Root canal treatment is a dental procedure designed to remove inflamed or infected pulp from the inner part of a tooth. This process involves careful cleaning, disinfection, and sealing of the tooth. The primary goals of root canal treatment are to eliminate bacteria, prevent reinfection, and preserve the natural tooth.

Here’s how a root canal is performed:

1.Anesthetic: The dentist applies numbing medication to your gum near the affected tooth. Once it takes effect, a local anesthetic is injected into your gums. Although you’ll remain awake during the procedure, the anesthetic ensures you won’t feel any pain.

2.Removing the Pulp: After numbing, the dentist makes a small opening in the top of the tooth. Special tools called files are used to carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp. The tooth’s pathways (canals) are thoroughly cleaned.

3.Antibiotics: Once the pulp is removed, a topical antibiotic may be applied to ensure infection clearance and prevent reinfection. The canals are then filled and sealed with a sealer paste and a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Oral antibiotics may also be prescribed.

4.Temporary Filling: The procedure concludes by filling the small opening in the tooth’s top with a soft, temporary material1.

After a root canal, the treated tooth may be slightly more brittle but can still function well with proper care. Regular brushing, flossing, a balanced diet, and regular dental checkups contribute to its longevity. Root canals are crucial for repairing decayed teeth and preventing tooth loss. Additionally, this treatment helps prevent bacteria and toxins from entering the bloodstream through infected teeth, safeguarding overall health.

Despite common misconceptions, root canal treatment is not as painful as imagined. It is typically performed when the tooth’s nerve tissue is already dead, allowing the procedure to be done without anesthesia.