WHAT HAPPENS DURING A ROOT CANAL?
A root canal in Naples is typically necessary when the pulp of your tooth becomes damaged or infected. This procedure can alleviate the pain associated with your damaged pulp; contrary to popular myths, the treatment itself is not particularly painful. It is important to practice proper dental hygiene after your root canal procedure and afford your teeth the dental care they deserve. Here is a brief overview of what happens during a root canal.
Determining Who Will Complete the Procedure
There are two types of dental professionals who may complete a root canal procedure: dentists and endodontists.
Endodontists are specialists who focus on dental pulp and tooth nerves and the injuries and diseases that may affect them. The severity of the case and your primary dentist’s experience will play roles in determining who will be the one to actually perform the root canal. If your dentist is completely comfortable with root canal procedures or your situation is relatively mild, he or she may offer the treatment. In more complicated cases, however, your dentist may decide that the job should be left to an endodontist for optimal results.
Evaluating and Cleaning
Your dentist or endodontist will start by evaluating your mouth using an X-ray. This imaging technique will display the shape of your root canals and indicate any present signs of infection. After the area near your tooth is numbed, your dental professional will create an access hole in your affected tooth. He or she can then remove bacteria, dead nerve tissue, and the pulp itself from your tooth and clean the inside while routinely flushing debris away with water. At this point your dentist or endodontist may either seal your tooth or apply a medication.
Sealing, Filling, and Additional Restorations
After addressing any remaining infection, your dental professional will use a sealer paste to fill your tooth. Your tooth’s root canal will also receive a gutta percha, and a filling will close the access hole that was used during treatment. Your dentist may suggest an additional restoration such as a dental crown in order to keep your newly cleaned tooth from fracturing.
