The Procedure for Root Canal Treatments

A root canal is a procedure to remove infected pulp from a tooth’s root and clean and seal the area. This treatment can save your natural tooth and prevent the need for an extraction. At Dr. David Powell All Care Dentistry, our dentists may recommend a root canal if your tooth is severely damaged or decayed. Our dentists will carefully examine your teeth and take X-rays to determine if you need a root canal. During a root canal, the nerve is removed, and the insides of the tooth are cleaned and sealed. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected, and an abscess may form. If the infection is not treated, it may lead to serious oral health issues and even tooth loss. 

Signs You May Need a Root Canal Treatment 

• Pain when chewing or biting down 
• Swelling around the gums or jaw 
• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures 
• Tooth discoloration 
• Tenderness in the gums 
• Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth 

The Root Canal Procedure 

Preparation and Anesthesia 

Before the procedure begins, your dentist or endodontist will take X-rays to assess the extent of the infection and plan the treatment. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area around the affected tooth, ensuring your comfort during the procedure. 

Accessing the Pulp Chamber

Once the tooth is numb, small hole drills into the crown to access the pulp chamber and root canals. The pulp chamber is the space inside the tooth containing the pulp. 

Cleaning and Shaping the Root Canals

The dentist or endodontist carefully removes the infected or inflamed pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals using specialized dental instruments called files. The root canals are then thoroughly cleaned and shaped to ensure all infected tissue is removed. 

Filling the Root Canals 

Once the canals are clean and dry, they are filled with a biocompatible gutta-percha material. Gutta-percha is placed into the canals to seal them and prevent future bacterial infection. 

Final Restoration 

In most cases, a tooth that has undergone a root canal will require a dental crown to provide additional support and protection. The dental crown is custom-made to match the shape and color of your natural teeth and is permanently cemented over the treated tooth. 

Follow-Up Visits 

After the root canal treatment, you must schedule follow-up visits with your dentist to ensure the tooth is healing correctly and to have the permanent restoration placed. 

Root canal treatments have a high success rate and are a reliable way to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted. They relieve pain, preserve natural teeth, and restore oral health and functionality. If you suspect you need a root canal or are experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, visit Dr. David Powell All Care Dentistry at 6065 S Fashion Blvd # 275, Murray, Salt Lake City, UT 84107, or call (801) 266-1414 to schedule an appointment.