The Root Canal Process Step by Step

A COMMON MISCONCEPTION about root canal therapy is that it is horribly painful, but modern endodontic treatment actually eliminates pain and stops a dangerous infection from spreading beyond the tooth. Let’s take a look at the process and demystify it a little.

• Step 1: We review previous X-rays and perform a visual inspection of the tooth.
• Step 2: We numb the area with a local anesthetic so the procedure will be pain-free.
• Step 3: We place a dental dam to protect and isolate the tooth.
• Step 4: We use a special drill to create an opening in the top of the tooth to expose the pulp.
• Step 5: We remove the diseased pulp from the pulp chamber and root canal.
• Step 6: We clean the inside of the tooth and prepare it to accommodate a filling.
• Step 7: We apply antimicrobial medication to the inside of the tooth to prevent infection.
• Step 8: We fill the tooth with a rubber-like material.
• Step 9: We place a temporary filling to protect the tooth from food and debris.
• Step 10: After the recovery period, the patient receives their permanent filling or crown.

Now Resume Using Your Teeth Normally!

Once the patient has their permanent restoration, they’ll be able to use the tooth as normal! In addition to being very comfortable, this process is a much better option than pulling and replacing the tooth because even modern dentistry has no replacement tooth as good as a natural tooth.

Just make sure to brush and floss to keep those teeth healthy!

Top image used under CC0 Public Domain license. Image cropped and modified from original.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.