An Overview Of The Root Canal Process

Root canal, an oral treatment concerning your white structures, aka teeth, is a procedure undertaken to relieve pain arising from an abscess or infected tooth. This dental procedure basically involves removing the swollen pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the area of extraction, and finally sealing the space with a filling.

Well, that is the meaning of root canal treatment, but are you aware of the process, or how can you prepare yourself for one?


Don’t worry; this blog will give an overview of both. So, continue reading till the end.

A Brief Explanation Of The Root Canal Process

Before the procedure begins, your endodontists in San Antonio will start things off by taking oral X-rays of the troubled tooth to determine the degree of damage and ensure that the root canal is the option for your current condition. Finally, after a thorough examination, your dentist will follow certain steps to complete the procedure. They are;

  • Anesthesia

The first step involves numbing the gums and troubled tooth with the help of local anesthesia that helps you relax throughout the procedure. Your dentist at leading dental clinics like Ziva Dental may advise sedation in case you struggle with oral anxiety.

  • Oral dam placement

A little dam made of rubber is placed over the troubled area to keep it dry and isolated during the root canal procedure.

  • Opening

A small hole is made in the tooth’s crown to approach the pulp.

  • Removal

Your dentist at Ziva Dental will use several oral instruments to remove the tooth’s tissues, blood vessels, and nerves.

  • Shaping canals

After completely removing the pulp, the dentist will clean, disinfect, and shape your root canals and pulp chamber.

  • Filling

The empty area or canal is sealed with a rubbery, flexible oral material named gutta-percha.

  • Sealing

Your dentist will further use temporary dental fillings, which are either single or a combination of glass, metal, plastic, or more materials that can be useful to restore or repair the tooth. It seals the tooth and prevents germs or bacteria from invading again.

  • Finishing the restoration

It is generally the last step of your root canal treatment in San Antonio, TX, wherein a dental crown is required to protect your tooth and restore functionality in most cases. These crowns are tailored according to the patient’s need and may take anywhere between two-three weeks before they are ready to replace the temporary fillings.

How Should You Prepare For The Treatment?

Your dentist can give the best answer to this question. However, here are some basic tips you can follow before the treatment.

  • Ensure to take all the anti-inflammatory or antibiotics medications as per the prescription.
  • Smoking disturbs the body’s self-healing capacity. Therefore, stop smoking days or weeks prior to your treatment if you wish for a smooth and quick recovery.
  • Since the anesthesia or sedation is going to leave you with a numb mouth for hours, it is good to eat healthily before the appointment.

Wrapping Up

Experiencing swelling or pain in teeth can be frustrating. Thankfully, with the advancement in dental technologies, a root canal specialist in San Antonio can treat your tooth abscess or infection without hindering the basic functionalities so that you can stay at ease.

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