The Root Canal Process

If you’ve been told you need a root canal, here’s what you can expect. Inflamed or diseased teeth can be repaired and saved with a root canal treatment. Thanks to innovations in dental care and local anesthetics, patients have little to no pain with a root canal. In fact, root canals eliminate the pain associated with the decayed tooth. If you’ve been told you need a root canal, here’s what you can expect.

When a tooth is cracked or diseased, bacteria can enter the pulp. If left untreated, the bacteria can lead to infection, bone loss, and pulp death. When you visit our dentist office in Mills River, our dentist will take x-rays of the tooth to determine if it needs a root canal. If we determine that your tooth needs a root canal, we will schedule a follow-up appointment to complete the procedure. During the follow-up appointment, you will receive a local anesthetic to eliminate the pain. Using small dental instruments, we will remove the infected pulp and clean out the root canals. While you wait for your permanent crown, your dentist will close the opening in your tooth with a temporary filling. Once the tissues are healed, we will finish the treatment by placing a permanent crown.