What Happens During a Root Canal?
Just the words “root canal” can create anxiety, but in reality, it is a common dental procedure that is quite similar to getting a filling. A root canal is designed to save your natural tooth, get rid of infection, and relieve extreme pain. We have found that for many patients who are getting a root canal, learning about the procedure can alleviate some anxiety. So, in this article, we will cover what happens during a root canal and discuss ways that a root canal treatment can be made more comfortable for patients.
Is the Nerve Removed in a Root Canal?
Yes, the nerve (pulp) that is infected or damaged is removed during a root canal treatment. Here are the steps involved in a root canal treatment:
- Numbing the area with a local anesthetic.
- Making a small opening in the tooth.
- Cleaning out the nerve tissue and bacteria from inside the tooth.
- Cleaning, disinfecting, and shaping the root canals.
- Filling the canal with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha.
- Sealing the tooth to prevent infection
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
The goal of a root canal is to preserve the tooth and not the need to remove it due to severe decay. Most patients feel no pain during a root canal due to modern dental treatment and local anesthesia. In fact, most patients report that the root canal treatment was less painful than living with the discomfort of the infection that necessitated the root canal. That said, dental sedation can help improve the root canal process for patients who are anxious.
How Long Does the Root Canal Take?
A root canal appointment usually lasts anywhere between 60 and 90 minutes. Most standard root canals are completed in one or two appointments, and patients are able to return to their normal activities the following day. However, the total time taken can vary significantly depending on severity of the infection. Usually patients will also need dental crowns which require a second dental visit depending on the dentist you go to. Modern dental offices utilize in-office dental crown fabrication that is assisted by computer design programs. For example, our offices use CEREC technology to make dental crowns that are customized to our patients in a single day.
Comprehensive Dental Care in Peabody, Newburyport and Winthrop
Varinos Dental Associates has three offices in Peabody, Winthrop, and Newburyport that provide comprehensive dental care including root canals, same-day dental crowns, and sedation dentistry. To schedule an appointment with one of our offices, please click below.
