What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental treatment designed to save a severely infected or damaged tooth. Here's a step-by-step explanation of what happens during a root canal procedure:

1. Diagnosis: The dentist examines the tooth and takes X-rays to assess the extent of the damage or infection.

2. Local Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered near the affected tooth to numb the area and ensure the patient's comfort during the procedure.

3. Isolation: A dental dam, a rubber sheet, is placed around the tooth to isolate it from the rest of the mouth, ensuring a clean and dry working environment.

4. Access Opening: An access hole is created on the top or side of the affected tooth to reach the root canals.

5. Cleaning: Using specialized dental instruments, the dentist removes the infected pulp and nerve tissue from the pulp chamber and the root canals. This step involves carefully cleaning and shaping the root canals.

6. Irrigation: The dentist may use an antibacterial solution to flush out any bacteria and debris from the root canals.

7. Filling: The cleaned and shaped root canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha to seal the canals and prevent further infection.

8. Temporary Restoration: After the root canal procedure, the dentist places a temporary filling to protect the tooth while it heals.

9. Permanent Restoration: Once the tooth has healed and is free of infection, the temporary filling is replaced with a permanent restoration such as a dental crown or filling, restoring the tooth's function and aesthetics.

Root canals have a high success rate, and most people experience significant relief from dental pain and sensitivity after the procedure. However, some cases may require additional follow-up appointments for complete healing and restoration of the tooth.