Root canal preparation is a dental procedure that involves the meticulous cleaning, shaping, and disinfection of the root canal system of a tooth. It is performed by a dentist or an endodontist (a root canal specialist) to eliminate infection, relieve pain, and save a severely decayed, infected, or damaged tooth. The aim of root canal preparation is to remove the infected or dead pulp tissue, which contains nerves and blood vessels, from the innermost part of the tooth, known as the root canal.
The process begins with the administration of local anesthesia to ensure a pain-free experience for the patient. The dentist then creates an access cavity by drilling a hole in the infected tooth, allowing access to the root canal system. Specialized dental instruments, called files, are carefully inserted into the canal and used to remove the infected pulp tissue. The files are progressively increased in size to widen and shape the canal, facilitating effective disinfection.
During root canal preparation, the dentist may also use irrigating solutions to flush away bacteria, debris, and remaining pulp remnants from the canal. These solutions typically contain antimicrobial agents to eliminate any remaining infection. Once the canal is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, it is prepared for subsequent steps, such as filling it with a biocompatible material like gutta-percha and sealing the access cavity with a temporary or permanent filling.
Root canal preparation aims to clear infection, alleviate pain, and conserve the natural tooth structure, preventing the need for extraction. This procedure is an essential step in root canal therapy, which is commonly recommended for teeth with deep cavities, severe decay, cracked teeth, dental trauma, or repeated dental procedures on the same tooth.
