Comfortable Root Canals

If treated early, root canal therapy need not be uncomfortable. With the use of local anesthetics, the entire procedure can usually be totally painless. When treated late during an infection, it may be more difficult to numb the area and may require a second visit.

The first step in a root canal is to obtain access to the nerve. This is accomplished by establishing a small access opening in the top of the tooth. It will be done under a local anesthetic. The tissue will first be numbed by a topical paste, before an injection is given.

The length of the root canals are determined and the infected pulp is removed. Some teeth have two canals while others have three. Some canals are hard to locate, but we use a microscope for his procedures which helps to locate even the smallest of canals.

The canals where the nerves are located will be reshaped and prepared to accept a special root canal filling material. This filling procedure may not occur until your next visit. The number of visits necessary to complete your root canal will depend upon several factors including the number of nerves in the tooth, the infected state of the nerve and the complexity of the procedure. We prefer to complete the therapy in one visit, when possible.

The final step in your root canal will be the sealing of the root canal with a sterile, plastic material, called gutta percha This is done in order to prevent possible future infection. The tooth will then possibly need a post and core and a crown in order to re-establish normal form and function. This decision will be based upon several additional factors.