What actually is a root canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat infection or damage within the pulp of a tooth. The pulp is the innermost part of the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
When a tooth becomes infected due to deep decay, trauma, or other issues, it can lead to pain, swelling, and the potential for further complications if left untreated.
During a root canal procedure, our endodontist will:
1. Numb the area: Local anesthesia is used to ensure the patient is comfortable and does not feel pain during the procedure.
2. Access the pulp: We will create an opening in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals.
3. Remove infected tissue: The infected or damaged pulp is carefully removed from the tooth.
4. Clean and shape the canals: The empty root canals are cleaned, shaped, and disinfected to remove any remaining bacteria.
5. Fill the canals: After cleaning, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material, usually gutta-percha, to seal them and prevent re-infection.
6. Restore the tooth: Finally, the tooth is typically restored with a crown or filling to protect it and restore its function.
Root canals are generally effective in saving teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted, and they can relieve pain and restore oral health.
