The Procedure for Root Canal Treatment | Chula Vista CA

Many people are concerned that having root canal treatment will be painful, which is not true. The treatment is carried out under local anesthetic, which makes it completely painless. 

Root canal therapy aims to remove the damaged pulp tissue (tooth nerve and blood vessels), as well as any root infection from the root canal in the center of your tooth. The canal is then filled with Gutta Percha (a rubber-like material) and sealed with sealer cement to prevent bacteria infection. The restored tooth is then protected and strengthened with a crown or onlay.

Step 1: Cleaning and Disinfecting the Canal 

The dentist uses special metal instruments and disinfectant material to clean out the root canals. This process involves placing a sheet of latex or “rubber dam” over the tooth (held in position with a clip) for both comfort and safety during the root canal treatment. It prevents debris and bacteria in the mouth from going into the root canals and stops water from the drill or bits from the filling away from the back of the mouth 

Step 2: Filling and Sealing 

After cleaning the root canal and placing the root filling, the tooth is restored to seal and protect it from bacteria for the continued success of the tooth. Restored back teeth may not be strong enough to withstand normal chewing function as they are, so they should be covered with an onlay or crown. Front teeth, on the other hand, can be strengthened by adding a white filling. 

Step 3: Recovery

With the pulp removed, the restored tooth will no longer be sensitive to hot or cold, though some patients report mildly altered sensations. However, the tooth can still decay, and must be treated with the same level of care as your other teeth. 

Final Note 

Although the process is the same for treating all teeth, it takes much longer to restore a molar compared to a front tooth because back teeth have three or four canals that need to be cleaned and filled. Moreover, if the tooth is infected, your dentist in Chula Vista, CA may require you to schedule multiple visits to ensure adequate cleaning and disinfection. If your treatment requires multiple visits, a temporary filling will be placed as a seal between visits.