What is a Root Canal Procedure?

When you simply hear the mention of a lynnwood root canal you grimace in pain. But the procedure itself is virtually painless in comparison to the toothache that precedes it. We’ll identify what causes that toothache, the procedure itself and the benefits to having the procedure versus having that infected
tooth extracted.

The Causes behind a Root Canal

If you have unfortunately cracked or broken a tooth you have put that tooth in harm’s way. Or if you have neglected the tooth and have developed a cavity it will also inevitably yield painful and negative results. Beneath the hard white enamel and the hard dentin is a soft tissue called pulp. Located at the center of every tooth and running from the crown at the top to the very bottom of the root, the pulp is full of nerves, blood vessels and connective tissues that deliver nutrition to that tooth. Once the pulp is exposed to bacteria it will become infected and the pain begins.

The Procedure

Whether it is a front tooth or a molar, the tooth is first treated with a local anesthetic. You will feel a pinch of discomfort from the needle. Once the tooth and immediate tissue around the tooth is numb the dentist will proceed with drilling a small hole. On a front tooth this hole will be at the back. With a pre-molar or molar it will be through crown. Using very small instruments such as files the dentist will proceed to remove all of the infected pulp. The front teeth have one root, the molars can have up to three roots. The tooth will be irrigated several times as the dentist uses the files to reshape the chamber and canals. All of the disease must be removed for the procedure to be successful. An antimicrobial solution may be introduced to ensure that all remaining bacteria is indeed gone. The next step is to fill that pulp chamber. A rubber like material called gutta-percha is placed into the vacated chamber and canal. The hole is cemented shut with a filling. The procedure is completed in 30 to 90 minutes and you may experience some soreness for a day or two again depending on the amount of infection that was removed. It may also be strongly suggested that you consider a crown to now protect this tooth into the future.

The Benefits

There are millions of root canal procedures done annually in the United States. It has not only become routine with the advancements in technology but the health industry feels it is best to keep your natural teeth over having that tooth extracted. By keeping your natural tooth you have kept your natural smile and have maintained your normal biting and chewing forces and habits. If you develop a toothache do not hesitate to see your dentist. If indeed that tooth is becoming infected you will save yourself a lot of discomfort as the infection builds. The procedure is literally pain-free and worth every minute in the dental chair.

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