Root canal treatment is one of the common treatments done to remove infected and inflamed tissue. This procedure is recommended by the dentist when the soft tissue called pulp inside the tooth gets infected.

The pulp is made up of nerves, blood vessels, and tissues. The pulp can get infected or inflamed due to any reasons like crack, deep decay, continuous dental procedures, etc.

If the infected pulp is kept untreated then it can lead to abscess or cause pain. So, this pulp has to be removed with the root canal treatment method.

What process is followed in the root canal treatment?

Here is general process followed for the root canal treatment:

Diagnosis and Assessment

This is typically done through X-rays and a clinical examination by a dentist. The dentist will determine if a root canal is necessary and will suggest root canal treatment.

Anesthesia 

Before the procedure begins, the dentist will give local anesthetic to numb the tooth and the surrounding area. This ensures that you won’t feel pain during the procedure.

Opening of the access

The dentist drills a small access hole in the top of the tooth. This hole provides access to the pulp chamber and root canals to clean it.

Cleaning and Shaping

Using specialized instruments, the dentist removes the infected or damaged pulp tissue from the pulp chamber and the root canals. The canals are then cleaned and shaped to remove any remaining infected tissue.

Filling

After cleaning and drying of canals, they are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This material seals the canals that avoids collection any debris or causing reinfection.

Sealing the Access Hole

The access hole created at the beginning of the procedure is sealed with a proper filling.

Follow-up

After the procedure, you may experience some discomfort or mild pain, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. It’s important to follow any post-operative instructions provided by your dentist.

Root canal treatment is a highly effective way to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted due to infection or damage. It can eliminate pain and restore the tooth ensuring better oral health.