Root canal therapy can be helpful for treating infected teeth. General dentists tend to recommend the procedure when a tooth is too far abscessed for a simple filling or crown.
Learning more about how root canal therapy works can be helpful for patients preparing to undergo the process. Ultimately, it is best to consult with a general dentist who may be able to provide patient-specific tips for preparing for the procedure.
Below, we outline what a root canal looks like, step by step. Keep reading to find out more!
The first step of root canal therapy involves a general dentist or endodontist administering anesthesia to the patient. This helps numb the area so pain is not felt during the procedure. Once the patient is fully numb, the procedure can begin. A dental dam will likely be placed to keep the infected tooth clean and safe. The dental rubber material also helps ensure that the tooth stays dry, which is necessary for a successful root canal.
After the general dentist places the dam, the tooth will be ready for the infection to be cleared out. Small dental tools will be used to drill out and remove the bacteria within the pulp of the tooth. The interior chamber of the tooth will also be filed down to completely clear out any damaged areas.
After drilling and filing, the general dentist will perform irrigation of the entire tooth to ensure that nothing is left behind. The irrigation will also thoroughly remove any leftover debris that may remain around or in the tooth.
After the interior chamber has been cleaned out, the next step in the root canal procedure is for the general dentist to fill it with a special material. The material is rubber-like, called gutta-percha, which helps keep the interior portion of the tooth safe and clean. The material will act as a filling for the tooth so after the root canal procedure is complete, the tooth can heal thoroughly.
Once a few weeks of healing has taken place, the general dentist will most likely require a follow-up appointment with the patient. During this appointment, a customized dental crown will be placed on top of the tooth that underwent the root canal. Not all general dentists require that patients have a crown placed, but most highly recommend it to completely restore and renew the tooth.
A dental crown acts as a way to seal the tooth off from any further infection. While it is not always required, it can be helpful for the patient, as it is hard for a crowned tooth to get infected again.
If you have questions or concerns about root canal therapy, then reach out to our office so we can help you. Our team of general dentists is here for you! Give us a call or stop by today.
Request an appointment here: https://www.smilesbyjulia.com or call Smiles By Julia at (954) 271-8034 for an appointment in our Fort Lauderdale office.
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