The six steps to a safe and effective root canal

Root canal treatment is a process that might be required to save a damaged or infected tooth from extraction and replacement. It is performed by an endodontist at McDonough Endodontic Center in McDonough, Georgia. Dr. Rolin Desir and his team encourage patients to consider this safe and effective treatment to restore function and health to the smile. In fact, let’s take a look at the six steps required to ensure this process goes smoothly!

What are the six steps to a safe and effective root canal treatment?

1. Initial evaluation and diagnosis. The root canal adventure begins when your dental provider identifies that something’s causing trouble deep inside your tooth. Dental X-rays are taken to figure out what’s going on, and after confirming the need for treatment, our endodontists at McDonough Endodontic Center will be ready to save the day. Say goodbye to that toothache because it is finally time for action!
2. Local anesthetic and sedation. Nobody likes discomfort, so our endodontists ensure you feel comfortable by applying a numbing agent to the area. A local anesthetic will make your tooth and surrounding tissues snooze while they work. Additionally, our team can explain our sedation options to help you relax further during your procedure.
3. Getting access to the inner canals. Once your tooth is fully numbed and you are comfortable in the dentist’s chair, our endodontists create a tiny hole in the top of your tooth. This gives us access to the root canals, which are the inner areas of the tooth. These are where the dental pulp, blood supply, and nerves are located.
4. Removal of the infected area. After access has been created, it is time to address the inner areas of the tooth that are contributing to the pain and infection. Using special tools, Dr. Rolin Desir removes the damaged or infected pulp from the canals. Then, he thoroughly cleans and shapes the insides to make sure no bad bacteria are left lingering. 
5. Filling the canals. After the canals are cleared, it is time to fill them with a rubbery material called gutta-percha. This seals off the space so no bacteria can sneak back in. The tiny hole on top of the tooth is then sealed with a temporary filling.
6. Creation and application of the dental crown. To finish this procedure, a dental crown is often placed on top of the tooth by your general dentist. Another type of restoration can be used, depending on the patient’s unique situation. The dental crown is best as it adds strength and protection so your tooth can function as it did before. The natural tooth can become weakened after the removal of the dental pulp, so the crown eliminates the need to remove the natural tooth entirely.

How can I learn more about root canal treatment services in McDonough, Georgia?

Call (770) 954-8672 today to request a visit to McDonough Endodontic Center at 1705 Highway 20 W, Suite 200. We are here to help with root canal therapy and various other endodontic treatments to restore health to your smile!