Root Canal Dentistry

A root canal is a relatively simple procedure and can be done in your dentist’s office without any general anesthesia. Depending on the extent of the infection, the root canal itself is completed in one to two visits, and typically you will need to return to have a permanent filling or crown placed after the root canal is completed.

• Anesthetic: In most cases, a topical anesthetic will be placed on your gums near the tooth that will be worked on. After that has numbed the surface of your gums, your root canal dentist will inject a local anesthetic into your gums that will numb the tooth and the surrounding area. 
• Pulp Removal: After your tooth is numb, the dentist will make a small opening in the top of the tooth in order to expose the damaged or infected pulp. Using special tools called files, the dentist will remove all of the pulp in your tooth, as well as thoroughly clean out all the canals of your tooth.
• Antibiotics: Oftentimes, after your tooth has been cleaned out, in order to ensure the infection is gone, as well as prevent reinfection, the dentist will apply a topical antibiotic. You may also receive oral antibiotics depending on the extent of the infection. 
• Filling or Crown: If your root canal is being done in two visits, the dentist will seal the opening that was created in the top of your tooth with a temporary filling at the end of the first appointment to protect the interior of your tooth. After the root canal is completed, a permanent filling will be placed. Often a crown is required, and typically a temporary crown will be placed while a permanent crown is made.

After a root canal, most patients experience an immediate improvement in the symptoms that led to needing the root canal initially. There may be some soreness and swelling in the gums around the tooth, or teeth, that was worked on. It is also important to minimize eating using that tooth until your permanent filling or crown is placed, to avoid damaging the tooth or re-contaminating the interior of the tooth, leading to an infection.