There are a few common questions that we want to answer first about root canals:

The actual purpose of a root canal is to save a tooth.

Generally, root canals are performed on a tooth with deep infection.  The tooth has become infected with bacteria caused by an untreated cavity or injury.  If not treated the infection could become so severe that the tooth would have to be removed.

How a Root Canal is Performed: Step by Step

As the American Association of Endodontists points out, a root canal is essentially a four-step process. Treatment is usually performed over two office visits.

  1. Using a needle, the dentist administers local anesthesia to numb the tooth. It’s common to feel a bit of a pinch in the area when the needle goes in. After the tooth is numb, the endodontist might place a dental dam, a small sheet of rubber that isolates the tooth to keep it clean and dry during the procedure.
  2. Your dentist will then use very small tools, such as a small drill, to access the inside of the tooth by creating an opening in the top portion of the tooth. Next, the dentist will use small files to clear away the damaged and diseased pulp from the inside of the tooth. He or she will also use the files to shape the inner chamber of the tooth and root and might irrigate the chamber with water to wash away any remaining pulp. Your dentist might also put an antimicrobial solution in the chamber to kill any remaining bacteria and reduce the risk for further infection.
  3. Once the chamber is thoroughly cleaned and dried, the endodontist will fill it. A rubber-like material called gutta-percha is often used. Your dentist will close the opening in your tooth with a temporary filling, while you wait for the permanent crown.
  4. After a few weeks, your dentist will finish the treatment by placing a permanent crown or a similar type of restoration on the top of the tooth. Depending on the condition of your natural tooth, the dentist may need to place a small supporting post inside of the root chamber, to make the crown or restoration more stable.

After the Procedure

Taking good care of your teeth and gums is a must after a root canal. You might need to schedule an additional visit with your dentist to X-ray the treated tooth and to make sure that all signs of infection are gone, in addition to twice-yearly dental cleanings and exams. It’s important to keep up a good oral care routine at home, including brushing twice a day with a toothpaste that fights germs for 12 hours. With care and attention, a tooth treated with a root canal can stay healthy for the rest of your life.

the steps that dr linderman would take to perform a root canal