You may need to undergo a root canal procedure if you’re experiencing severe tooth pain or have been diagnosed with a root canal infection. 

Root canal treatment is a standard dental treatment performed by endodontists, specialized dentists who focus on diagnosing and treating dental pulp and root canal-related issues. 

However, not many patients are comfortable with the thought of undergoing a root canal treatment. It is primarily due to the lack of information and myths about the treatment procedure. 

This article focuses on being your guide to the root canal procedure. So continue reading as we provide a comprehensive step-by-step guide to help you better understand the root canal procedure, from diagnosis to recovery. 

Why Choose A Root Canal Procedure?

Choosing a root canal procedure offers several benefits. Firstly, it allows for preserving the natural tooth, avoiding needing tooth replacement options. Additionally, a root canal eliminates severe tooth pain caused by infection or damage to the dental pulp. 

Removing the infected pulp and disinfecting the root canal system prevents further infection and its spread. Furthermore, root canals restore tooth functionality by placing a dental crown, ensuring comfortable biting, chewing, and speaking. 

Ultimately, opting for a root canal is cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing, providing long-term oral health benefits. The dentist at Sundance Endodontics will explain the root canal treatment steps to the patient.

So now that we have an idea of the perks of a root canal let’s jump into the stages involved in the treatment in the following section. 

Stages Of Root Canal Treatment

Step 1: Consultation With Your Dentist

The first step in the root canal process is to consult a dentist, such as those at Sundance Endodontics, who can diagnose the problem and determine if a root canal is necessary. The dentist will inspect your tooth during the consultation and may use X-rays to determine the severity of the infection or dental pulp damage.

Step 2: Administering Local Anesthesia

Once the dentist confirms the need for a root canal, the following root canal treatment step is to administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the affected tooth. This ensures that you remain comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure.

Step 3: Creating An Access Point

After the anesthesia takes effect, the dentist will use specialized tools to create a small access point in the tooth. This access point allows the dentist to reach the infected or damaged dental pulp inside the tooth.

Step 4: Removing Infected Pulp

Using a series of files, the dentist carefully removes the infected or damaged dental pulp from the tooth. The dental pulp contains nerves and blood vessels, and its removal is necessary to eliminate pain and prevent the spread of infection.

Step 5: Cleaning and Shaping the Root Canal Cavity

Once the infected pulp is removed, the dentist will clean and shape the root canal cavity using small files. This process ensures that all infected tissue and debris are thoroughly eliminated from the tooth.

Step 6: Irrigation and Disinfection

The dentist will flush the area with an antimicrobial solution to clean the root canal system. This helps to disinfect the tooth and eliminate any remaining bacteria.

Step 7: Filling the Root Canal

After thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the tooth, the dentist will fill the root canal cavity with a biocompatible gutta-percha material. Gutta-percha seals the canal and prevents future reinfection.

Step 8: Placing a Temporary Filling

At this stage, your dentist will place a temporary filling over the access point to protect the tooth until filling the root canal and placing the final restoration.

Step 9: Final Restoration

In most cases, a dental crown is placed as the final restoration for a tooth with a root canal. The dental crown strengthens and protects the treated tooth, restoring its functionality and appearance.

Root Canal Recovery Timeline

Following the root canal procedure, it is normal to experience some discomfort and sensitivity in the treated tooth. Over-the-counter pain medications can help alleviate any pain or swelling. 

The recovery timeline varies for each individual, but most patients can expect their tooth to feel back to normal within a few days to a week. Good oral hygiene during root canal recovery is essential, as brushing and flossing regularly is essential. 

Now You Know!

In conclusion, a root canal procedure is a common dental treatment to save a tooth from extraction and alleviate pain caused by an infected or damaged dental pulp. Following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can better understand the root canal process, from diagnosis to recovery. 

So if you are experiencing tooth pain or suspect you may need a root canal, consult a reputable dentist in Gallup, such as Sundance Endodontics, to receive the proper diagnosis and treatment for your dental condition. All the best! 

Choose The Right Root Canal Experts!

Choosing the right root canal experts is the key to receiving an effortless treatment procedure. At Sundance Dental & Orthodontics, we bring experts with years of experience executing hassle-free root canal treatment. Visit our clinic today or book an appointment with our experts to learn more.