What To Expect During Your Root Canal

If your dentist has told you that you need a root canal, you may be in panic mode. Some people have heard terrible stories about extreme pain, while others have never heard of a root canal and the thought of someone drilling into their tooth is really scary. We know that fear and worry can be detrimental to a person’s health.

It is not good for you to stress out! Just breath! Easier said than done, right?

That is why we want to help you ease the anxiety by giving you an honest look at what your root canal procedure will be like. Knowing what to expect can help you process the fear of the unknown and you can mentally prepare for what is ahead. Know this, root canals are not extremely painful. You will not be permanently scarred emotionally afterwards. You will actually feel much better after the damaged pulp has been removed and your mouth has healed of infection.

Ok, now that we have given you some reassurance, let’s take a look at the step-by-step guide to a root canal:

Step One – When you come into the office, the first step is to take a digital image of the inside of your tooth to get a better visual of the shape of the root canals and to determine if there is any infection surrounding the bone.

Step Two – Most endodontists will use local anesthetic to numb the area to be treated. Some endodontists may not use the anesthetic due to the fact that the nerve is dead, but the majority choose to use this method to make the patients comfortable and relaxed during their procedure.

Step Three – Next, there will be a dam sheet placed around the tooth. A dam sheet is a piece of rubber used to keep the tooth dry during your procedure.

Step Four – Now it is time for the actual root canal. The process begins with drilling a hole into the tooth. (Don’t worry, you won’t feel anything! The noise is the scariest part!) Once the hole is drilled, the endodontist scrapes the sides of the tooth to remove the pulp, the decayed tissue and bacteria. This is done using root canal files. These files come in a series that increase in size as more and more of the tooth is removed. The files will scrub the entire length of the tooth and the sides of the root canal. Periodically, during the procedure, the endodontist will wash out the tooth and the rest of the mouth with water to remove debris buildup.

Step Five – This next step will vary. Some endodontists choose at this point to seal the tooth. Others wait up to a week before doing so. Depending on the condition of the tooth, you may need medication to clear up an infection. If this is the case, you will not receive a sealant. Instead, you will get a temporary filling and return after your tooth has healed to get a crown.

Step Six – To seal a tooth, a paste and a rubber compound called gutta percha is placed in the root canal. Depending on the size of the hole that had to be drilled and the extent of the tooth decay, you will either receive a filling in the hole that was drilled or your endodontist will suggest you get a crown to cover the tooth.

Step 7 – If you need a crown, a mold of the tooth will be created and you will return on another day to have the crown placed. You will have a temporary crown to cover the tooth until you return to have the permanent crown cemented into place.

There it is. Not too bad, right? You will be back to normal quickly and with only a little discomfort. Your mouth will feel so much better and you will be able to bite and chew without pain. Your endodontist will give you some aftercare instructions, which you should follow so you have a smooth recovery. You will also want to continue your routine cleanings, daily brushing and flossing and watching what you eat so that your remaining teeth will stay healthy and you will not need another root canal in the future.

We are here to help you feel better and provide you with exceptional dental care. If you have questions about a root canal or want to schedule an appointment, you can contact our office and speak to one of our excellent team members.