THE ROOT CANAL PROCESS

Like pencil lead running through the center of a pencil, a root canal looks much the same in a tooth. The root canal serves an important function to a healthy tooth. Under the enamel and the dentin, in the middle of the tooth is the pulp chamber. This area of soft tissue houses the nerves, the blood vessels and the connective tissue. The canal then delivers the nutrition through the blood vessels and any signals back to the brain through the nerves. If the tooth is damaged it can negatively affect this soft tissue. A cracked tooth, a fracture or a severe cavity all can lead to the pulp becoming infected. The bacteria results in the pulp dying and becoming painful.

The steps of a Root Canal

If you are experiencing discomfort or pain with a tooth it is highly recommended you contact your dentist immediately. An examination followed up with an x-ray will confirm if you might possibly need a root canal procedure. At this point you might need to be referred to an endodontist to perform the procedure. The first objective is to save the tooth. If you have waited too long if may be necessary to remove the tooth altogether. In proceeding with a root canal the dentist will, after the exam, administer a local anesthetic to numb the entire tooth.

Contrary to popular belief, a root canal is not painful. Next the dentist will open a small hole in the tooth. If it is a front tooth it will be on the back side. On a molar the hole will go through the crown on the top. Once the dentist has access to the pulp chamber very small tools, like files, will be used to remove all the damaged and diseased pulp. The files will be used to slightly enlarge the chamber. The chamber and canal might be rinsed next with water and most likely also an antimicrobial solution to kill any of the remaining bacteria in the canal. Once the chamber and canal are good and dry the space is filled with a rubber like material called gutta percha and then the tooth is sealed off with cement and a temporary filling. It is strongly suggested that to complete the process you schedule a permanent crown to be placed over the tooth to protect it. Now that the tooth is no longer alive the enamel can become brittle over time and could possibly crack or fracture.

The Life Expectancy of a Root Canal

After your crown has been placed on the tooth its back to all systems normal. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing at least once. Having two checkups a year with your dentist is a very good habit to maintain. A follow up x-ray will determine if there are any ongoing issues with your root canal. If done properly the root canal can last many years, possibly even a lifetime. It depends on you and your ongoing care.

West Mobile Dental Care, located in Mobile, provides the full range of preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental procedures including root canals. Contact our office today to find out more about our practice and how we can help you with your oral health.

If you're just interested in learning more about root canal in general, here's some additional reading on what a root canal actually is.