The Dental PlaceThe Reason
Root canal therapy (endodontic treatment) is performed by your dentist or an endodontist to save a tooth that is severely infected, damaged, or decayed. Your root canal appointment will include a focused dental exam and the following:
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Removal of infected pulp: The pulp is the soft tissue deep inside the tooth containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When injured or infected by deep decay or a crack, it must be carefully removed using special endodontic instruments. Left untreated, the bacteria produce toxins that can inflame the surrounding bone. This inflammation can lead to a painful abscess and tooth loss!
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Cleaning and shaping: Once the infected pulp is removed, the hollow canals inside the tooth roots are meticulously cleaned, disinfected, and shaped to prepare them for a permanent, protective filling.
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Sealing the canals: Remove any remaining debris and tightly fill the clean root canals with a biocompatible material to seal the space and prevent bacteria from re-entering the tooth.
The root canal procedure includes
A focused endodontic evaluation and treatment will be performed by your dentist at your root canal visit. During your appointment, your dentist and dental assistant will include the following:
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Administration of local anesthesia: Essential for ensuring the affected tooth and surrounding tissues are completely numb so you remain comfortable and pain-free during the procedure
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Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Check the shape of the root canals and look for any signs of infection in the surrounding bone before, during, and after the procedure
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Tooth isolation: A small protective sheet called a dental dam will be placed around the tooth to keep it clean, dry, and free of saliva during treatment
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Access and preparation: A small opening is made in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber, and specialized microscopic instruments are used to clean out the diseased tissue
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Placement of root and temporary fillings: The root canals are sealed with a rubber-like material (gutta-percha), and a temporary filling is placed on top to protect the tooth until a permanent crown can be fabricated and placed.
Summary
A focused endodontic evaluation and treatment will be performed by your dentist at your root canal visit. During your appointment, your dentist and dental assistant will include the following:
Administration of local anesthesia: Essential for ensuring the affected tooth and surrounding tissues are completely numb so you remain comfortable and pain-free during the procedure
Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Check the shape of the root canals and look for any signs of infection in the surrounding bone before, during, and after the procedure
Tooth isolation: A small protective sheet called a dental dam will be placed around the tooth to keep it clean, dry, and free of saliva during treatment
Access and preparation: A small opening is made in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber, and specialized microscopic instruments are used to clean out the diseased tissue
Placement of root and temporary fillings: The root canals are sealed with a rubber-like material (gutta-percha), and a temporary filling is placed on top to protect the tooth until a permanent crown can be fabricated and placed.