What Exactly Happens During A Root Canal?

The idea of a root canal is often frightening but root canals are anything but. It sounds like a horrible treatment “root” “canal.” Maybe if it was called root therapy or some other such name it might not seem so bad. People talk badly about root canals, too. Or at least they used to. Now-a-days most people are happy with their root canal treatment and say they aren’t any more uncomfortable than a dental filling. What exactly happens during a root canal?

Why a Root Canal?

Each year dentists save millions of teeth with root canal treatment. Root canals end up being necessary for several reasons including:

• Decay
• Pulpal inflammation
• Infection
• Trauma
• Abscess

What is a Root Canal?

Your teeth have long roots that are located in your jawbone. The inside of the root is called the canal. Depending on the type of tooth there may be one to four root canals. The canal is filled with the pulp of your tooth. The pulp travels down the length of the root.  When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to some of the reasons listed above, a root canal is required. A root canal consists of the following steps:

• Your dentist will take a periapical x-ray to refer to during the procedure. This type of x-ray shows the inside and outside of the tooth. Your dentist uses it as a map of the canal structure.
• Your dentist will numb the area around your tooth before isolating it with a rubber dam.
• Next a small hole is drilled through the tooth in order to remove the infected, dead, or inflamed pulp.
• Once the pulp has been removed the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected.
• The pulp is replaced with a rubber-like material called gutta percha.
• A dental crown may be placed over the tooth to strengthen and/or protect it.

About Your Reno, NV Dentists

Dr. Brian Evans, Dr. William Wager, and our highly experienced team at Wager Evans Dental are devoted to our patients and their families, and dedicated to providing first-rate dental care in a comfortable, inviting environment. Located in Reno, we proudly welcome residents from Spanish Springs, Sparks, Incline Village, Dayton, Fernley, and all surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation or your next dental appointment, visit our Reno, NV office, or contact us today by calling (775) 800-4845.