When you have severe decay, the inside of your tooth may become infected or damaged. To save the tooth, a root canal procedure is often necessary. During this treatment, the pulp is removed, and the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Here is a closer look at the procedure.
The Steps of a Root Canal Procedure:
1. Tooth Isolation
During root canal, it is essential that the tooth remains clear of contaminants, including saliva and other mouth debris. To ensure that the tooth stands alone, it is isolated with a dam.
2. Create an Access Cavity
To gain access to the tooth’s interior nerves, an access cavity is created. A hole is drilled into the pulp. A dentist removes decay and filling pieces as well.
3. Measure the Tooth
To remove a tooth’s complete root, a dentist must know how deep it extends beneath the gum line.
4. Cleaning and Shaping the Root Canal
A dentist eliminates nerve tissue and bacteria that are trapped in the tooth. Also, the canal is shaped properly so that a filling can be easily placed and sealed.
5. Seal the Tooth
After the tooth has been cleaned and shaped, the hollow interior is filled and sealed. If a dentist does not fill the tooth immediately, a temporary filling will be used to keep the tooth from becoming contaminated. A permanent root canal filling is usually crafted from gutta percha, a rubber compound.
6. Crown is Added
To restore strength, a crown must be placed on top of your tooth.
Since a dentist will numb your mouth before a root canal, pain is limited.
If you believe that you may need a root canal or want more information about the procedure, consult with Dr. Lynn Monstwil. She is dedicated to providing top dental care to all of her patients so that their oral health is preserved.