What Is A Root Canal?

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A root canal is the process of removing the infected interior of a tooth called the pulp, disinfecting the interior, then filling the tooth and topping it with a crown. Usually, a root canal is recommended when the interior of a tooth is sufficiently decayed to the point that it is infected, or it will become infected in the future. Either a general dentist or a specialist can perform a root canal; it may take more than one visit to complete.

There are many causes for the breakdown of pulp within a tooth; intense decay, cracks, chips or trauma to the area can contribute to the interior breakdown of a tooth. Left untreated, an abscessed tooth can lead to severe physiological problems, including swelling in the neck or face. Tooth pain should be addressed immediately to forestall these complications.

The first step in a root canal is to numb the surrounding area, which may require more than one shot of anesthesia. In severe cases, the area may need to be drained prior to removal and a course of antibiotics administered. Although anesthesia is not always required, most dentists will use it both as a precautionary ...
... measure and to put the patient more at ease. Root canals are not generally painful on their own. The infection that necessitates the procedure is usually the source of pain.

The next step is to drill a small hole in the infected tooth, which allows access to the interior and removal of the infected part, which is accomplished by using graduated files to ream out the pulp and the decayed or infected parts. The files also scrub off the interior surface of the tooth so any detritus and residual bacteria are removed. The interior is then flushed with water or sodium hypochlorite to rinse away debris and cleanse the area.

Depending on the individual circumstances, the tooth will be thoroughly cleansed then sealed or it will be thoroughly cleansed, medicated and filled with a temporary filling. The temporary filling will keep saliva and contaminants out of the tooth between procedures.

Next, the temporary filling will be removed, if applicable, and a substance called gutta percha will be injected into the now-empty roots of the tooth. The tooth is then filled with regular filling material to seal the initial hole that was drilled. At this point, the patient may need restoration dentistry to strengthen the tooth and ensure its longevity.

When the interior of a tooth requires a large filling, a crown—either with or without a post-may be required to strengthen the tooth. This will restore the tooth to full functionality and keep it from breaking at some point in the future. This is called restoration dentistry.

More than 95% of root canals are successful; the interior pulp is unnecessary for tooth function. However, lack of pulp means lack of nerve endings and the patient needs to be conscientious in their future dental hygiene, since there will be no pain symptoms to indicate future problems with the tooth.