What to Expect During a Root Canal Treatment from a Dentist Near Me

Root canal treatment has an undeserved reputation for being painful, but at Express Smiles Dental Suite, modern techniques and anesthesia make the procedure relatively comfortable. A root canal becomes necessary when the pulp inside your tooth, which contains nerves and blood vessels, becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, cracks, or injury. The procedure typically involves one to three visits to Dr. Victor Kinara or an endodontist (a root canal specialist). During the first appointment, we'll take X-rays, numb the area with local anesthesia, place a dental dam to isolate the tooth, and create a small access hole in the crown. We'll then remove the infected pulp, clean the canals with specialized instruments, and may place medication inside the tooth. During the final visit, the canals are filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha and sealed with cement. Most teeth that have had root canal treatment need a crown to protect them from breaking and restore full functionality.