The History of Dentistry

What To Expect During Root Canal Treatment

17 April 2018

Regina Carlson

If you have been experiencing ongoing pain in your tooth, it could be time to visit your dentist to see if root canal treatment is required. This is a relatively painless procedure these days despite what you may have heard from friends and family. Your dentist will give you reassurance before and during your treatment to ensure you understand what is going to happen and that you are comfortable during your treatment. The good news is that most root canal treatment can be completed in one session and recovery from pain is very rapid. 

Why Is Root Canal Treatment Required?

When a tooth becomes infected it is critical that your dentist is able to deal with the problem as quickly and as thoroughly as possible. Root canal treatment is required when the soft pulp inside the tooth becomes infected and inflamed. The bacteria that causes the infection needs to be removed and the only way to do this is through root canal treatment. 

What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment sounds like it might be a complex procedure, but most cases are actually straightforward and can be completed in under an hour. Here is what you can expect during your treatment:

• A local anesthetic will be administered using a needle. It is normal to feel a little pinch in the area that is being numbed, and nothing in that area once the anesthetic starts to take effect. 
• The dentist may also apply a small piece of rubber around the tooth to keep it dry and clean during your procedure. 
• A drill will then be used to create an opening in the top of the tooth. The dentist will then use a small file to remove the damaged pulp from inside the tooth. 
• The tooth will then be washed out using an antibacterial solution. This clears away any debris and also prevents any further bacteria from building up. 
• A temporary filling is then applied to the tooth to close up the opening. 
• A permanent crown is fitted within a few weeks of root canal treatment taking place. 

Root canal treatment is one of the most common and practiced dental procedures and has a very high rate of success. While some cases can be more severe than others, most treatments are carried out with very little pain. Once the infection has been removed and a permanent crown fitted, you should experience no further problems with that tooth in the future. 

Share