Hearing your dentist tell you that you may need a root canal can be a worrying idea but root canal therapy is important in order to save a decaying or abscessed tooth. If the root of one of your teeth becomes infected, it can lead to progressive infection and even bone loss. However, a root canal procedure can restore your tooth and prevent further decay, stopping infections and any discomfort.
What Can I Expect During a Root Canal?
While each procedure is unique, here are a few things you can expect to happen during Root Canal Therapy in Baltimore MD.
Isolating the Tooth
First, a rubber dam is placed over the tooth and a hole is cut near the center of the tooth. Then the sheet is stretched over your tooth to keep it separated from the other teeth and the rest of your mouth and held in place by clamps. This is done to keep your mouth clean and the tooth uncontaminated.
Drilling an Access Cavity
Next, a hole will be drilled in your tooth to access the pulp chamber where the infection lies. At this time, your tooth’s length will be measured by x-ray to calculate how deeply the tooth will need to be treated.
Cleaning the Tooth’s Root Canals
Then the debris, bacteria, dead tissue, and infection will be removed from inside the tooth and the tooth will be disinfected. The shape of the root canal may also be altered for filling during the root canal therapy procedure.
Sealing the Tooth and Placing a Temporary Filling
Finally, the canal will be sealed and a temporary filling will be placed. Sometimes you will need to wait a week or so before filling, which means an additional appointment. Permanent restoration of the filling can be scheduled for a later date after any Baltimore root canal therapy procedure.
