What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?
Step one: After the tooth is “numbed”, a small opening is made into the pulp chamber. The canals are located and measured, so they can be cleansed and shaped. Step two: The canals are filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha and the opening is sealed with sterile cotton pellets and a temporary filling. Step three: The tooth is typically restored within a couple of weeks. A crown is placed over the treated tooth in order to protect it, and if the tooth lacks sufficient tooth structure to hold the core build-up, a post may be placed inside. Any areas of infection around the roots will begin to heal. The number of visits necessary to complete a root canal will vary depending upon the degree of infection, the number of canals in the tooth, if the canals are calcified, the anatomy of your tooth, and the complexity of the procedure. We always strive to achieve the best possible result; therefore, your treatment may take one visit, or it may take more.
