1. Cleaning the root canal 

The first step in the procedure involves our dentist removing all contents from the root canal. After administering local anesthesia, the dentist creates a small access hole on the tooth’s surface to eliminate diseased, dead, and infected pulp tissue using specialized tiny files.

2. Filling the root canal 

Next, the dentist cleans, shapes, and disinfects the hollow space using small files and irrigation solutions. Afterward, the canal is filled with a special material and sealed with adhesive cement. Following root canal therapy, the patient will no longer experience pain in that tooth, as the nerve tissue has been removed and the infection eradicated.

3. Adding a crown or filling

Since the tooth will be more fragile without its pulp, it needs to receive nourishment from the ligament that attaches it to the bone. Although this supply is sufficient, the tooth may become increasingly vulnerable over time. To provide protection, a crown or filling is recommended. Until this process is complete, patients should avoid eating, chewing, or biting down on the affected tooth.

Once the crown or filling is placed, normal function can resume. If there are no complex canal structures or significant infections, the therapy typically requires only one appointment. In more complicated cases, an additional one or two visits may be necessary.

Who needs Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, as it cannot heal on its own and the surrounding tissue begins to die. Factors such as deep cavities, cracked teeth, or loose fillings can allow bacteria to infiltrate the pulp.

If left untreated, bacteria can destroy the pulp, potentially spreading the infection to the bone. This infection can weaken and damage the bone, causing the ligaments around the tooth to swell, ultimately leading to tooth loss.

Patients may experience sensitivity to temperature, pain during chewing, or persistent throbbing discomfort. Without treatment, the infection may worsen, resulting in a loose tooth that may need extraction.

Some patients opt for extraction, particularly if the tooth is severely painful or irreparable due to extensive decay, trauma, or loss of bone from periodontal disease. Removing a tooth can lead to the shifting of surrounding teeth, causing misalignment, which can be unsightly and complicate biting and chewing.