Root Canal Basics: What Should You Expect During the Procedure?

Posted on: 23 November 2020

Correct diagnosis is critical for the planning and execution of any clinical procedures. Root canal treatment is no different. It starts with a thorough examination of your ailing tooth to determine the nature and severity of the condition in question. After that, the dentist proceeds with a root canal treatment. The primary outcome determines the secondary prescriptions and procedures required for your tooth to heal and resume normal functioning. Certainly, this is just a brief overview of a root canal treatment. You can dive deeper into the subject in the following discussion: 

Overview of the Treatment 

A root canal is a procedure carried out to salvage an infected or badly damaged tooth. The objective of the procedure is to restore the normal functioning of the tooth instead of removing it. Essentially, the treatment derives its name from the cleaning of the tooth's canals within the root. Patients used to experience pain during the root canal procedures, but things have changed for the better in recent years. Advancement in the dental field enables dentists to localise anaesthetics when carrying out the procedure, improving the patients' experience. 

Clearing Root Canal Infections 

Root canal infections occur when disease-causing pathogens find their way to the core of the tooth. The dentist starts by clearing the infection before filling the tooth with reinforcing material that will enable it to carry out its functions. Usually, the dentist will remove the diseased pulp before flushing and cleaning the root canals and the pulp chamber. They might also enlarge and reshape the canals for better access when the procedure reaches the filling stage.

When dealing with severe infections, the dentist can put medicines in the pulp chamber to clear the infections. The medication can be in place for a few days, and the cavity remains open to allow the medication to drain away as it deals with the infection.

Filling the Canals

The clean and infection-free root canals will be ready to receive the filling materials following the procedures discussed above. Additional aesthetics come in to minimise pain as the filling materials encounter the sensitive parts of your tooth. If the dentist had fitted a temporary filling material, they will remove it to allow access to the canals' core. Usually, the filling material comprises a rubber compound and a sealer paste, accompanied by a special filling to shield the root canals from encountering saliva. The final stage is the placement of a tough crown to strengthen the tooth and give it a more natural appearance. 

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