A root canal is a surgical procedure performed by a dentist in order to save an abscessed tooth. If a tooth’s nerve has been exposed due to a cavity or is otherwise damaged, a dentist surgically removes the nerve, or dental pulp, and cleans out any excess, lingering infection. The remaining hole left behind after the removal of the tooth is then filled in with a material that is similar to rubber. There are a handful of basic steps involved with a root canal treatment, which usually begins with the dentist taking x-rays to assess the condition of the tooth, the shape of the nerves, and the extent of the damage.
The Placement of a Rubber Dam around the Tooth
First, after the area has been numbed, the dentist stretches a small piece of rubber around the tooth that is going to be removed. This “rubber dam” is clamped to the tooth and held in place with a tool. The main purpose of the root canal is to remove a dead tooth, and to clean infection from the canal and surrounding area. Since saliva is potentially laden with bacteria, the dam acts as a preventive measure, and keeps more bacteria from entering the surgical site.
Gaining Access to the Nerve of the Tooth through an Opening
After the removal of decayed or weakened material, an opening is made in the crown of the tooth, often with a dental drill. This opening allows the dentist access to the root canals at the base of the opening, which is essential for the performance of this procedure. The access hole may be made in the surface of back teeth, extending down to the pulp chamber, or behind the tooth for those located in the front of the mouth. After this, the pulp is removed from the root canals using special root canal instruments.
Cleaning of the Interior of the Tooth
The root canal procedure then involves a thorough cleaning of the canals, removing debris, nerve tissue and any bacteria in the area. The cleaning stage involves special tools that feature rough surfaces used to file and scrape the areas to be cleaned. A second element in this step of the process involves the shaping and smoothing of the surface of the root canals in such a way that will allow them to be properly sealed later in the procedure. After constant rinsing throughout the procedure, the dentist then places a temporary filling in the hollow area for protection.
Sealing of the Root Canal
The dentist uses a material that prevents bacteria and infection from entering the root canal. This involves a rubbery material called gutta percha, which is placed in the root canal and sealed. This stage may be accomplished the same day as the cleaning and removal, or the dentist may instead perform this stage later, using the temporary filling to seal and protect the hollow space until that time.
Evaluation of the Root Canal Procedure upon Future Visits
Later, upon future visits to the dentist, the procedure is evaluated and any remaining work is considered and completed. The dentist insures that the procedure was successful, and that no infection remains in the area.
