Quick Answer
How does a dentist do a root canal?
A dentist reaches the inside of the tooth, removes inflamed or infected tissue, cleans the narrow root spaces, and seals them. The purpose of treatment is to address the problem inside the tooth while saving your natural tooth when possible.
Key Takeaways
- Local anesthesia helps keep the area comfortable during treatment.
- Damaged tissue is removed from inside the tooth before the root canals are cleaned.
- Special instruments and dental solutions help prepare the canals for sealing.
- A material called gutta percha is commonly placed inside the cleaned canals.
- A filling or crown may be needed to restore and protect the tooth afterward.
- Depending on the case, treatment may be completed by a general dentist or endodontist.
Hearing that you need a root canal may leave you with questions about what actually happens during the appointment. You may wonder how the dentist gets inside the tooth, what is removed, and how the tooth is sealed afterward.
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that focuses on the inside of a tooth rather than removing the entire tooth. When the soft inner tissue becomes inflamed or infected, endodontic treatment can remove the affected tissue and prepare the tooth to remain in use.
Understanding each stage can make the process easier to follow. Here is what typically happens from the beginning of treatment through the final restoration.
What Does a Dentist Do During a Root Canal?
Treatment usually starts with an examination. Dental X-rays may also be taken to help the dentist see the roots, nearby bone, and other structures that cannot be fully viewed during a visual exam.
The exact steps and length of treatment can differ depending on the tooth and its root anatomy.
Making the Tooth Comfortable
Before working inside the tooth, the dentist usually administers local anesthesia. Numbing the area helps reduce discomfort while treatment is performed.
After the tooth is numb, a small opening is made in its surface. This opening allows the dentist to reach the inner chamber and root canals.
Taking Out the Damaged Pulp
The center of a tooth contains soft pulp tissue. This tissue includes nerves, blood vessels, and other structures that play an important role while the tooth is developing.
When this area becomes badly inflamed or infected, the dentist removes the affected tissue. This includes the infected pulp found within the pulp chamber and root canal spaces.
The dental pulp contains connective tissue that helps support the tooth during development. Once a permanent tooth has fully developed, it can generally continue to function without the pulp inside it.
What Do Dentists Use to Clean Root Canals?
Removing the damaged pulp is only part of the treatment. The narrow spaces inside the roots also need to be thoroughly prepared before they can be sealed.
During the root canal procedure, dentists use very small instruments along with cleaning and disinfecting solutions. The dentist carefully cleans and shapes each accessible canal, removing remaining tissue and debris while preparing the space for its final seal.
Some teeth have more roots or more complicated canal systems than others. For this reason, the cleaning stage may take longer for certain teeth.
What Do Dentists Fill Root Canals With?
After the inner spaces have been prepared, the empty canals need to be filled and sealed.
So, what do dentists fill root canals with? A commonly used option is gutta-percha. This flexible dental filling material is designed to fit inside the prepared root canals.
It is generally used with a dental sealer to close the space. Properly sealing the canals is an important step in completing treatment and protecting the treated tooth.
What Do Dentists Put in Root Canal Teeth Afterward?
Finishing the treatment inside the roots does not always mean the entire restoration is complete. The opening made to reach the canals must also be closed.
A dentist may initially use a temporary filling, particularly when another appointment or final restoration is planned.
Depending on the condition and location of the tooth, a permanent filling or crown may later be recommended. Teeth that have lost a significant amount of structure may need additional protection from a crown.
Your dentist will recommend a restoration based on the condition of your individual tooth rather than using the same approach for every patient.
Protecting Your Tooth Following Treatment
The tooth and nearby tissues may feel tender for a short period after treatment. Recovery experiences vary, so follow the instructions your dental team provides.
Until the final restoration has been completed, you may also be advised to avoid placing excessive chewing pressure on the tooth.
Long-term care remains important as well. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits support your overall oral health and help care for both treated and untreated teeth.
Final Thoughts
A root canal treats a problem within the tooth while allowing the outer tooth to remain in place. The process generally involves making the area comfortable, removing damaged tissue, preparing and cleaning the canals, sealing the roots, and restoring the top of the tooth.
If you are concerned about an infected tooth, a dental examination can determine what is causing the problem and whether root canal treatment or another form of care may be appropriate.
Get Your Tooth Pain Checked in Apple Valley
Tooth pain can interfere with eating, sleeping, and getting through your normal routine, but its cause is not always obvious without an examination. If you have persistent pain or have been advised that you may need a root canal, an Emergency Dentist in Apple Valley can evaluate the affected tooth and explain the treatment options that fit your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I brush my teeth normally after a root canal?
You can generally continue brushing and flossing, but you should be gentle around the treated area and follow any specific instructions from your dentist. Keeping the area clean remains important while the tooth is being restored.
Why might a dentist refer me to an endodontist?
A referral may be recommended when a tooth has unusually narrow, curved, or complex canals or when additional specialized care is appropriate. Endodontists receive advanced training in diagnosing and treating problems involving the inside of teeth.
Can I go back to work after a root canal?
Many people can return to normal activities after treatment, depending on how they feel and whether sedation was used. Your dental team can advise you based on the treatment you received.
What happens if my temporary filling comes out?
Contact your dental office for guidance if a temporary restoration becomes loose or falls out. The opening may need to be checked and resealed before the final restoration is completed.
Why does a root canal tooth still need regular dental checkups?
Root canal treatment addresses the inside of the tooth, but the outside can still develop problems such as decay or damage. Routine dental visits allow your dentist to monitor the restoration and the surrounding teeth and gums.
