A root canal is a dental procedure used to remove infected or damaged tissue, also known as pulp, from inside a tooth. The pulp in a tooth is crucial for the growth and health of a tooth, making root canals a necessary procedure when this tissue becomes infected. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into how root canals work and why you may need one! Gentle Dental Maine provides a wide range of general dentistry services to residents of the Southern Maine region, including root canals, tooth extractions, oral cancer screenings, and much more! Contact us today to learn more!

Why Do I Need A Root Canal?

There are several reasons why someone may need a root canal. One of the most common reasons is that tooth decay has led to a deep cavity that reaches the tooth’s pulp. Another common reason that someone may need a root canal is if some sort of physical trauma has occurred on the tooth, causing a chip or a crack that damages the pulp inside the tooth. When damage or decay exposes the pulp in a tooth, the tissue can become infected and require a root canal.

How Does The Root Canal Process Work?

The root canal process involves multiple steps that are typically done over one or two visits to your dentist.

The first step of a root canal is for anesthesia to be applied to the damaged tooth. This is typically done using a local anesthetic that numbs the tooth and the surrounding area, which helps to minimize discomfort during the rest of the procedure.

Next, the dentist will drill an opening in the top of the tooth so they can access the infected or damaged pulp. Once they can access the pulp, the dentist will remove the infected tissue using tools that are specialized for root canal procedures.

Once the infected tissue is removed, the dentist will create a smooth, even surface within the tooth that can then be filled with a thermoplastic filling that seals the root canal and prevents further damage. The final step of the procedure is to seal the now-fixed tooth with a crown.

While root canals have the reputation of being a painful procedure, modern root canals use techniques and anesthesia that make the procedure relatively painless.

Contact Gentle Dental Maine!

If you have any questions about root canals or are looking for a dentist in the Southern Maine region, don’t hesitate to contact Gentle Dental! We provide professional family dentistry services at each of our offices in South Portland, Biddeford, and Topsham. Give us a call at any one of our offices, or if you’re not yet a patient with us, please fill out the new patient form on our website!