What is the Root Canal Procedure?

Today this is a procedure that more than 15 million fellow Americans will experience this year. Let’s look briefly at the anatomy of the tooth, the reason for the root canal procedure and then the procedure itself.

The Parts of a Tooth

Each and every tooth is made up of these different parts. Your nice white exterior is called the enamel. Even this hard surface is vulnerable, as evident by bacteria delivering plaque causing cavities. The second layer is called the dentin. The dentin surrounds the pulp chamber. The pulp is a soft tissue full of blood vessels and nerves. Both the blood vessels and the nerves travel the root canal providing nutrition to the tooth and any and all sensations. Your tooth can have anywhere between one and three roots depending on if it is a front tooth or a molar.

The Circumstances that necessitate a Root Canal Procedure

If you crack, fracture, chip or break off a portion of the tooth it makes the tooth far more susceptible to bacteria which will then turn into an infection in the pulp. The decayed pulp will create an abyss on the root of the tooth and this will become very painful. Through the years, the solution was to extract that tooth. In recent years, the dental industry believes that dentists should do everything possible to save your natural teeth. Hence the increase in root canal procedures.

The Steps that go into a Root Canal Procedure

Your first step if you are experiencing pain or discomfort is to schedule an examination with your dentist. If your dentist suspects a root canal issue an x-ray will be taken. This x-ray will confirm where the decay is located. Once he shares that with you and you continue, you can next expect a local anesthesia. Once the numbing takes effect on the tooth the procedure is no more painful than receiving a normal filling.

The next step is to drill open a small hole at the top of the tooth. If it is a front tooth it will be on the back side. If it is a molar it will be on the top crown surface. Once the dentist has access to the pulp chamber he or she will perform a pulpectomy, which is the removal of the damaged pulp. Very small instruments are used to perform this. After the pulp is removed the chamber and the root is enlarged slightly and thoroughly cleaned.

The next step is to fill the chamber and the root with a rubber-like material called gutta percha. After this has been put in the opening will be sealed with a filling.

At this point it is strongly suggested that you continue to protect that tooth by having a crown placed over the tooth. On an occasion a plastic or metal post made need to be inserted into the root to enhance strength. Once the crown is placed this tooth might last your lifetime. Of course, the variables still remain with you. Proper care and good oral hygiene practices are still paramount.