Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that is used to remove infected or damaged tissue from inside a tooth. The purpose of this treatment is to save the tooth and prevent the need for extraction. The process of a root canal treatment typically involves the following steps:
Anesthesia: The tooth and surrounding area are numbed with a local anesthetic to make the procedure as painless as possible.
Access: A small hole is made in the top of the tooth to allow the dentist to access the inside of the tooth.
Cleaning: Using specialized tools, the dentist will remove the infected or damaged tissue from inside the tooth, taking care to clean the entire root canal system.
Shaping: The inside of the tooth is then shaped to prepare it for the filling material.
Filling: The root canal is filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. This material helps to seal the inside of the tooth and prevent further infection.
Restoration: Finally, a filling or crown is placed on top of the tooth to protect it and restore its function.
The entire root canal treatment process typically takes one or two visits to the dentist and can help to alleviate pain and save the tooth. It is important to follow your dentist's instructions for care and maintenance after the treatment to ensure the best possible outcome.
