Finding out that you need root canal therapy can be unsettling. If you’re unfamiliar with the process or don’t have any personal experiences to draw from, you likely have a lot of questions about what to expect.

Fortunately, understanding the stages of root canal therapy can help ease your concerns and ensure you’re well-prepared for your first appointment. Here’s a concise breakdown of the main steps involved:

Confirmation of diagnosis: When you arrive for your appointment, your endodontist will confirm your diagnosis by reviewing your X-rays and visually inspecting your tooth.

Local anesthesia and dental dam placement: To ensure your comfort, the endodontist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around your tooth. They’ll also place a rubber sheet called a dental dam to keep the tooth clean and dry during the procedure.

Creating an access hole: Once your tooth is prepared and your gums are numb, the endodontist will drill a small hole in the crown of the tooth, allowing them to remove the dental pulp.

Pulp removal, filing, and cleaning: After creating the access hole, the endodontist will use special instruments to remove the infected tooth pulp, reshaping the tooth’s canals and ensuring all infected material is eliminated. The inner tooth is then treated with antimicrobial washes to promote healing.

Filling the root canals: In this integral step, a biocompatible material, typically gutta-percha, is used to fill the canals and prevent future infections.

Placement of temporary filling: Before moving on to the next stage, a temporary filling is placed on your tooth to protect it while your permanent restoration is being made, reducing the risk of bacterial re-introduction.

Placement of permanent filling and crown: The final step involves placing a permanent filling on your tooth, followed by the application of a crown. This not only protects against future infections but also reinforces the natural tooth’s structural integrity.

Rest assured that your root canal therapy isn’t complete until these vital stages are successfully accomplished. Your endodontist here at Fifth Avenue Endodontics is committed to providing comprehensive care that ensures the health and longevity of your treated tooth.