How Does Root Canal Treatment Work? A Dentist's Guide!

We understand the idea of a root canal can make some people a little nervous, but there's no need to worry! Modern dental care has made the procedure much more comfortable than many people expect.

The truth nowadays is quite reassuring. A root canal is not a treatment that causes you pain; it is a treatment that saves your natural tooth tissue, and therefore avoids tooth extraction. Read this article to understand how does root canal treatment works, so that you can be comfortable about the steps, process, and time taken to provide you with reliable care and protection.

What is a Root Canal?

Before talking about the treatment, it is better that you know the basic anatomy of a tooth.

The enamel is the hard outer surface of a tooth. Under the enamel lies the dentin layer, and located towards the center of the tooth is the pulp chamber. 

The pulp chamber houses the pulp which consists of blood vessels, nerve fibers, and connective tissue. Sometimes the pulp can get inflamed or infected, often due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures or trauma to the tooth, leading to very severe pain or even an abscess. Left untreated, the infection can spread and cause serious oral health issues.

The Step-by-Step Process: How Does Root Canal Treatment Work?

Root canal treatment is carried out in several stages to remove infection, protect the tooth, and restore its strength and function. Here’s a detailed look at how the entire process works.

Phase 1: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

Your appointment begins with a detailed discussion about your concerns. At Dental Designs Clinic, our dentists will take time to understand your symptoms, oral health history, and overall medical background so you feel informed and comfortable from the very start.

Root canal procedures are usually performed by general dentists. However, if the case is complex, you may be referred to an endodontist. An endodontist is a dentist who specialises in root canal treatments. This ensures you receive the most appropriate care based on your specific condition. Click here to read about when you might need to see a root canal specialist.

To assess the tooth, the dentist carries out several diagnostic tests. These may include gently tapping the tooth to check for tenderness, performing vitality tests to see how the nerve is responding, and taking X-rays. Radiographic images help determine the extent of infection and reveal the number, shape, and condition of the root canals. All of this information allows the dentist to plan the treatment accurately and minimise the risk of unexpected complications.

Phase 2: Root Canal Treatment Procedure

Once it is confirmed that a root canal is necessary, treatment begins with numbing the area using local anaesthetic. Even if the nerve inside the tooth is already dead, the surrounding tissues still need to be anaesthetised to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.

A thin rubber sheet called a dental dam is then placed over the tooth. This isolates it from saliva, keeps the area dry, and prevents bacteria from entering the treatment site. It also protects you from accidentally swallowing small instruments during the procedure.

I. Accessing and Cleaning the Pulp Chamber

The dentist creates a small opening in the top of the tooth using specialised instruments. Through this opening, all visible decay is removed, along with the infected pulp tissue inside the central chamber. Clearing this space allows the dentist to reach the root canal system effectively.

II. Cleaning and Shaping the Root Canals

Next comes the cleaning and shaping of the root canals. Each canal has a unique length, which must be measured accurately. An electronic apex locator is used to determine this length, and the measurements are confirmed with X-rays. This ensures the canals are cleaned thoroughly without extending beyond the root or missing any infected areas.

Modern root canal procedures typically use rotary files, flexible, motor-driven instruments that follow the natural curves of the roots. These tools, operated with a slow and controlled electric handpiece, clean and shape the canals while reducing stress on the tooth. This prepares the canals for proper sealing.

III. Disinfection

Shaping alone cannot remove all bacteria. For this reason, the canals are repeatedly flushed with antibacterial solutions to eliminate microscopic organisms and debris. These rinses also help the filling material bond securely to the canal walls.

In some cases, ultrasonic activation is used to enhance the cleaning process. Ultrasonic vibrations allow the disinfecting solutions to reach areas that instruments cannot access, improving overall cleanliness and safety.

At Dental Designs Clinic, laser technology may also be used to support the disinfection of persistently infected root canals, helping improve the effectiveness of cleaning and the overall success of treatment. You can learn more about this here.

Phase 3: Sealing the Canals (Obturation)

After the canals have been fully cleaned, shaped, and disinfected, they must be sealed to prevent bacteria from re-entering.

1. Filling Material – The main filling material used is gutta-percha, which is biologically inert. It is placed inside the canals along with a sealer cement. The cement acts as a strong adhesive, creating a tight, fluid-resistant seal between the gutta-percha and the canal walls.
2. Warm Vertical Compaction – To achieve a complete three-dimensional seal, dentists often use a technique called warm vertical compaction. In this method, the gutta-percha is gently heated and compacted so it flows into tiny spaces and irregularities inside the canals. This creates a secure, long-lasting seal that protects the tooth internally.

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Phase 4: Post and Core and Final Filling

Sometimes, after a root canal, there isn’t enough healthy tooth structure left to withstand normal biting and chewing forces. In these cases, your dentist may recommend placing a post and core.

A post is a small, strong rod, usually made of metal or fibre-reinforced material, that is positioned inside one of the treated root canals. Its role is to anchor the restoration and provide internal support.

The core is a build-up material placed over the post to rebuild the tooth’s shape. It replaces lost tooth structure and forms a stable base that strengthens the tooth.

Once the post and core are completed, a final filling is placed to fully seal the tooth. This step improves durability, restores function, and reduces the risk of fractures, preparing the tooth for long-term protection with a crown.

Phase 5: Dental Crown Placement

After root canal treatment, additional protection is often needed to keep the tooth strong over time. For this reason, a dental crown is usually recommended.

A crown completely covers the treated tooth, helping maintain its shape, strength, and normal function. It also lowers the risk of reinfection and allows you to chew comfortably.

In some cases, the crown is fitted at a later appointment. Until then, patients are advised to avoid chewing very hard or sticky foods on the treated side to prevent damage while the tooth is healing.

Why You Shouldn’t Delay Dental Treatment

When a tooth has been infected, it is typically not capable of healing on its own. This is why dental treatments like a root canal are necessary; they remove the infected tissue and seal the tooth to prevent further complications while preserving the natural tooth structure.

If the infection is not treated, it can spread to the jawbone and surrounding tissues, which may lead to:

• Abscesses: They are painful pockets of pus present near the root ends.
• Bone Loss: An infected tooth can damage the bone that supports the tooth, leading to bone loss.
  
  

Choosing the root canal treatment option means that you can preserve your natural smile.

Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?

The biggest myth that we want to debunk is that the root canal procedure hurt. With modern dental technology, 3D X-rays, and digital imaging, and various anaesthetic options, the procedure is generally straightforward and well-controlled.

After the procedure, you might notice some sensitivity or mild soreness in your jaw for a few days. This is normal and similar to what you might feel after other dental work. Any discomfort can usually be managed easily with over-the-counter painkillers.

Watch this video to hear our root canal specialist explain more about root canal treatments.

Aftercare: Caring for Your Healing Tooth

After the procedure, the recovery process starts with you. For the first few days:

• Stick to a soft diet: Avoid hard food, stick to a soft diet and try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth for the first few days.

• Maintain oral hygiene: Keep up your regular brushing and flossing, and be gentle around the treated area.

• Pay Attention to Symptoms: If you notice severe pressure, prolonged pain, or swelling, contact your dentist right away.

Conclusion

We understand that dental problems can be stressful. Taking the time to learn the right facts about your dental health is already a positive step forward. A root canal treatment is designed to save your natural tooth and extend its lifespan, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile comfortably for many years to come.

If you feel anxious or unsure, don’t hesitate to share your concerns with your dentist. At Dental Designs Singapore, our team is here to guide you through the process. Schedule your appointment today!

WhatsApp us at : +65 8200 9092

Call us at : +65 6221 8284