What Are the Three Stages of the Root Canal Procedure?
Posted on 8/1/2024 by Thomas Mahar
If your dentist recommends root canal treatment for an infected or damaged tooth, you should know what a root canal entails or how it looks. The procedure for a root canal is normally completed in three stages. However, in rare cases, the last two stages of the procedure can be done in one session. Below is a review of the three main stages of root canal treatment.
Examination and Cleaning
During the assessment and initial cleaning stage, your tooth will be examined to confirm the need for a root canal. Following this, an initial cleaning will be performed to manage the bacterial infection in the tooth.
The dentist will then administer anesthesia to numb your tooth. Once your tooth is numbed, your dentist will create a small opening at the top of the tooth to clean the root canal thoroughly. Finally, he rinses it with antibacterial solutions and applies a temporary filling.
Follow-up Cleaning and Medication
In the follow-up cleaning and medication stage, a more comprehensive cleaning will be performed. This stage may occur on the same day as the first stage or 1-2 weeks later. It helps eliminate any remaining bacteria inside the tooth. Your dentist may also take X-rays to determine the length of your root canal and ensure thorough cleaning of the entire canal.
Filling up the Root Canal
After ensuring the root canal is bacteria-free and your symptoms are relieved, the next step is filling the root canal. This is done approximately 5 weeks after the previous stage. During this stage, special rubber points are placed into the space left after root canal cleaning. Depending on the condition of your tooth, you may receive a temporary or permanent filling.
If you experience tooth sensitivity or pain in your tooth, you may need to undergo a root canal treatment. Our dentists are ready to carry out a detailed examination to determine if a root canal is the right treatment. For your dental examination, call us today to set up an appointment.
If your dentist recommends root canal treatment for an infected or damaged tooth, you should know what a root canal entails or how it looks. The procedure for a root canal is normally completed in three stages. However, in rare cases, the last two stages of the procedure can be done in one session. Below is a review of the three main stages of root canal treatment.