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Root canals are one of the most misunderstood services that dentists provide. There is a widespread, incorrect belief that root canal treatments are painful. Not true!
Infections inside of a tooth happen when tooth decay extends deep enough to reach the tooth pulp. If the decay-causing bacteria infect the pulp, then the pulp needs to be removed. If you do not have it removed, the infection will spread to the surrounding tissues, causing abscesses and other nasty conditions.
Your dentist will start by numbing your tooth and the surrounding area with local anaesthesia. They’ll isolate the tooth with a rubber dam, which is a small sheet of latex designed to keep your tooth clean and free of any contamination. Using a drill, they create a small hole called an access cavity on the surface of your tooth.
The access cavity allows the dentist to remove the tooth pulp and clean the inside of the tooth with a dental file. These files look like pins, but they won’t cause any pain thanks to local anaesthesia! Your dentist will periodically flush out the cavity with cleaning solution to make sure any contaminants are removed.
The cleaning and filing process widens the cavity, allowing space for the filling material that seals the root canal. Dentists use a natural rubbery substance called gutta-percha for this. After the canal is filled, you’ll get a temporary filling on top of it. This will protect your tooth from damage until you can come in for your next appointment to permanently seal the tooth. While you wait for your final restoration, you need to treat that tooth with special care and caution. Avoid using that tooth as much as possible and watch what foods you eat. If the temporary filling is damaged, the tooth can become infected again.
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