Root Canals and How to Prepare for Them

When a tooth has been damaged from decay or trauma to the point that the pulp of the tooth is affected, a root canal procedure is needed. While it can seem intimidating at first, root canals are not as bad as some people may have you believe. In fact, many times a root canal treatment is the only way to save your tooth from otherwise requiring extraction. The best way to be prepared for your root canal is to be informed as to what the process entails.

A local anesthetic will first be used before the procedure begins. In some cases, the dentist may even provide you with minimal sedation, such as nitrous oxide. Your tooth will then be isolated from any moisture and bacteria using a dental dam. The dentist will then drill down through the top of the tooth in order to create an access point. Through this access point, the inflamed or infected pulp will be removed. The root canal will then be flushed and cleaned out. If an infection is present, antibiotics will likely be placed into the tooth to rid the infection. The canal will then be filled with a substance called gutta percha and a dental filling will be used to close the tooth. In order to keep the tooth strong, a crown will be placed over the tooth.

If your tooth has suffered extensive decay or has recently undergone trauma, contact our expert in root canal in North Hollywood to set up an appointment. It is important to get it treated as soon as possible, as delaying a root canal can have serious consequences for your oral and general health.