Root canals, also known as endodontic treatment, are dental procedures used to treat infections and save teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted. Here’s how a root canal is typically performed:
Anesthesia: The dentist will numb the area around the affected tooth using a local anesthetic to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure.
Access: A small opening is made in the top of the tooth to access the infected or damaged pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth).
Cleaning: The infected or damaged pulp is removed from the tooth using special instruments. The inside of the tooth is then cleaned and disinfected to remove any bacteria.
Filling: Once the inside of the tooth is cleaned, it is filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha to prevent further infection.
Restoration: After a root canal, the tooth is typically restored with a crown or filling to protect it and restore its function and appearance.
Root canals are necessary when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or trauma. Symptoms of an infected pulp include severe toothache, swelling, sensitivity to hot or cold, and a pimple on the gum near the tooth.
Root canals are a common and relatively painless procedure that can save a tooth from extraction and restore its function. With proper care, a tooth that has undergone a root canal can last a very long time.