What to Expect During a Root Canal

Root canal therapy is performed by dentists worldwide for repairing and saving teeth that have been severely infected or decayed. Depending on the exact condition of the tooth, the procedure may take one or a couple of appointments with your dentist here at Ashcraft Morgan Dental in Russellville AR, Dr. Richard Morgan, or Dr. Jennifer Young. Root Canals Russellville AR entail multiple steps. Here’s a primer on what to expect:

• Taking X-rays of the affected tooth: This is done to determine the root canal's shape and check for infection signs around the bone.
• Application of local anesthesia: While this might not be needed because the tooth nerve is already dead, anesthesia is still applied to help the patient feel more at ease and relaxed.
• Keeping the root canal therapy site dry: To do this, your dentist will put a rubber dam around the affected tooth.
• Creation of the access hole: This will be used by your dentist to get inside the tooth.
• Removal of the decayed pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria: This cleaning process is performed with the use of root canal files. These come in varying diameters that are placed inside the access hole for scrubbing and scraping the root canals. Your dentist in Russellville, AR, will then use sodium hypochlorite or plain water to flush debris from the tooth’s canals.
• Sealing the affected tooth: Some dentists wait for one week before sealing the tooth and may apply medication first to ensure that it’s free of bacteria. Other dentists opt to seal the tooth right away. Likewise, if the procedure can’t be completed in one appointment, dentists install a temporary dental crown over the tooth for keeping out food, saliva, and other contaminants between appointments.
• Restoring the tooth, if necessary: Since teeth that require root canal therapy are typically those with extensive decay, a huge failing filling, or some other kind of weakness or damage, further restoration may be required to restore their full function, prevent breakage, and safeguard them. It will be up to your dentist to decide on what kind of restoration will benefit you the most.

For More Details and Questions About Root Canals, Contact Us

Arrange an assessment with your dentist here at Ashcraft Morgan Dental in Russellville AR, Dr. Richard Morgan or Dr. Jennifer Young, by dialing (479) 968-1470.