Who it’s for:
A dentist (or endodontist) performs a root canal for individuals with an infected, damaged, or inflamed tooth pulp. It is suitable for those suffering from severe tooth pain, sensitivity to hot/cold, gum swelling, or deep decay, often to save a natural tooth from extraction.
How the procedure works:
Step-by-Step Root Canal Procedure
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Diagnosis and Numbing: X-rays are taken to assess the infection. Local anesthetic is applied to thoroughly numb the tooth and surrounding gums to ensure a pain-free experience.
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Isolation: A rubber dam is placed around the tooth to keep it dry and clean from saliva during the procedure.
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Accessing the Tooth: The dentist drills a small opening on the top (molar) or back (front tooth) of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber.
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Cleaning the Canals: Tiny instruments are used to remove the diseased or infected pulp and nerve tissue. The canals are cleaned, disinfected, and shaped.
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Filling the Canals: The empty, cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible, rubber-like material called gutta-percha and sealed with adhesive cement.
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Temporary Filling: A temporary filling is placed to close the access hole while the tooth heals.
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Final Restoration: In a follow-up appointment, the temporary filling is replaced with a permanent one, and a dental crown is usually placed on the tooth to strengthen it and prevent future damage.
Comfort and safety
Modern root canal treatments are designed with a focus on patient comfort, safety, and pain relief, often described as feeling no more intense than getting a standard filling. With advanced anesthesia and, in many cases, specialized endodontists using rotary tools and technology like operating microscopes, these procedures are highly effective at saving natural teeth.