- The dentist examines and x-rays the tooth, then administers local anesthetic.
- The dentist makes an opening in the crown of the tooth. Instruments are then used to clean the pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals and to shape the space for filling.
- The root canals are filled with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material, which is in turn placed with an adhesive cement to ensure complete sealing of the root canals. In most cases, a temporary filling is placed to close the opening. The temporary filling will be removed by your dentist before the tooth is restored.
- Finally, your dentist will place the crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function.
Signs and symptoms of a need for root canal therapy:
- An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Severe toothache pain
- Swelling and/or tenderness
- Sometimes no symptoms are present
Reasons for root canal therapy:
- Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth)
- Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip
- Injury or trauma to the tooth