What Happens During a Root Canal Treatment?
Root canals often sound intimidating, but the procedure is actually very common and designed to relieve pain—not cause it. Understanding what happens during a root canal can help ease any anxiety and make you feel more prepared.
Below is a step-by-step overview of the root canal process.
Root Canal Steps
Numbing the area. The procedure starts with the dentist applying a local anesthetic to numb the area. This makes the process more comfortable and pain-free.
Making an opening in the tooth. The dental professional performing the procedure will then make an incision in the tooth to reach its pulp and root.
Removing the pulp. Using specialized tools, the dentist carefully removes the damaged or infected pulp tissue from inside the tooth and root canals. This step eliminates bacteria and decay.
Cleaning the root. The root canals are then cleaned, disinfected, and shaped to prepare them for filling. This helps prevent future infection.
Restoring the tooth. Once cleaned, the canals are filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. The tooth is then restored with a filling or covered with a crown for strength and protection.
The tooth can then function normally and should no longer cause pain, and is now saved from infection and decay.
Schedule a Root Canal Treatment
Do you have a tooth that’s been bothering you?
At Midland Dental, we can assess your symptoms and help you determine the most suitable treatment. Call our office today to schedule an appointment—our friendly team is ready to assist you.