A root canal procedure, also known as an endodontic treatment, is performed in order to preserve a tooth's basic structure when its pulp becomes infected or inflamed. Before performing the procedure, the dentist will take an x-ray to determine the extent of the infection and assess the shape of the canals that he or she will be cleaning. The dentist will then provide the patient with a local anesthetic to numb the surgical site.
After placing a rubber dam around the tooth in question, so that it stays clean and dry throughout the treatment, the dentist begins the procedure itself by drilling an access hole in the tooth. This access hole allows the dentist to introduce a series of specialized root canal files, which scrape out the infectious material inside the canal. Periodically throughout the process, the dentist washes debris away using water or sodium hypochlorite.
If there is an active infection, the dentist may need to place a medication inside the tooth and temporarily seal it so that the infection can clear before the tooth is filled. If the tooth is not infected, the dentist will immediately fill it with a biocompatible, rubber-like substance known as gutta-percha. A temporary filling then caps the tooth until the patient can return for a crown or a crown and post, which is typically inserted as a way of preventing the tooth from breaking. For more information on root canals please contact us at Roderick A Garcia DMD 505 - 821-6119 or at [email protected]