Understanding Root Canals: What to Expect During the Procedure

We know no one loves root canals, but they are necessary to preserve or strengthen an infected or damaged tooth. At her Bella Hanono Family Dentistry office in Alpharetta, Georgia, Dr. Bella Hanono has administered countless root canals during her over 25 years in dentistry. With her gentle and calm approach, Dr. Hanono usually makes root canals as uneventful as possible. 

Understanding your tooth’s anatomical structure

Let’s take a crash course on your tooth anatomy to understand the root canal procedure. Your tooth is a remarkably intricate structure with distinct layers and components contributing to its functionality. The outer, white part of the tooth is the enamel — an extraordinarily tough substance that safeguards the tooth from daily wear and tear. At the centermost part of the tooth lies the pulp chamber, containing sensitive nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. 

While the enamel is the hardest part of the body, it can be vulnerable to cavities and injuries. Cracks or decay in the tooth can allow harmful bacteria to infiltrate the pulp chamber, causing infection. When the tooth is infected, pressure builds up within the tooth, causing pain, especially when chewing.

Unfortunately, infection in the tooth nerves can’t be reversed with antibiotics or the body’s immunity. You need a root canal; otherwise, your tooth risks extraction.

The root canal procedure

You’ve probably heard horror stories about root canals. However, the reality is that modern root canals are anything but painless. Thanks to advanced anesthetics, light touch techniques, and advanced technology, modern root canals are no more painful than a cavity filling. Instead of causing pain, a root canal relieves tooth pain. 

But what’s the procedure like? If you suspect an infected tooth, we’ll restore its health with the simple root canal steps below.

• Diagnosis: Before the procedure, we’ll examine the tooth, take X-rays, and assess its condition. We’ll recommend a root canal if we find out that the tooth’s pulp is infected or damaged because of decay or trauma.
• Anesthesia: We’ll administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth, ensuring that you feel little to no pain during the procedure.
• Tooth preparation: We’ll isolate your tooth with a rubber dam to prevent saliva contamination. Next, we drill a small opening at the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals. 
• Cleaning and shaping: We’ll remove the infected tissue from the pulp chamber and the root canals using specialized instruments. We then clean, shape, and sanitize the root canals before filling them with gutta-percha. 
• Restoration: Finally, we seal the access hole with a tooth filling, but if the tooth is severely compromised, we’ll recommend a dental crown. A crowned tooth looks and functions like the other teeth, if not better. 

After the procedure, you may experience mild pain for a few days. We’ll recommend home remedies and over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort. You should follow our aftercare instructions and attend follow-up appointments to avoid complications.

Best care root canal treatment near me

Need a root canal in Alpharetta, GA? Please call (770) 343-4052 for conservative root canals at Bella Hanono Family Dentistry. Your oral health is our priority, and we’re here to assist you today.

Dr. Bella Hanono, DDS
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Dr. Bella Hanono, the founder of Bella Hanono Family Dentistry, has over 25 years of experience in the industry. Her goal is to promote her patients’ oral health and well-being.

She is an alumnus of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (Doctor of Dental Surgery), University of Texas (Master of Public Health), and Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. She is a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Georgia Dental Association, Northern District of Georgia Dental Association, Hinman Dental Society, Gnathos, Seattle Study Club, and Hispanic Dental Association.

Dr. Hanono regularly attends continuous education courses to keep abreast with the latest trends in dentistry.

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