Learn The Truth About Root Canal Therapy

The root canal is the space from the center to the root of the tooth. The center is known as the pulp chamber. Teeth can have anywhere from one to four chambers, all depending on the anatomy of the tooth. For example, Molars can have 2 to 4 chambers whereas a premolar may have only 1 or 2 chambers. The cupids have 1 or 2 and incisors generally have just one canal. Anytime there is an extra canal it is referred to as an “accessory canal.” The anatomy and number of canals can very among each tooth.

The chamber inside of these little canals contain nerves, which comes from the pulp chamber itself. Root Canal Therapy is treatment planned resulting from infection or trauma to the tooth. After assessing the amount of infection, the dentist may put you on medicine before he performs this endodontic treatment. If you have had an infection or abscess tooth, you may have to start taking antibiotics prior to the root canal appointment.

It may take several appointments to successfully complete the Root Canal Therapy. Sometimes the procedure can be performed in a single visit, others require multiple visits. Our dentist will begin the appointment with anesthetic.

You can expect the following procedures during Root Canal Therapy

A digital x ray is taken to observe the compromised tooth. This x ray displays the entire tooth and provides accurate information for the procedure.
A plastic shield, known as a rubber dam, will be placed over your mouth. This keeps the tooth very dry just before the final steps of the procedure. This also keeps your saliva and dental solutions isolated from the area being worked on. The tooth is then disinfected.
A small hole is drilled into the tooth of the area known as the pulp chamber. The chamber is where the nerves are located. The infection in the pulp chamber are removed with tiny files. This is done using a dental hand piece called a “rotary instrument.” It can also be performed by hand.
At this point, another digital x ray may be taken. This allows the dental team to see the length of the roots. It is crucial for all the nerve to be removed so there is no reinfection. The dentist gets as close to the tip to remove all of the nerve and is usually the longest part of the procedure.
Once completely clean, the tooth is then dried with tiny paper. A material is then placed into the tooth. This material is called gutta percha; It is designed to seal the inside of the tooth.
A temporary or permanent filling will be put in the tooth once all decay is removed. Usually a dental crown is recommended for the tooth. Since the blood supply can no longer reach the tooth, it often becomes brittle. This can cause a cracked tooth. A crown allows the opportunity to restore a tooth to more solid function.

Root Canal Therapy involves opening the tooth and removing any damaged pulp. Cleaning, shaping, and filling the tooth are also steps in the process of a root canal. Lastly, the tooth is sealed.