Also known as an endodontic therapy, root canal treatment is a dental procedure for removing infection inside a tooth. The term derives from the fact that the procedure is performed in the pulp of the tooth which is called the root canal. This part of the tooth is characterized by a hollow section that contains vital components including nerve tissues, blood vessels, and other cells.

Root canal treatment is a very important and effective dental procedure that is used both for treating and preventing infections. The procedure is done in three steps and generally takes one to three sessions to complete. These include

Cleaning The Root Canal

The first step of a dental root canal treatment involves removing everything inside the root canal. This is done by the dentist by making a small access hole on the surface of the tooth while the patient is under local anesthesia and removing all the diseased and dead pulp tissues using very small files.

Filling The Root Canal

Once the inside of the tooth is fully cleaned, the dentist shapes and decontaminates the hollow area with the use of tiny files and irrigation tools. A rubber-like adhesive cement is then poured in to fill the opening and seal the canals completely.

Adding a Crown or FIlling

The last step of a root canal treatment involves placing a crown on the tooth for protection. This is necessary because after removing the infection along with all the living tissues, the tooth dies and the patient no longer experiences any kind of sensation. Consequently, the tooth fails to receive adequate nutrition becoming more brittle over time and susceptible to damage. The crown or filling provides protection the tooth needs. Until the crown or filling is placed on the tooth, a patient is not allowed to use it to chew any food material.

Normally, the entire procedure can be completed in one appointment. But in cases with curved canals, multi-canals, or large infections, the procedure may require one or two additional appointments.

The question that immediately arises when people hear about a root canal treatment is whether it is painful or not. Experiences vary among patients, but when performed by an expert dental surgeon, the treatment should be painless. With patients who have had a different experience otherwise, in most cases, that pain comes from the infection and not from the treatment. This is often misunderstood and the treatment is what actually alleviates the pain.

To ensure that a patient feels minimal discomfort, if not none during the procedure, a dental surgeon will numb the tooth and the surrounding area with local anesthesia. A patient may feel some tenderness after the treatment, but this is temporary and completely normal. An over-the-counter or prescribed medication may be used to relieve the pain if it continues to persist.

If you’re looking for a good place to get a root canal treatment, Summerville Dental is where you can expect unmatched care and treatment for your dental problems. Contact us today to speak to our doctors and help you with your needs.