Understanding the Root Canal Procedure: A Step-by-Step Guide
The thought of a root canal often brings up a series of questions: Will it be painful? Will it be uncomfortable? How long will it take? Contrary to popular belief, a root canal treatment procedure is not as terrifying as you would imagine. In fact, this is a common dental procedure that is meant to relieve your toothache. This article explores what happens during a root canal treatment in addition to clearing some common myths surrounding the treatment.
What is a Root Canal Treatment Procedure?
A root canal treatment is a procedure performed to save a tooth that has been damaged by decay or trauma. The soft tissue inside the tooth is known as the pulp which consists of nerves, blood vessels and connective tissues. When the pulp tissues become infected or inflamed, it can lead to excruciating pain and even loss of the tooth if it’s not treated in time.
Here’s a detailed step-by-step breakdown of a root canal treatment procedure:
- Diagnosis and X-rays:
Those experiencing severe toothache and discomfort should visit a dental clinic where a dentist will conduct an examination to identify the source of pain. An X-ray may be taken to assess the extent of the damage and detect any infection in the surrounding bone.
- Administering Local Anaesthetic:
Before starting the treatment, a root canal specialist will numb the area with a local anaesthetic to ensure that you’re comfortable throughout the procedure. The process typically involves an injection during which patients may experience a mild prick from the needle. Once the anaesthesia kicks in, you should experience little to no pain during the root canal treatment procedure.
- Isolation of the Tooth:
To keep the area clean and free from saliva, a dental dam (a thin sheet of rubber) is placed over the tooth. This helps create a sterile environment and prevents any contamination during the procedure.
- Creating an Access Hole:
Once the tooth is numbed and isolated, the root canal specialist will drill a small hole into the crown of the tooth. This allows them to reach the infected or damaged pulp inside the tooth’s canal.
- Cleaning and Shaping the Root Canals:
With the little access hole created, the endodontist uses tiny file-like instruments to clean out the infected pulp. These files are designed to remove debris and shape the inside of the root canals so they can be sealed properly.
- Filling the Canals:
Once the canals are clean and shaped, they are filled with a rubbery material called gutta-percha. This filling helps seal the tooth and prevent any future infections from occurring.
- Sealing the Tooth:
After the canals are filled, the root canal specialist will seal the access hole with a temporary or permanent filling. You may also be required to do a crown for the tooth with your referring dentist depending on how much tooth structure remains. The crown helps protect the tooth and restores its strength, allowing it to function like a natural tooth again.
Common Misconceptions about a Root Canal Treatment
Despite the many benefits of a root canal treatment procedure, the idea of undergoing one still causes anxiety for many people. This is often due to misconceptions that have persisted over time. Below are some common myths and the reality behind them:
- “Root canal treatments are painful”
Many individuals think that a root canal treatment is one of the most painful dental procedures. On the contrary, the purpose of a root canal is to reduce or eliminate pain caused by an infected or damaged tooth. With modern techniques and anaesthetics, most patients feel little to no pain during the procedure and usually feel relieved of the dental pain after the treatment.
Root canal treatments are not surgical procedures because the treatments do not involve any soft tissue incisions or bone guttering. Besides recovery from the anaesthetic effect, patients can continue their daily routine and even eat and drink after the procedure.
A minority of patients may experience flare-ups after the treatment, which is accompanied by severe pain and swelling. This is due to the inflammation process as a result of the prior root canal infection and not the root canal procedure per se. Such severe inflammation may require several days to recover despite initiation of root canal treatment. Fortunately such cases are uncommon and can be effectively managed by an endodontist.
- “It’s better to extract the tooth”
While extraction might seem like a quick and easy solution, it’s always better to save your natural tooth if possible. A missing tooth can lead to other dental issues, such as shifting of teeth, difficulty in chewing and loss of gum bone in the jaw. A root canal treatment preserves your natural tooth and its functionality, which is often a better and cost-effective option in the long run.
- “Root canals cause illness”
Today’s root canal treatment procedures are safe and effective, and there’s no actual evidence to suggest that getting this treatment leads to other illnesses. The infection inside the tooth is what poses a risk to your health and not the procedure itself.
Root Canal Treatment at The Endodontic Office
A root canal treatment procedure is a relatively straightforward solution that can save teeth, relieve pain, and prevent any further damage from occurring. Owing to progressive dental techniques, this procedure can be a comfortable and smooth experience for patients who may experience anxiety before the treatment.
Established in 2007, The Endodontic Office is a dental clinic that specialises in root canal treatments, focusing on modern care practices with an emphasis on patient comfort. Our clinics are located in Orchard, Novena, and Jurong East.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment with a root canal specialist.
(65) 67347790