The term “root canal” comes from cleaning of the canals inside the tooth’s root.
What to Expect During a ROOT CANAL?
If you think you need a root canal, consult your dentist. There are a number of steps that occur over a few office visits.
1. X-ray – if a dentist suspects you may need a root canal, he will first take X-rays or examine existing X-rays to show where the decay is located.
2. Anesthesia – local anesthesia is administered to the affected tooth. Contrary to popular belief, a root canal is no more painful than a filling.
3. Pulpectomy – an opening is made and the diseased tooth pulp is removed.
4. Filling – the roots that have been opened (to get rid of the disease pulp) are filled with gutta-percha material and sealed off with cement.