The root canal treatment process involves drilling a hole in the tooth’s crown or behind it. Tiny instruments are used to clean the root canals and enlarge the pulp chamber. The infected pulp tissues are removed. The canals are then sealed with a block of an adhesive cement. The tooth will regain its shape and strength. It will usually take three to six visits to complete the treatment. This article will help you understand the process and what to expect.
First, your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area around your tooth. This numbs the tooth and the gum surrounding it. Next, the dentist will clean the area and disinfect the pulp chamber. Gutta-percha, a rubber-like dental material, is placed in the hollow inside the tooth’s root canal. This will prevent bacteria from invading the channel and reinfecting the area. The dentist will then place a temporary dental filling in your tooth to prevent further damage.
After the first step of root canal treatment, you will need to return to your dentist in one to two weeks for the next stage. The procedure’s second stage involves removing the temporary filling and applying an artificial crown to the tooth. This crown will protect the tooth’s structure and prevent further infection. The third stage involves restoring your tooth to its previous shape. It would help to continue brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste to keep them healthy. A visit to the dentist for a cleaning and checkup is highly recommended after root canal treatment.
The preparation stage of root canal treatment is similar to the process for a filling.
The dentist will use special tools to drill a hole in the top of the affected tooth and expose the pulp. Then, they will use a root canal file of increasing diameter to clean the inside of the root canal. Water is then used to clean out any debris. Once the procedure is complete, your dentist will seal the tooth with a temporary filling.
After the first stage, the dentist will perform a thorough examination and may take x-rays of your teeth to determine the severity of the infection. The dentist will also conduct a sensitivity test to determine the severity of the illness. In most cases, the treated tooth will last for many years with proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. Regardless of which method you choose, no therapy is as effective as a healthy tooth.
After the first two stages, the endodontist will clean the inside of the tooth and fill the empty spaces with a biocompatible filler called gutta-percha. This biocompatible material is firmly pressed into the root canal and sealed with adhesive cement. The endodontist may also recommend a temporary filling. The final stage of root canal therapy involves further restoration of the tooth. A large filling, extensive decay, or weakened tooth may need a crown to further damage and restore it to full function.