Root canal therapy has progressed significantly in the past few years. New techniques allow dentists to perform root canals that are virtually painless.
Most root canal procedures only take one dentist visit. However, additional x-rays are often needed to determine the exact extent of the tooth’s damage.
There are a few things to expect during your root canal procedure. First, your dentist will numb the affected tooth and surrounding tissues with local anesthetic. When you’re sufficiently numb, he or she will then place a rubber dam around the tooth to keep the area dry during the procedure.
Next, your dentist will drill a small hole into the tooth and remove the tooth’s infected pulp, along with any bacteria and decayed nerve tissues. After the initial cleaning, your dentist will then carefully scrape the inside of your tooth’s root canals, to ensure no bacteria or debris is left behind. He or she may also wash away leftover debris using water or a sterilized substance.