What is a Root Canal?

By Susan Braden
Published May 24 2010

Many people, after not having been to the dentist in a long while, will find out from their dentist that they need to have root canals. Though a root canal may sound like a very daunting procedure, or not an affordable dental option, it is actually more common than you might think. Root canals can also be performed by a general dentist, not just a specialist, at a more affordable dental rate!

Check with your dentist within the Careington network of providers to find out if he or she performs affordable dental root canals at the office. If you are wondering what to expect when you go in for your procedure, here are the 4 primary stages of a root canal.

1. Insertion of Rubber Dam. A rubber dam is a slip the dentist places over your tooth to keep saliva from getting in or on the tooth during the procedure. This step prevents infection and maintains sanitation.

2. Drilling to the Nerve. Your dentist will then drill into your tooth to access the nerve. The drilling will take longer than it does for a typical filling, because the dentist is drilling all the way to the center of the tooth. The dentist will place the hole in a discreet location. (Most dentists choose to drill through the back of front teeth, and through the chewing surface of back teeth.)

3. Removal of the Nerve. Once the dentist has entered the pulp chamber of the tooth, he will remove the nerve and clean out the inside of the tooth. This process allows you to keep your existing tooth, but in essence, renders the tooth incapable of producing a pain response.

4. Core-Buildup, Cap or Crown. Once the nerve is extracted from the tooth and the inside of the pulp chamber is cleaned, the root canal process is actually over. However, there are follow-up procedures to root canals that are necessary to re-strengthen the tooth and allow it to function more normally. Most dentists will perform a core buildup of the inside of your tooth to make it strong. Then, many dentists prefer to cap or crown your tooth for extra support.

Although many people imagine root canals to be the most painful of dentistry procedures, they actually are about as uncomfortable as typical fillings – the process simply takes longer. If you need a root canal, go ahead and make an appointment with your Careington dentist today for the most affordable dental root canal price. Not only will you be satisfied with the results of the procedure, but you will also be glad at the amount of money you save.

For more affordable dental tips from Susan, see this article.