Once you and your dentist have discussed the need for a
root canal, it's a good idea to go into your appointment knowing what to expect. While your dentist should be happy to discuss the procedure with you, knowing the details beforehand can help you to feel more comfortable during the process.
As with deeper cavities, your dentist will numb the affected region with a local anesthesia. After this a dental dam (a thin rubber sheet) is placed as a barrier around the tooth, keeping the area free of saliva during the operation. Next, a hole is drilled into the tooth from the top, allowing access to the bacteria, infected pulp, and related particulates lodged within the tooth. This debris is then scraped away from the sides of the initial drill hole using a series of increasingly broader files, until all unwanted materials have been removed. In cases where there is an infection, or there is another reason that the procedure cannot be finished on the same day, your dentist may put a temporary seal in place until your next visit. The last step will be to fill the interior of the tooth's root canal with a specialized rubber compound known as gutta-percha, and cover the exterior drill point with a permanent filling.
Tired of persistent dental pain? Call NEON Health Services in East Cleveland at 216-541-5600 to learn more about scheduling an examination today.
