On regularly scheduled dental visits, most of us can get in and out, in under an hour, teeth glistening, breath smelling minty fresh, a clean sheet, free of cavities and plaque. But occasionally, a mouth x-ray can reveal more serious issues, causing a follow up visit or a more intense fix to be necessary. What, exactly, is the most complicated dental procedure for most dentists (and patients)? Most dentists would say it is the “beloved” root canal.
A root canal is often discussed when a patient complains of severe tooth pain, most notably, while they are eating. In this technical procedure, small instruments are used and extreme attention to the tiny area must be exercised. The intricacy of the procedure, which generally happens in a window of 45-90 minutes, takes precision and a well-trained individual to complete the task effectively. In a root canal, the infected pulp and nerve in a tooth must be removed to clear out the bacteria and infection causing the patient pain. The space left is then filled with a material created to keep the tooth from further issues and from debilitating sensitivity. A root canal can save the tooth from having to be extracted, so it’s a good option when circumstances are not favorable.
Dentists are required to complete years of training for these very tasks, taking each patient’s needs seriously and carefully. In the end, these procedures are meant to improve the patient’s quality of life and eliminate ongoing issues. Although a root canal can seem daunting, the aim is to create the most welcoming, comfortable environment for patients, while also giving the highest quality treatment for the problem.