How Does a Root Canal Work?

Do You Need A Root Canal?

If you were not in an accident, how do you know that you need a root canal? What are the obvious symptoms that should make you rush to the doctor? Well, if you experience increased insensitivity in your tooth and it gradually becomes too difficult to handle. Take it as a sign and book yourself a dentist’s appointment.

Hypersensitivity is detected when you eat food that are of extreme temperatures. The nerve endings feel the intense temperature and you can then experience hypersensitivity. In other cases, patients have complained of experiencing swelling in their gums and jaws. There have also been cases reported where patients had decaying gums. The gums get dark as the infection starts to infect them. It is high time that you get an appointment with your dentist.

X-ray

The first thing that needs to be done is an x-ray of the infected tooth. This will help your dentist look at the extent of damage to your teeth.

Pre Surgery Preparation

Once the dentist understands the main areas of damage they will put you on local anesthesia so that it numbs your mouth. A rubber sheet is kept in your mouth around the teeth so that your mouth does not get too dry or that you will be uncomfortable

Pulp Extraction

Now the main extraction begins. Your tooth is drilled and the hole made with it is then used to extract the pulp. The pulp along with the nerve tissue is pulled out.

Internal Cleaning

As soon as the pulp is extracted the tooth is cleaned out. Root canal files are used to clean your tooth. After the cleaning is complete your tooth will be flushed out with sodium hypochlorite. This is done to ensure that the tooth is absolutely clean and nothing is left inside.

Sealing

Once the cleaning is completed the tooth is then prepared to be sealed. The sealing is either done right after the cleaning or the doctors wait for a week before they seal your teeth. During that one week, dentists monitor any infections that might take place. After that, the tooth is sealed properly.

Filling

Since the dentists drilled a hole in your tooth, it is important to fill it. Dentists fill out your tooth by adding a paste called Gutta Percha. It is made of rubber and fills up the hole nicely.

Crown Placement

A metal crown is placed atop your tooth to protect it from any damages in the future. This protection helps the tooth from getting re-infected.