Understanding what is involved in a root canal procedure at dentist in Pembroke Pines, FL

Over the course of a person’s lifetime, teeth can become damaged in many ways. The purpose of any dentist and the services they offer is to provide solutions to patients which help preserve their natural teeth so that any tooth replacement alternatives can be avoided. One such procedure which Dr. Milton Ruiz at Pines Dental Associates in Pembroke Pines, FL performs to save teeth is a root canal.
What Is A Root Canal?
Also called an endodontic procedure, a root canal treatment focuses in on the internal matter of the tooth to protect and secure the structural integrity of the tooth. But what exactly is a root canal? Depending on the severity of your personal situation, the procedure can differ, but let us look at some of the basic steps involved.
- Sedation: Due to the invasive nature of a root canal, some form of sedation will be required. In most cases, local anesthesia will suffice, and your mouth will be numbed prior to the start of the treatment. This ensures that you experience no discomfort during the procedure, and you can remain calm as the dentist performs the root canal.
- Drilling: This step is what will open your tooth so that the internal matter of the tooth can be accessed for cleaning and disinfecting.
- Cleaning the Pulp: Within the central chamber of every tooth lies the pulp. This pulp consists of blood vessels, nerve endings, and soft tissues, all of which help keep the tooth alive. When a tooth is damaged to the point where a root canal is required to save it, this pulp is removed, and the inner chamber of the tooth cleaned and disinfected. All traces of bacteria and infection are removed along with any damaged pulp material.
- Filling: When the pulp is removed, the empty area needs to be filled so that the structural integrity of the tooth can remain strong. A dental filling called gutta-percha is used to fill this area and then a dental filling is applied to seal the tooth. A dental crown is normally going to be the final step in this process to protect the remaining natural tooth material.
If you need a root canal, please contact Dr. Milton Ruiz at Pines Dental Associates in Pembroke Pines, FL by calling (954) 715-4660.
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