Root Canal Treatment
A root canal treatment involves removing the pulp, the soft tissue inside a tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. While it may not be obvious, teeth are hollow, and the pulp fills that inner space. This procedure helps eliminate infection and save the natural tooth.
What Does a Root Canal Treatment Do?
A root canal treatment relieves tooth pain by removing infected or inflamed nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth. The dentist then cleans and disinfects the inner chamber to prevent future infections. Once cleaned, the space is filled with a biocompatible material to seal and protect the tooth from further bacterial contamination.
Often called simply a “root canal,” the procedure gets its name from the narrow channels—called root canals—that run through each tooth root. Since some teeth have multiple roots, a single treatment may involve cleaning and sealing several canals.
What Does the Root Canal Treatment Process Involve?
Root canal treatment involves a few unique steps that set it apart from other dental procedures. Like most dental work, it begins with a local anesthetic to ensure you’re comfortable and pain-free.
Here’s what makes the process different:
- Rubber Dam Isolation: To maintain a sterile environment, your dentist will place a rubber dam around the tooth. This prevents saliva and bacteria from entering the treatment area and keeps dental materials and tools from contacting the rest of your mouth.
- X-Ray Guidance: Throughout the procedure, your dentist will use X-rays to monitor the canals, track progress, and ensure precise placement of the filling material.
During the treatment, you might feel light pressure or a gentle filing sensation as the dentist cleans the inside of the tooth with tiny instruments. However, you should not feel any pain.
What Should I Expect After a Root Canal Treatment?
After a root canal, your dentist typically places a temporary filling to seal the tooth. In some cases, a permanent filling may be placed right away, followed by preparation for a dental crown. Since the procedure removes the tooth’s internal fluid supply, the tooth can become more brittle and prone to cracking, making a crown essential for long-term protection.
Feeling some tenderness or mild pain at the treatment site for a few days is normal. If there was an infection, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help clear it. Follow all post-treatment care instructions and take medications as directed to ensure proper healing.