Dentists perform root canal treatment (RCT), also called nerve filling, to remove infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth.The pulp is a soft tissue that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
Here is a general overview of the procedure:
- Anesthesia: The dentist numbs the area around the tooth to ensure the patient’s comfort during the procedure.
- Access: The dental surgeon makes a small hole in the top of the tooth to access the infected or damaged pulp.
- Cleaning: The dentist will use special tools to remove the damaged or infected pulp. Then clean the inside of the tooth.
- Shaping: The dentist will shape the inside of the root canals, which are the channels that contain the pulp, to prepare for filling.
- Filling: The dental surgeon fills the root canals with gutta-percha, which seals them and prevents further infection.
- Restoration: The dentist places a crown or filling on the tooth to restore its function and appearance.
After the procedure, the tooth will be numb for a few hours. The patient may experience some discomfort and sensitivity for a few days. However, with proper care, most teeth that have had root canal treatment can last a lifetime.