Root Canal Step by Step: How Many Appointments Are Needed?

The dentist recommends root canal treatments near you when the dental X-rays show that the bacterial infection has badly damaged your tooth pulp and cannot be saved. The procedure alleviates pain and makes the teeth healthy again. Without root canal therapy, the infection may create an abscess underneath the tooth and cause unbearable pain. When this happens, it affects the functioning and strength of the tooth.

How Many Dental Visits Does a Root Canal Take?

Most root canal treatments in St. Cloud require appointments to the dental office. The first appointment includes the removal of infected pulp. However, during the second appointment, the professional cleans and fills the root canal using a dental cap or other fillings. Doing this prevents the formation of infection. Every appointment at the dental office is nearly 90 minutes.

Steps Explaining a Root Canal Therapy

The patient needs to go through the following steps after they fix an appointment for a root canal.

Diagnosis of Infected Tooth Pulp

The dental professional examines your teeth using X-ray technology. It helps him/her evaluate the severity of decay and inflammation. The dentist near you will conduct a tooth sensitivity test to find if you face any discomfort when the biting surface gets in touch with cold, hot, or sweet stimuli.

Preparing the Site

Next, the dentist will numb the area using a numbing agent. If the pulp is inflamed, it may take some time to take effect. Then, he/she uses a dental dam to separate the tooth, which requires a root canal.

Accessing and Cleaning the Tooth Roots

The dental professional uses a dental drill through the tooth. It helps him/her access the pulp chamber and canals. After that, the expert cleans the root canals and pulp chamber using an antiseptic and antibacterial solution. It makes the root canal super clean and free from future infections.

The dentist may insert files of different diameters into the hole. It helps them reach the tip of the tooth root and get rid of the infected canals together. The professional uses sodium hypochlorite or water to remove the remaining bacteria from the mouth.

Shaping of Root Canals

To put a dental filling in the root canals, the dentist shapes them using small dental instruments. Then, the professional once a day disinfects the canals.

Filling Canal Temporary Using Gutta Percha

The dental professional uses a rubber-like material (gutta percha) inside the canals and then heats it. Then, the professional compresses the gutta Percha to create a snugly fit. After that, the dentist seals the canals with adhesive cement.

Filling to Access Hole and Restoring the Tooth

After several weeks, the dentist will eliminate the temporary filling and seal the hole using permanent filling over the treated tooth. It prevents the bacteria from moving to the teeth while making them strong.

This permanent filling not just acts as a dental restoration to your affected tooth but also prevents the spread of infection. The expert also puts a post in a root canal. It’s mainly the case when the tooth fails to support a dental restoration on its own or the tooth is badly damaged.

Healing

Some discomfort for a few days after the therapy is common. The dentist recommends aftercare instructions to follow. Doing this ensures proper healing.

Crown Placement

If the dentist finds significant tooth damage or sees a root canal on the back tooth, he/she places a dental crown around the treated tooth. It exactly resembles the existing teeth while adding stability and strength.

How to Prepare for Root Canal Therapy?

The following tips will help you prepare for your treatment effectively:

Refrain from Smoking and Tobacco

Stop using tobacco products and smoking several days before your root canal appointments. It’s because they delay the ability of your body to heal on its own.

Choose a Nutritious Diet

Ensure you eat well before your procedure because the local anesthesia will numb your mouth for a few hours.

Take Every Prescribed Medicine on Time

A few days before your appointment, the dentist at Smile City will prescribe you anti-inflammatories or antibiotics. Make sure you take them as described. The dentist usually suggests these medicines if he/she finds a lot of infection in the tooth.