Learn what a root canal is, why you may need one, and how to prevent it in this informative post. Find out the 7 stages of root canal treatment and how to ease your pain and save your tooth.
If you have a toothache, sensitivity, or swelling, you may need a root canal treatment. But what is a root canal and how does it work?
In this post, I’ll explain what a root canal is, why you may need one, and what to expect during and after the procedure.
Plus, I’ll share some tips on how to prevent the need for a root canal in the future.
Let’s get started!
What is Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal treatment is a dental procedure to remove infected or damaged pulp (the inner part of the tooth), clean the root canal, and seal it to save a tooth from extraction.
The pulp is the soft tissue that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. It helps the tooth grow and develop. However, when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to decay, trauma, cracks, or repeated dental procedures, it can cause pain and damage the tooth.
A root canal treatment can relieve the pain and save the tooth by removing the source of infection and restoring the tooth’s function and appearance.
7 Stages of Root Canal Treatment
1. Diagnosis and Examination
The first step of a root canal treatment is to diagnose the problem and examine the tooth. Your dentist will ask you about your symptoms, medical history, and dental history. They will also perform a clinical examination and take X-rays to assess the condition of the tooth and the surrounding bone.
The X-rays will show the shape and length of the root canals, the extent of the infection, and any signs of bone loss or abscesses. Based on the findings, your dentist will determine if you need a root canal treatment and explain the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives.
2. Local Anesthesia
The next step is to numb the area around the affected tooth using a local anesthetic. This will ensure that you are comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. You may feel a slight pinch or sting when the anesthetic is injected, but it will wear off quickly.
Some people may think that a root canal treatment is painful, but the truth is that it is not more painful than a filling. In fact, most patients report that the root canal treatment relieves their pain and discomfort.
3. Isolation and Rubber Dam Placement
After the anesthesia takes effect, your dentist will place a rubber dam around the tooth to isolate it from the rest of the mouth. The rubber dam is a thin sheet of latex or non-latex material that fits over the tooth and is held in place by a metal clamp.
The rubber dam serves two purposes: it keeps the tooth dry and free from saliva during the procedure, and it prevents the spread of bacteria and debris from the tooth to the rest of the mouth. It also protects you from swallowing or inhaling any materials used during the procedure.
4. Access Opening
The next step is to create an access opening in the crown of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber. This is typically done using a dental drill and a small round bur. Your dentist will carefully remove the decayed or damaged part of the tooth and expose the pulp chamber and the root canals.
The access opening may vary in size and shape depending on the tooth and the number of root canals. For example, a front tooth usually has one root canal, while a molar may have three or four.
5. Cleaning and Shaping
The most important step of a root canal treatment is to clean and shape the inside of the tooth. Your dentist will use special instruments called endodontic files to remove the infected or damaged pulp tissue from the pulp chamber and the root canals.
The files are thin, flexible, and tapered, and they come in different sizes and shapes. Your dentist will insert them into the root canals and move them up and down, back and forth, and in a circular motion to scrape and scrub the walls of the canals.
Your dentist will also use irrigation solutions, such as sodium hypochlorite or chlorhexidine, to flush out the debris and disinfect the canals. They may also use an electronic device called an apex locator to measure the length of the canals and ensure that they are cleaned and shaped properly.
6. Filling and Sealing
The final step of a root canal treatment is to fill and seal the cleaned and shaped space inside the tooth. Your dentist will use a biocompatible material called gutta-percha to fill the canals and prevent further infection. Gutta-percha is a rubber-like substance that comes in cones of various sizes and colors.
Your dentist will select the appropriate size and color of gutta-percha cones and insert them into the canals using a heated instrument or a sealer. They will then use a cold instrument or a spreader to compact the gutta-percha and fill the entire space.
The access opening is also sealed with a temporary or permanent filling to close the tooth and protect it from contamination.
7. Restoration
In many cases, a tooth that has undergone a root canal treatment will need further restoration. This may involve placing a dental crown on the treated tooth to provide strength and protection, especially if a significant portion of the tooth structure was removed during the procedure.
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire visible part of the tooth. It can be made of metal, porcelain, or a combination of both. Your dentist will take an impression of your tooth and send it to a dental laboratory, where the crown will be fabricated.
In the meantime, your dentist will place a temporary crown on your tooth to protect it until the permanent crown is ready. When the permanent crown is ready, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and cement the permanent crown on your tooth.
How to Prevent the Need for a Root Canal Treatment
The best way to prevent the need for a root canal treatment is to take good care of your teeth and gums. Here are some tips to help you avoid tooth decay and infection:
Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Floss your teeth once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under your gums.
Rinse your mouth with water or a mouthwash after eating or drinking, especially sugary or acidic foods and beverages.
Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings, and follow their recommendations for preventive treatments, such as fluoride or sealants.
Avoid smoking, chewing tobacco, or using other tobacco products, as they can damage your teeth and gums and increase your risk of oral cancer.
Wear a mouthguard when playing sports or engaging in activities that may cause trauma to your teeth or jaw.
If you have a cracked, chipped, or broken tooth, see your dentist as soon as possible to get it repaired and prevent further damage or infection.
Conclusion
A root canal treatment is a common and effective dental procedure that can save a tooth from extraction and relieve pain and infection. It involves several steps, such as diagnosis, anesthesia, isolation, access opening, cleaning, shaping, filling, sealing, and restoration.
A root canal treatment can take one or more visits to complete, depending on the complexity of the case and the availability of the dentist. The cost of a root canal treatment may vary depending on the tooth, the extent of the damage, and the type of restoration.
If you think you need a root canal treatment, don't hesitate to contact our dentist near you and schedule an appointment. The sooner you get treated, the better your chances of saving your tooth and restoring your oral health.