Root canal treatment is a dental procedure used to treat infection or damage inside the pulp of a tooth. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. If the pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, or injury to the tooth, a root canal may be needed to save the tooth.
Here’s a basic outline of the process:
- Examination & Diagnosis: The dentist examines the tooth using X-rays to determine the extent of the damage or infection.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area around the affected tooth, ensuring comfort during the procedure.
- Removal of Infected Pulp: The dentist drills an access hole into the tooth and removes the infected or damaged pulp from the root canals.
- Cleaning & Shaping: The inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, and the root canals are shaped to prepare them for filling.
- Filling: After cleaning, the empty root canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha to seal them.
- Restoration: Once the root canal is complete, the tooth is usually restored with a crown or filling to protect and strengthen it.
Root canal treatment has a high success rate and helps prevent the need for extracting the tooth. Many people may experience mild discomfort after the procedure, but it is generally effective at eliminating pain caused by the infection.
