What is a Root Canal?
A root canal treatment is the removal of the tooth's pulp in the center of the tooth. After the damaged, dead, or diseased pulp is removed the remainder is cleaned and filled. Many years ago teeth were completely removed if the pulp was diseased. Now days root canal treatment can save many teeth!
Most common reasons your dentist may recommend a root canal:
- A deep cavity
- Injury to a tooth, trauma
- A cracked tooth
What is the process of a Root Canal Treatment?
There are many steps that take place over a couple of office visits in order to complete a root canal treatment. These steps include:
- First, an opening is made through the front or back of a tooth or crown.
- The pulp is removed from the tooth. The remaining space is cleaned, enlarged, shaped in preparation for being filled.
- If more than one visit is necessarily, a temporary filling may be placed in opening of the crown to protect the tooth.
- The filling is removed and the pulp chamber and root canal is filled. A rubbery material called gutta-percha is inserted into the canals and sealed by cement.
- Lastly, a crown is often times placed over the tooth to restore its natural color and shape. If the tooth is broken down it may or may not need a build up before permanently cementing a crown.
Many people believe root canal treatments are painful! However, this is not the case. They are not anymore painful than a simple filling. If you have any further questions or concerns regarding root canal treatment feel free to give us a call!
