Root Canal treatments are performed by Endodontists. Endodontists are highly skilled dental specialists who focus exclusively on treatments related to the dental pulp. If your root canal case is complicated, your general dentist may suggest you see an endodontist.
An X-ray will be taken to determine if there are any signs of infection in the surrounding bone, it will also focus on checking the shape of the root canals. Local anaesthesia will be administered to numb the area near the tooth. You’ll remain awake during the procedure, but the anaesthesia will keep you from feeling any pain.
The dentist will place a rubber dam around the tooth, this is to keep the area dry and free of saliva during the treatment.
Once the tooth is numb, a small opening is created at the top of the tooth (also called the Crown) using a drill or a LASER (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation).
Next, using special dental tools called ‘Files’, the dentist or the endodontist will remove the damaged pulp and the bacteria and clean the area. The sides of the root canal are also scraped and scrubbed clean. As the procedure is being done, sodium hypochlorite or water will be sprayed in the area to flush away the debris.
After the area is well cleaned and shaped, the endodontist or the dentist will fill the root canals with a biocompatible material. This material is called gutta-percha. Next, to ensure flawless sealing of the root canals, gutta-percha is placed in the canals with a coat of sealer cement. Next, a filling is added at the initial opening created.
At last, the dentist or the endodontist will discuss any additional restoration work that your tooth might need. For example, placing a crown or other restoration to protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking.
