Root Canals are a procedure that primarily seeks to repair and save the damaged tooth without having to remove it. The treatment consists of removing the damaged part of the tooth, repairing it, cleaning it and disinfecting it and then filling and sealing it.
Usually, they use amalgam or composite to perform the reconstruction process. Although in more serious situations the tooth is covered with a denture or dental crown.
What Are The Phases of a Root Canal?
- The dentist examines you as a first step.
- Then a series of x-rays are taken to determine the appropriate procedure.
- Local anesthesia is applied to avoid any pain and discomfort throughout the process.
- Then the dentist proceeds to perform the isolation of the tooth. It is done by placing a staple to prevent infections and keep it clean of saliva.
- The dentist performs the opening of the area to intervene called cameral suture. If it is a front tooth, it is made from the back of the tooth, while if it is a molar or a premolar, it is carried out by the crown.
- Dentists then proceed to remove the damaged tissue, this process is known as pulpectomy.
- Subsequently, a good cleaning and disinfection of the root canals and the pulp cavity is performed.
- The shutter is performed. This consists of filling the tooth cavity with a special material.
- Finally, it is sealed and ready. Your tooth will have the same functionality as always.
Are Root Canals Painful?
The fear of root canals is typically due to the intense pain that patients could feel throughout the procedure. But this affliction is not due to the procedure itself, but is caused by decay or infection.
When a root canal treatment is required, it is because decay and infection have advanced damaging a large part of the pulp of the tooth. This causes intense pain that must be taken care of. Your endodontist only seeks to relieve that pain by removing damaged tissue.
Currently there are various types of anesthesia and surgical techniques that reduce the pain and the discomforts of the treatment. Some specialists recommend taking medication to relieve pain the days after the procedure.
