Root canal treatment is a dental procedure to save a damaged or infected tooth by removing the infected pulp, cleaning the inside, and then filling and sealing it. This procedure is necessary to relieve pain and prevent the infection from spreading, which could lead to an abscess or the loss of the tooth. It is performed by a dentist and typically involves multiple appointments, after which a permanent filling or crown is often placed to restore the tooth.

Why it’s needed

Infected pulp: Deep decay, a crack, or trauma can cause the soft inner tissue (pulp) of a tooth to become infected or inflamed.

Pain relief: The treatment eliminates the source of toothache, swelling, and sensitivity caused by the infection.

Preventing tooth loss: By removing the infection, the procedure saves the natural tooth and prevents the need for extraction.

Stopping infection spread: It prevents the infection from spreading to surrounding teeth and bone.

The procedure:

Numb the tooth: The dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure.

Create an opening: A small opening is made in the tooth to access the pulp chamber.

Remove infected pulp: The dentist carefully cleans out the infected or inflamed pulp, nerves, and blood vessels from inside the tooth.

Clean and shape the canals: The inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, and the narrow canals are shaped to prepare them for filling.

Fill and seal the canals: The cleaned canals are filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha and a sealer to prevent bacteria from re-entering.

Place a temporary or permanent filling: A temporary filling is placed to close the opening. A permanent filling or a crown may be needed later to fully restore the tooth.

What to expect:

• Root canal treatment is often no more painful than getting a filling, thanks to local anesthesia.
• The procedure may require more than one visit, with appointments lasting from one to two hours.
• A final crown is often required for a badly infected tooth to ensure its long-term strength.