Frequently Asked Questions

Root Canal Therapy (Endodontics)

Date Posted: 12/1/2001

Question
What does treatment involve?

Answer
Root canal treatment may involve one to three visits to the dentist. A general dentist or an Endodontist (a specialist in pulp problems) will remove the pulp of the tooth. They will then clean and seal the pulp chamber and root canal/s.

STEPS INVOLVED IN ROOT CANAL TREATMENT:

1. An opening is made through the crown of the tooth into the chamber where the pulp is found.

2. The pulp is removed, and the root canal/s are cleaned and shaped into a form that can be filled easily.

3. Medications to prevent infection may be placed in the pulp chamber.

4. Your dentist may leave the tooth open in order for it to drain, however often a temporary filling is placed in the crown of the tooth to protect it until your next visit. Antibiotics may be prescribed to help prevent infection.

5. The temporary filling will be removed, and after cleaning, the pulp chamber and root canal/s will be filled.

6. Finally, your dentist may place a crown (either porcelain or gold) over your tooth.

More questions in this category:

What does root canal treatment really mean?
Why do I need root canal treatment?
What is root canal treatment?
What is the dental pulp?
What happens if the pulp is injured?
Why does the pulp need to be removed?
What does treatment involve?
How long will the restored teeth last?

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