Root Canal Treatment

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure that involves the removal of the soft inner part of a tooth, known as the pulp.
The pulp comprises nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels that contribute to tooth growth.
The goal of a root canal is to eliminate infection, prevent reinfection, and save the natural tooth.

When Is a Root Canal Needed?

A root canal is performed when the pulp becomes inflamed, injured, or infected.
Common causes of pulp damage include:
Deep decay due to an untreated cavity.
Multiple dental procedures on the same tooth.
Chips or cracks in the tooth.
Tooth injuries (even if the tooth doesn’t visibly crack).

This common dental treatment is essential for preserving teeth and alleviating pain caused by infection or inflammation in the tooth pulp. During a Root Canal Treatment, the dentist carefully removes the infected pulp and cleans the inside of the tooth. This process ensures long-lasting relief from discomfort and preserves the natural structure of your tooth.

Procedure

Step 1: Anesthetic

The dentist applies numbing medication to your gum near the affected tooth.
Local anesthetic is then injected into your gums to ensure you don’t feel pain during the procedure.

Step 2: Removing the Pulp

The dentist or endodontist makes a small opening in the top of the tooth.
Special tools called files are used to carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp.
All the canals within the tooth are thoroughly cleaned.

Step 3: Antibiotics and Sealing

After pulp removal, a topical antibiotic may be applied to ensure infection clearance.
The canals are disinfected and filled with a sealer paste and gutta-percha (a rubber-like material).
Oral antibiotics may also be prescribed.

Step 4: Temporary Filling