How is a Root Canal Performed?

Are you scheduled for a root canal procedure? Millions of people are treated each year through a root canal treatment. Usually, the procedure will take about one or two dental visits. If you’re curious on how the process will be performed, here’s the step by step guide of a root canal procedure:

Your endodontist will take an x-ray of your tooth and then numb your tooth using local anesthesia. Once the tooth is numb, the endodontist will put a dental dam over the area to isolate the tooth and keep it clean and dry during the process.

After the placement of the dam, your endodontist will open your tooth through the crown to access the pulp. Infected pulp will be removed, and if you have a dental abscess, your endodontist will drain it at the same time. The pulp will then be cleaned from the pulp chamber, and your endodontist will use a series of small files to enlarge the root canal and shape the space for filling. An antibacterial medicine might be used in the pulp chamber and root canal to help get rid of any bacteria.

Once the pulp chamber is cleaned, dried and shaped, your endodontist will fill it with a gutta-percha (a biocompatible, rubber-like material). An adhesive cement will then be placed to seal the root canal. In most cases, a temporary filling is used to close the opening. This temporary filling will be removed before the tooth is restored.
After a few weeks, your endodontist will place a permanent crown, or other restoration will be placed on your tooth to restore it to its full function.

To learn more about root canal procedure, you may contact us at Brown’s Line Dental in Etobicoke.

-The Browns Line Dental Team