human
I'm getting a root canal done. What should I expect?
assistant
You should expect to feel some pain, but it is usually mild and short-lived. It can also cause some swelling and discomfort in the area around your tooth. The dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic before beginning the procedure. After numbing, you may experience slight pressure or vibration during the procedure. Once the tooth has been prepared, the dentist will begin the actual root canal treatment. During this process, the dentist will remove the infected tissue from inside of the tooth, clean out any remaining bacteria, and fill the tooth with a special material called gutta percha. Finally, the dentist will seal the tooth with a filling or crown.