A premolar root canal is a dental procedure used to treat infection or damage inside the pulp (the inner tissue) of a premolar tooth. Premolars are the teeth located between the molars and the canines and typically have one or two roots, making their root canal treatment slightly more complex than that of front teeth but simpler than molars.
Steps in a Premolar Root Canal Procedure:
- Diagnosis and X-rays: The dentist or endodontist will take X-rays to determine the extent of the infection or damage.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area around the premolar.
- Access Opening: A small hole is drilled into the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber.
- Cleaning and Shaping: The infected or damaged pulp is removed, and the root canals are cleaned, disinfected, and shaped with specialized files.
- Filling: Once the canals are cleaned, they are filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha, which seals the canals to prevent future infection.
- Sealing and Restoration: A temporary or permanent filling is placed to close the access hole. In some cases, a crown may be required to protect the tooth and restore its full function.