal:
1. Exam and X-rays
Your dentist or endodontist will examine the tooth and take X-rays to assess the extent of the infection and determine the best approach.
2. Local Anesthesia
A local anesthetic is applied to numb the area around the affected tooth, ensuring a pain-free experience.
3. Tooth Isolation
A small rubber sheet (dental dam) is placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free from saliva during the procedure.
4. Access Opening
An opening is created in the top of the tooth to reach the infected pulp and root canals.
5. Removing the Infected Pulp
Specialized tools are used to carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth's interior.
6. Cleaning and Shaping the Canals
The dentist thoroughly cleans and shapes the root canals using tiny, flexible files to prepare for filling.
7. Filling the Canals
Once clean, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material (usually gutta-percha) to seal them and prevent further infection.
8. Temporary Filling
A temporary filling is placed to close the access opening until a permanent restoration, like a crown, can be added.
9. Final Restoration
A crown or filling is usually placed at a follow-up appointment to protect and strengthen the treated tooth, restoring it to full function.
This step-by-step guide helps patients understand what to expect, reducing any anxiety about the procedure. For more information, give us a call!