Because adult teeth do not require the pulp to thrive, root canal therapy saves the tooth by carefully cleaning out and shaping the insides of the root canals and then sealing the space. Typically, a root canal and the restoration of the crown is done in two to three visits.
First, the dentist does an exam and x-rays to determine the depth of your tooth’s roots. Then, the area around your tooth is numbed to keep you from any pain during the procedure. A protective shield is placed around the tooth to protect it from the bacteria in your saliva during the procedure.
Then, the dentist removes any existing decay in the crown of the tooth, exposing the tops of the root canal channels. Throughout the process the tooth is flushed out, cleaned and dried to keep it as clean as possible and eliminate any infection-causing bacteria. Using a very small instrument, the dentist cleans out the pulp of the tooth and shapes the canals.
Once the canals are cleaned and shaped, your dentist will use a special biocompatible material – such as the rubber-like material, gutta-percha – to fill in and support the canals. Lastly, a temporary filling will be put in place to protect the root canals until a final crown or other restoration is placed on the tooth, restoring it to full function.
Occasionally, the tooth may lack sufficient support for a crown, in which cases a small post may be placed inside the tooth, before the final crown is seated, to help support it.
If your case is particularly challenging, you may be referred out to an endodontist – a dentist who specializes in root canals – for the procedure.