Root Canal Therapy

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is a dental procedure used to treat infection or inflammation within the pulp of a tooth. The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes infected or damaged, root canal therapy may be recommended for treatment.
Senior man touching his cheek while in pain before a root canal treatment in Dallas

What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?

Your general dentist will do a thorough evaluation of the tooth to determine if a root canal is necessary. This process will include a visual inspection, dental x-rays, and testing of the tooth to diagnose the condition of the pulp. If the tooth is dead, you will be referred to the endodontist for treatment. Treatment is necessary to prevent infection from spreading throughout your mouth. It’s not uncommon for dental infections to spread to the airway, bloodstream or brain and become very dangerous.

Root canal therapy is a highly beneficial treatment that helps alleviate pain, eliminate infection, and restore the health and function of the affected tooth, contributing to overall oral health and well-being.

Here’s a detailed overview of what root canal therapy involves:

Step 1: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the affected area to ensure a comfortable and pain-free procedure.

Step 2: The endodontist creates an opening in the top of the tooth to access the pulp and root canals.

Step 3: The diseased or dead pulp is carefully removed from the pulp chamber and root canals.

Step 4: The inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to eliminate bacteria and prevent further infection.

Step 5: The canals are then shaped to prepare them for filling.

Step 6: The cleaned and shaped canals are sealed to prevent re-infection.

Step 7: A temporary filling is placed to close the opening in the tooth. The root canal treatment is complete.

Step 8: After the root canal treatment, you’ll return to your general dentist for a permanent filling or a crown to protect the tooth and restore its function.