What happens during a root canal?

Question

i have to get one on my lower left molar. i'm scared. does it hurt. someone please explain the procedure.

Answer 1

the dentist will numb u up i had it done to my very front tooth. and he told me that the only reason why it takes a long time do to a root canal on the side teeth and the ones in the back is because they have more then 1 canal and it takes time to clean them out and stuff. but he said the teeth that are in front only have one canal. i got mine done only in one visit. if its really bad it may take longer just depends on how bad it is but its nothing to be scared of or worried about.

Answer 2

Root canals are not that bad.  The Dentist will numb the area around the tooth.  He will then access the center of the tooth by drilling a hole, or if your tooth is cracked he will smooth it down and make access through that area. What happens next is the part I used to be freaked out about.  First of all, since your root canal is going to be done on a molar, there will be probably 3 or 4 roots that he will need to remove.  Don''t panic.  It's really not that bad!  The Dentist uses small files to clean out the roots (pulp) and any infection that is present.  It may take a little time to get all the pulp out, but once it is done, rest assured that the worst part is over.  What follows is simply shaping the stub of a tooth that remains, and eventually getting a crown placed over the stub.  Root canals have a bad reputation for being painful. They are not as bad as people make them out to be.  The worst part is the novocaine shot.  But if they use a topical anesthetic before the injection, you won't feel a thing.  Trust me. I just had a root canal in July, and NOW I find out I need one more!  I am holding off for another week, but I'm going to have to do it eventually so I may as well get it over with!  Good Luck, I hope this help to put you at ease. You'll  do fine.

Answer 3

root canals generally require 2-3 visits because the nerve in the tooth is infected and so it needs thourough cleaning out.

the first visit will go for about 1 hr or so.

they will numb the lower left molar and surrounding gum for you, so you wont be able to feel anything.

a sheet will be placed over your mouth. This sheet will protect the tooth from saliva and its also easier access for the dentist.

The dentist will drill into you tooth until he finds the nerves and canals.

He will then proceed to clean out the canals. He uses what we call files. They come in different shape and sizes and help scrape out the infection.

He will then place medication into the tooth and close the tooth up with a temporary filling.

A temporary filling is used because you will need to go back for tmt for root canal. The medication he placed in will help rid of the infection. and help settle the tooth.

The second/third visit is pretty much the same. The dentist will clean out the nerves and canals until he is satisfied that all the infection is gone. He will then seal up the canals and place a stronger medication in the tooth. He will then close up the tooth with a permanent filling.

And its done!

hope that helped for you