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How Is A Root Canal Performed?

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If you're facing an upcoming root canal, you want to educate yourself on the procedure so you know what to expect. Root canals tend to scare people, but the more of an understanding you have about what's going to happen during the procedure, the less stress you will feel going into it. The information below will help you to know just what to expect:

What to expect during the procedure?

The dentist will need to take an x-ray so they can get a good look at the condition of the tooth and its root. They will also need to see if there is any infection present in the bone around the affected tooth.

You will be given a local anesthetic in your gum near the affected tooth. This will numb the area so you won't feel anything. You will need to still be prepared for hearing the sounds of the root canal, which tend to bother some people.

Once the area has been numbed, the dentist will put a piece of rubber around the tooth and drill a hole into the tooth. The next step will be for the dentist to remove the pulp and related tissue out through the hole. Water will also be used throughout the cleaning procedure to flush the area.

Once everything has been cleaned out, the dentist will seal it. If you do have infection present, then your dentist may decide to wait a few days before sealing your tooth. The dentist may put a temporary filling in the hole if you don't have your root canal done in the same day. This will ensure that the area stays free of dirt until you go in to your next appointment.

When you go to your next appointment, the temporary filling will be removed and the dentist will complete the root canal and then fill the inside of your tooth with a sealer. A filler will also be used to fill in the hole the dentist drilled in the tooth. Depending on the condition of your tooth, you may also need to have a crown put on it.

What to expect after you have a root canal

Your mouth will feel numb for a little while after the procedure is over. Later in the day, you may experience a throbbing ache. Take pain relievers as instructed by your dentist. While you're healing, an ice pack on your cheek may also help.  In a couple of days the pain will be gone and you will feel much better.


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