What is a root canal procedure?
When a tooth becomes badly decayed, the cavity at the center of the tooth, or root canal, may become damaged or infected. The soft tissue inside the root canal contains the nerve tissue and pulp and once this becomes infected an abscess may form at the roots of the tooth. This is not only painful, causing swelling in the localized area around the tooth which may spread to other areas of the face and neck, but may also cause bone loss in the jaw.
A root canal procedure is performed by a specialist dentist (an endodontist). To save an infected tooth the pulp and nerve are removed from the tooth and the empty cavity cleaned thoroughly and filled.
What is the procedure for a root canal?
The root canal procedure normally requires two or three visits to the dentist, depending on whether an infection is present and whether a crown is required to strengthen the tooth.
During the first visit:
- the dentist will assess the tooth and x-rays will be taken to determine whether there is an infection and to get a picture of the root canals;
- the tooth will be prepared. Local anaesthesia is used to numb the area around the tooth and a rubber dam is placed over the tooth to keep the area dry during the procedure;
- an access hole is drilled into the tooth and the pulp, bacteria and other debris removed. The chamber is cleaned thoroughly and antibiotic medication may be placed inside;
- the tooth is filled and sealed. Some dentists opt to do a temporary filling at this stage, preferring the patient to come back after a week so the permanent filling can be put in place if there are no signs of infection.
During the second visit:
- the dentist will assess the tooth and replace the temporary filling with a permanent one if there are no signs of infection. If a crown is required the dentist will take impressions and the patient will need to come back for a third time to have the crown fitted.