Root canal treatment (also called endodontic therapy) is a dental procedure used to treat and save a severely infected or damaged tooth rather than removing it. Inside each tooth is a soft centre called the pulp which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When this pulp becomes infected due to deep decay, cracks, or trauma, root canal therapy removes the inflamed tissue, cleans and disinfects the inner canals, and seals the space to prevent further infection. A dental crown or permanent filling is then placed to restore function and strength.
Why Choose Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal therapy is recommended when untreated decay or injury reaches the pulp of the tooth. Without treatment, infection can spread, causing severe pain, abscesses, and even tooth loss. Choosing root canal treatment:
Root canal therapy involves several careful steps to treat the infected tooth and restore its health:
Your dentist evaluates the condition of the tooth with clinical examination and digital X-rays to determine the extent of infection and plan the treatment.
To ensure comfort, local anesthesia is administered before treatment begins.
A rubber dam is placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free from saliva during treatment.
A small opening is made in the crown of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber and root canals.
The infected pulp is removed and the canals are cleaned, shaped, and disinfected using special instruments.
An antimicrobial solution rinses the canals to remove any remaining debris or bacteria.
The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material (usually gutta-percha) to seal and protect the space from reinfection.
Finally, the access opening is closed with a filling or crown. A crown is often recommended to strengthen and protect the treated tooth, especially if significant structure was lost.
Removing infected pulp eliminates the cause of toothache and discomfort.
Keeping your natural tooth helps maintain bite alignment and prevents adjacent teeth from shifting.
Post-treatment, you can eat, speak, and chew comfortably with normal function.
Cleaning and sealing the canals eliminates the infection and protects surrounding gums and bone.
Retaining your own tooth often avoids the costs associated with extractions and replacements like implants or bridges.
Modern root canal treatments are generally comfortable and performed under local anesthesia. Many patients report that the procedure feels similar to getting a filling.
Root canal therapy can often be completed in one to two appointments, depending on the tooth and complexity.
In most cases, yes. A crown strengthens the treated tooth and helps prevent future damage or fracture.
Common signs include severe toothache, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling or tenderness in gums, deep decay, or a cracked tooth.
With proper oral care and regular dental check-ups, a root canal treated tooth can last many years often a lifetime.