Discovering you need root canal therapy can trigger a feeling of uncertainty, especially if you are facing the unknown. At Berry Lane Dental, our dentist in Rickmansworth understands the need for your understanding of the process and what to expect from start to finish.
Below we discuss the steps typically taken during root canal therapy.
Prepping the area
Before the root canal therapy can take place, the site will be thoroughly cleaned by our dentist in Rickmansworth and the area will be numbed. Whilst the idea of root canal therapy is rather common, the preparation behind having the procedure is intense and requires large amounts of preparation in order to successfully eliminate the infection. From cleaning the top section of the tooth to cleaning the surrounding area with an antibacterial solution, ensuring that the infection is kept contained is the priority.
The drill and shape
Whilst cleaning the surface areas of the teeth is extremely important, when it comes to this type of infection it is necessary to dive deep into the tooth in order to eradicate the entirety of the infection. With this in mind, a fine hole will be drilled into the very root of the tooth followed by a gentle filing in order to shape the access cavity. This process is highly important as the sides need to be smooth, so as to avoid bacterial debris being caught in the canal as the infected pulp is removed.
As soon as the area is drilled and shaped, the source of the infection will begin to be tackled by your dental team. This is an extremely intricate process and can be rather time consuming, but rest assured that our dentist in Rickmansworth will be tackling the root of the infection rather than just dealing with the surface issue.
The refill
Once the infected pulp has been removed from the source, it will be time to gradually fill the access cavity. This takes a lot of precision and time, and can become one of the longest parts of the process. Using a rubber-like substance, the entirety of the access hole is filled providing a firm stability to the tooth. This particular filling also acts as a prevention against the build of bacteria or other fluids.
Adding the crown or filling
Once the tooth is completely filled, your dental team will make the decision as to whether or not to place a crown or filling over the access cavity. One of the reasons behind this is to create a further strength within the tooth as the hollowed-out area can appear a little weaker.
The aftercare
An infection within the root canal can be an extremely uncomfortable experience and therefore, once your dental team has removed the infected area, you will most likely be feeling a lot more comfortable. However, as with all treatments and procedures, the aftercare is just as important as the procedure and so it is important to follow the steps provided by your dental team.
From limiting exercise, to keeping up with the course of antibiotics, following the advice provided can help ensure that the infection does not creep back in and that you continue the rest of your days without any further root canal problems.