6 Steps in a Root Canal Procedure

Having a damaged or decayed tooth can be extremely painful. A root canal may be the answer to your problem. By removing the infected tissue and sealing the tooth, your dentist can stabilize the tooth and repair it so it won’t have to be extracted. Dr. Chitra Tiruveedula of Advanced Dental in Aliso Viejo, California, performs root canals whenever necessary to save a patient’s tooth. The procedure can be completed in one visit to the dentist, although it may take a few weeks to fully heal. The following steps are part of the root canal process.

1. Prep the area – The first step in a root canal procedure is to numb the area and surround the tooth with a dental dam. This isolates the affected tooth, making it easier for the dentist to make the necessary repairs. The dentist will thoroughly clean the tooth and the surrounding area.
2. Access the pulp chamber – Once the area has been prepared, your dentist will drill into the tooth to access the pulp chamber. Depending on the severity of the infection, one or all of the tooth’s pulp chambers may need to be accessed.
3. Remove the infected pulp – In order to repair the tooth successfully, all the infected pulp will need to be removed. This often involves going deep into the roots of the tooth and scraping away the pulp from the nooks and crannies. This may be a tedious process, but if even a small amount of infected tissue is left behind, it can prevent the tooth from healing.
4. Clean and disinfect the canal – As soon as the infected tissues have been completely removed, your dentist can begin to clean and disinfect the area. An antibacterial solution will be used to flush the area, removing any tissue that was left behind and killing any bacteria that could lead to a potential infection. Once the area has been thoroughly cleaned, your dentist will move on to the next step.
5. Fill and seal each root canal – Each of the root canals will be filled with a cement-like sealant that will harden to support and strengthen the tooth from the inside. Sealing the tooth with this type of mixture will prevent bacteria from finding their way back into the tooth and causing more damage. It will take several days for the tooth to fully heal once the sealant has been applied.
6. Stabilize the tooth with a dental crown – After the sealant has been put in place, your dentist will create a temporary dental crown and use it to cover the entire tooth. After a few weeks, your dentist will remove the temporary crown, check to see if the tooth has healed properly, and put a permanent crown in place.

A root canal may be the procedure needed to save your damaged tooth. A visit to Dr. Chitra Tiruveedula at Advanced Dental in Aliso Viejo, CA, can assess any issues you may be having and determine if a root canal procedure is needed. She can perform a thorough exam and discuss your options with you. A new patient will have to call (949) 289-9993 to schedule an appointment. Existing patients can call (949) 362-8523 at their earliest convenience.

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