The Root Canal Procedure

The root canal procedure is more of a involved one that requires one or two visits depending on how severe the level of damage to the tooth's root is. I experienced a root canal a few years ago and was surprised at how things had progressed from the one I had a decade ago. Those facing this now have will have much less to go through.

Root Canal Procedure

To start the process your dentist, or perhaps endodontist has to numb the area involved. You may be offered a gentle sedative as well. Next, a rubber dental device called a dental dam will be applied to the tooth. The dentist will then be ready to begin drilling to get to the pulp area of the tooth, either from the top, or the back of the affected tooth. Once your dentist can retrieve some of the tooth's pulp, he will then measure what the actual root canal will be. Doing this lets your dentist know how much of the canal needs to be cleaned as well as filled. Measurements can then be taken after x-rays or other image devices reveal the space involved.

The pulp will then be removed and the canal will be cleansed with an antiseptic preparation. A plastic, flexible substance called gutta percha is then placed into the canals and a temporary filling is applied to that.

Root Canal Recovery

If your tooth was severely infected, you may experience soreness and inflammation that for a few days that can be well controlled with over the counter pain medication like ibuprofen, or acetomenaphin. Most times normal activity can be resumed the next day. During the recovery procedure, it's probably best to avoid chewing with that tooth until your permanent crown is in place to avoid any complications.

Root Canal Complications

Avoiding re-infection after a root canal is paramount, however sometimes infection will occur despite best efforts made. These complications can include a crack in the root of the tooth that wasn't detected beforehand, a root canal that wasn't cleaned well, a restoration that is defective, allowing bacteria to get past it, or an inner seal breakdown that occurs over time, making it possible for bacteria to thrive.

In these cases, further treatment is required and may include endodontic surgery in an attempt to keep the tooth in tact. This procedure is referred to as an epicoectomy otherwise known as a root end section. This is done to alleviate the inflammation surrounding the bony portion of the tooth at the roots end that can sometimes linger after root canals are performed. The gums are surgically opened and the inflamed tissue is removed, along with the root's end in some cases.

Sources:
About Cosmetic Dentistry
Cleveland Clinic