A tooth that has been damaged due to trauma or infected due to decay or abcess may need root canal treatment. A rubber filling is placed in the root(s) of the tooth, then this is restored with a normal filling. It is sometimes recommended that the tooth is crowned after this treatment.
What to Expect During a Root Canal
If you think you need a root canal, consult your dentist. There are a number of steps that occur over a few surgery visits.1. X-ray – if a dentist suspects you may need a root canal, he will first take X-rays or examine existing X-rays to show where the decay is located.
2. Anesthesia – local anesthesia is administered to the affected tooth. Contrary to popular belief, a root canal is no more painful than a filling.
3. Pulpectomy – an opening is made and the diseased tooth pulp is removed.
4. Filling – the roots that have been opened (to get rid of the disease pulp) are filled with gutta-percha material and sealed off with cement.