How Do They Keep Your Mouth Open During a Root Canal?
By Dr. Eastwood – Summerbrook Dental & Implants, Fort Worth, TX
If you’ve never had a root canal before, you might wonder how we keep your mouth open for the whole procedure. A root canal can take some time, and holding your mouth open on your own would be tiring. That’s why dentists use special tools to help.
The main tool we use is called a bite block or mouth prop. It’s a small, wedge-shaped device made of rubber or plastic. Once your mouth is open, we gently place the bite block between your upper and lower teeth. This allows you to rest your jaw while we work, so you don’t have to strain.
We also use a dental dam during a root canal. A dental dam is a thin sheet, usually made of latex or a latex-free material, that covers your other teeth and gums. It keeps the area clean and dry, and it also helps keep your mouth open by limiting tongue movement and keeping your lips in place.
These tools make the procedure safer, cleaner, and more comfortable for you. Most patients are surprised by how easy it feels once everything is in place. You can relax your jaw and just let the dentist handle the work.
At Summerbrook Dental & Implants, my goal is to make every procedure as comfortable as possible. Our no-judgment office means you can feel at ease, even if it’s been a while since your last dental visit. We explain each step before we start, so you’ll know exactly what’s happening and why.
If you need a root canal in Fort Worth, we’ll make sure your mouth stays open comfortably and that the process is smooth from start to finish.