Root Canal Treatment

Endodontic treatment (Root Canal Treatment) can often be performed in one or two visits and involves the following steps:

1. The dentist examines and takes a radiograph of the tooth using x-rays, then administers local anesthetic. 
2. After the tooth is numb, the dentist makes an opening in the crown of the tooth. Very small instruments are used to clean the pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals and to shape the space for filling.
3. After space is cleaned and shaped, the dentist fills the root canals with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. The gutta-percha is placed with an adhesive cement to ensure complete sealing of the root canals. In most cases, a temporary filling is placed to close the opening. The temporary filling will be removed by your dentist before the tooth is restored.
4. You must return to your dentist to have a crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function.