Root Canal Brookline MA: What is a Root Canal Procedure?

Root Canal Brookline MA

A root canal procedure involves saving or repairing a tooth that is diseased or rotten. Throughout the root canal procedure, the dentist gets rid of soft tissues and cleans the interior of the tooth and then covers it. A tooth’s soft tissue becomes swollen and diseased because of tooth decay, poor oral practices, large fillings, and broken teeth. The treatment relieves pain and ensures teeth are secure as well as assists in preventing nearby teeth from extreme straining and wearing off. Other benefits are effective chewing, natural appearance, and normal sensation and biting force. If the tissue is not removed, it will infect the surrounding tissue and lead to abscess formation.

The soft tissues or pulp comprises of connective tissues, nerves and blood vessels and their function is to help the root of a tooth to grow in its development stage.  A root canal is effective because a completely developed tooth can survive even after the pulp has been removed because the surrounding tissues will continue to nourish the tooth.

Root Canal Treatment

A dentist carries out the procedure which involves a patient going for a checkup appointment with the dentist. During the initial stages, the methods include carrying out an x-ray to view the root canal’s condition to find out if there are any indications of an infection in the nearby jawbone. The tooth nerves are rendered inactive with local anesthesia, which ensures the patient is calm and comfortable. The dentist puts a piece of rubber around the tooth to ensure the area is not wet, and there is no saliva throughout the process. The dentist then makes a hole that penetrates inside the tooth. Through this hole, the soft tissue together with microorganisms, infected nerve tissue and associated remains in the tooth are taken out. 

Fillings

Root canal files are used to accomplish the tooth cleaning procedure. Inside the tooth hole, a sequence of the root canal files is positioned properly to be able to scrape and brush the root canals margins. Water is used frequently in the procedure to get rid of the remains. Afterward, the tooth is cleaned and disinfected. The dentist may seal the tooth or delay for a week before closing the teeth. 

In case the procedure is not completed during the first appointment, a short-term filling is put on the external tooth hole to ensure there are no pollutants such as food and saliva that can get logged in the tooth before the next scheduled appointment. 

Medication and Sealer

The dentist will then use medication on the root canal to destroy the bacteria and recommend antibiotics to fight the infection. During the subsequent dental visit, a sealer cement and an elastic composite are put on the root canal to seal the tooth inside. A filling is used to close the external hole formed at the initial stages of the procedure.

Dental Crown

The final step includes additional tooth repair to guard the tooth and prevent it from cracking as well as restore it back to good health. To keep the tooth from breaking in the future, it will possibly require a crown. The dentist can decide to fix the top instantly or fix it later when the tooth is not hurting. The dentist then talks to the patient and agree on any extra dental work that may be necessary.

Oral Hygiene

Finally, ensuring proper oral cleaning procedures and planning routine dental appointments may well lessen the requirement of a root canal procedure. The treatment ensures the patient preserves his or her natural smile and always consumes whatever food they want. Proper maintenance of the oral cavity enables teeth treated using root canal procedure to have a longer life span.

Contact Chestnut Hill Dental Associates by calling  (617) 566-0308 or book an appointment online. In addition, you may visit us at 2001 Beacon St #300, Brighton, MA 02135. New patients are always accepted.

OFFICE HOURS​