If our office recommends root canal treatment, you may be seeking information to understand this procedure. The American Dental Association (ADA) lists the following as typical steps in treatment:
1) First an opening is made through the crown of the tooth accessing the pulp chamber.
2) The pulp is then removed.
3) The canals are cleaned, enlarged and shaped to a form that can be filled.
4) Medications may be put in the pulp chamber and root canal(s) to help get rid of germs and prevent infection.
5) A temporary filling will be placed in the crown opening to protect the tooth between dental visits. Your dentist may leave the tooth open for a few days to drain. You might also be given medicine to help control infection that may have spread beyond the tooth.
6) The pulp chamber and root canals are filled and sealed.
7) The temporary filling is removed and a build-up is placed for crown retention.
8) A crown is recommended after the root canal procedure to protect the remaining tooth from breaking.
We can sedate you if you request this procedure!!!
NOTE!!!!! The root canal removes the nerve and blood supply from the tooth and it becomes brittle and will be best protected by a crown.