Laguna Niguel residents ask, “What does a root canal procedure do?”

Root canal. Those two simple words can strike fear in the heart of the toughest dental patient. Yet, many people know very little about it. In fact, a study conducted by the Association of Endodontics revealed that the majority of people who described root canal therapy as “painful” had never actually experienced it.

Modern root canal treatment is comfortable, convenient, and highly effective. Unfortunately, it is also widely misunderstood. You may be wondering exactly what it accomplishes, and what to expect.

What is a root canal?

To understand the procedure, it helps to have a basic understanding of tooth anatomy. Although teeth appear to be solid, they are actually composed of several layers. The hardest material, tooth enamel, is a thin layer on the surface. Beneath it is a thicker layer of dentin. In the center of a tooth there are canals containing dental pulp, which is composed of soft, fragile tissues such as nerves.

When the tooth is strong and healthy, the pulp is protected by the surrounding layers of enamel and dentin. However, deep cavities or fractures can expose nerves, injure the pulp, or open up a path for infective bacteria to enter. A root canal procedure removes the pulp, including the nerve, and eliminates infection.

Steps of the procedure

First, your dentist will numb the tooth, and then open a very small hole in the enamel. Specialized endodontic tools are used to access the canals and remove the damaged pulp. Medication is added to kill any lingering bacteria, and the canal is filled with a rubbery material known as gutta percha.

The final step is restoring the tooth. Although the access opening is small, and could be repaired with a filling, we usually recommend a dental crown. It can protect the tooth from future damage, as well as restoring its appearance and functionality.

If you have any questions, or you would like to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at 949-427-2096. Our comfortable office is conveniently located in Mission Viejo, serving communities throughout the area including Laguna Niguel.