Also known as endodontic treatment, is the dental procedure indicated when the pulp tissue (nerve of the tooth) becomes inflamed or infected by bacteria due to different causes like: deep decay, micro-leakage of fillings or crowns, repeated dental procedures and cracked teeth.
Root canal treatment is a safe and effective way to save your tooth and relieve pain.
Your endodontist will examine the tooth and take any necessary radiographs. To ensure you are comfortable. If root canal treatment is deemed necessary a local anesthetic will be applied to numb the area.
Once your tooth is numb, a rubber dam will be placed around the tooth. This helps isolate the tooth, keeping it clean and dry during the procedure as well as covering your mouth from any solutions used during the procedure.
The endodontist will make a small opening in the tooth’s crown to access the pulp. The infected or inflamed pulp is then removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and shaped.
After the canals (space where the pulp was located) are cleaned, they are filled and sealed to prevent future infection.
After the root canal is completed, the access will be sealed, either temporarily or permanently. This will be coordinated with your dentist. You will return to your dentist to have a final restoration or crown placed on the tooth. This helps protect it and restore it to full function.