What Happens During A Root Canal?

I have heard many horror stories about the pain associated with having a root canal. Truth is it's not as bad as some have let on. Of course the number of teeth affected and the severity of the disease is a pain factor. Typically you will experience two or three days of soreness maybe more if the infection is extreme.

You will have to have a root canal performed when the tiny canals inside your teeth get infected. As it progresses the infection spreads to the pulp inside your teeth as well. It will be necessary for your dentist to remove the infection. Root canals require both skill and experience due to the complexity of the procedure. This process is done through root canal surgery. Now the question is: "What can I expect when getting a root canal?"

Preparation
Your dentist will numb the area surrounding the tooth with anesthesia and may even offer a form of sedation (happy gas). A rubber dam is spread over a clamp placed on the tooth. This will isolate and prep the affected tooth for the surgery.

Procedure
First a tiny hole will be drilled through the enamel, dentin, and finally into the pulp. Next using very tiny files that vary in diameter your dentist will remove the pulp. After the pulp is removed the root canals will need to be measured with x-ray or an electronic imaging device. Measuring shows the dentist how far he needs to go to clean the canal and tells him how much filling material he will need. Then an antiseptic solution will be administered (irrigation) to eliminate effectively any remaining pulp tissue and bacteria within the roots. Next the root canal will be dried with paper cones. After this, the canals will be completely filled with a flexible substance called gutta percha. Your dentist will then apply a temporary filling that will be replaces by a permanent filling or crown when there has been no indication of infection.

Possible Complications
As with anything there is always an occasional set back. Although it is very rare sometimes the infected tissue will get pushed through the end of the canal and infection will spread to the gums. However if this occurs, it is easy to treat. The other disadvantage is that if for some reason all the infection doesn't get removed or the canal isn't completely filled during the first procedure then it will have to be repeated.

And that's that! Generally you can expect two visits the first being the procedure and the second for your permanent crown or filling and then you are done.

Copyright (c) 2006 SSLI Health Group

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