A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures that people go through. Most general dentists can perform root canals, so you will likely not need to see a specialist like an endodontist. The American Association of Endodontists tells you what to expect from a root canal.
You will get an X-ray to see how far the decay has spread. Your dental care starts with a shot of local anesthetic to make you feel numb. You may still feel twinges from the drilling.
Your pain is caused by an infection or decay in your dental pulp, located deep within your tooth, inside an area called a canal. Your tooth is drilled open to access the infected or decayed pulp. A disinfectant is sprayed in your tooth. The pulp is removed. The empty canals are cleaned and shaped. The canal is then filled and capped with a temporary filling or crown, depending on your particular circumstances. A mold is made for your permanent crown or filling, and your bite checked.
Your permanent crown or filling is usually made in a dental laboratory, but some dentists are able to make one in their offices. If you have to wait for your permanent crown or filling, the wait will be a couple of weeks. Your permanent crown or filling is loosely fitted. Your bite is checked. If everything looks and feels good, then the crown or filling is cemented in.
