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

Most patients fear that going to a dentist for a root canal treatment will be painful. But the reality is that modern dental care has made the procedure much more comfortable than many people expect. 

A root canal is not a treatment that causes pain; it is aimed to eliminate pain. It is a treatment that saves your natural tooth, and therefore avoids tooth extraction. Read this article to understand how 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?

It helps to look at the basic anatomy of a tooth before discussing root canal treatment proper.

The outer part of the tooth is called enamel. That is a hard layer which protects the tooth from external insults. Under the enamel is a softer layer known as dentin. At the centre of the tooth is the pulp chamber. A hollow space extends from the pulp chamber down to the roots. This is called the root canals.

The pulp chamber contains soft tissue made up of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When these tissues become infected or inflamed, it can cause toothaches, gum swelling, or even an abscess. This can occur due to extensive decay, or repeated dental work, and injury. If treatment is not sought at this stage, the infection can continue to develop in the surrounding structures.

The Root Canal Treatment Steps: What happens during root canal treatment? 

Root canal treatment is carried out in several stages. The objective is 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

The first step is a conversation about your symptoms, dental concerns, and overall health. At Dental Designs Clinic, the dentist takes time to understand a patient's condition fully so they feel informed and comfortable before treatment begins.

Oftentimes, routine root canal procedures are performed by general dentists. When the case is complicated, such as a tooth with curved canals or persistent infection, then you may be referred to an Endodontist. An Endodontist is a dentist with specialised training in root canal treatments. This helps patients to receive appropriate care for their situation. Click here to read about when you might need to see a root canal specialist.

Your dentist will perform several tests to evaluate the concerned tooth. They may gently tap the tooth to check for sensitivity. Tooth vitality tests may also be done to assess nerve response. An important aspect is to take dental X-rays. These images help identify the extent of infection and reveal the number, shape, and condition of the root canals.

Phase 2: Root Canal Treatment Procedure

The dentist begins by numbing the tooth so that the procedure is comfortable for the patient. This is done using local anaesthetic so that you do not feel any pain throughout the treatment.

A small rubber sheet with a hole in it is then placed around the tooth. This is called a dental dam. The rubber sheet covers the neighbouring teeth and isolates the concerned tooth. It also helps to keep the area from saliva and bacteria during the treatment procedure.

I. Accessing and Cleaning the Pulp Chamber

The dentist makes a small opening through the top of the tooth and the dead or infected tissue is removed from the centre of the tooth by cleaning away all decay and bacteria.

II. Cleaning and Shaping the Root Canals

Once the tissue in the pulp chamber is removed, the root canals are then cleaned and shaped. Fine, flexible instruments called root canal files are used to clean and shape the canals. Each root canal is carefully measured using an electronic instrument called the electronic apex locator.

Root canal files can be up to 31 millimetres long but must be able to follow the natural shape of the root canal. The files are made of very finely tapered metals. Modern root canal procedures typically use flexible rotary files which are motor-driven. These tools clean and shape the canals while reducing stress on the tooth. This step prepares the canals for proper sealing.

III. Disinfection

The canals are repeatedly flushed with antibacterial solutions to eliminate microscopic organisms and debris. This is done because even after shaping, tiny traces of bacteria can remain inside the canal system.

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.

At Dental Designs Clinic, laser technology may also be used to support the disinfection of persistently infected root canals. You can learn more about this here.

Phase 3: Sealing the Canals (Obturation)

Once all the canals have been cleaned thoroughly, shaped and disinfected, they need to be sealed to prevent the entry of bacteria.

The main filling material is gutta-percha. It is a biologically inert material and is inserted in the canal alongside a sealer cement. The cement has strong adhesive properties and results in a fluid-tight seal around the gutta-percha. The gutta-percha is heated and compacted such that it will flow around any minute space and imperfections within the canal, generating a complete 3-dimensional seal.

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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 have been completed, a final filling is placed into the prepared post and core to fully seal the tooth. This makes it stronger and improves its durability to reduce the risk of tooth fracture. A dental crown then goes over the tooth.

Phase 5: Dental Crown Placement

Many treated teeth benefit from extra protection to stay strong over time. Hence, a dental crown is often advised.

It covers the whole tooth and helps maintain its natural appearance and function. It also helps reduce the risk of future damage. A dental crown is usually prepared at a later visit, and patients are generally advised not to bite into hard or sticky foods.

Why You Shouldn’t Delay Dental Treatment

A tooth cannot heal on its own, especially when the infection has reached the dental pulp. Treatment is needed to prevent the condition from worsening. Root canal treatment removes the infection and then seals the tooth to reduce the risk of future complications.

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?

One of the common misconceptions about root canal treatment is that it is painful. Modern imaging techniques and effective anaesthesia methods have made this treatment far more comfortable than many people expect.

Mild sensitivity is common after any dental procedure. It can usually be managed with over-the-counter medications.

Watch this video to hear our root canal specialist explain if root canals are painful.

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.
• Keep an eye on symptoms: In case there is severe pressure, prolonged pain, or swelling, get in touch with your dentist right away.

Conclusion

Most people are a little nervous when they hear they need a root canal, especially if they've never had one before. When you know what's involved, the treatment can feel a lot less daunting.

Root canal treatment helps keep your natural tooth in place rather than having it removed. This process supports long-term oral health so that daily activities like talking or chewing remain smooth.

At Dental Designs Singapore, our team can guide you through the root canal treatment steps. Schedule your appointment for a natural-looking smile!

WhatsApp us at : +65 8200 9092

Call us at : +65 6221 8284

Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Treatment

1. What is root canal treatment of teeth?

In root canal treatment, the infected soft pulp tissues in the tooth are removed. The tooth is then sealed to prevent infections from developing in the future. Root canal treatments help to preserve a natural tooth and prevent the extraction of the tooth.

2. How is root canal treatment done?

A small opening is made in the tooth to reach the inside of it. Fine specialised dental instruments are used to remove the infected pulp. After that, the canals are disinfections and filling is done. The tooth is finally secured with a dental crown.

3. Can MediSave be used for root canal treatment?

Root canal treatments are not claimable under MediSave. In Singapore, MediSave may only be used for approved dental surgical procedures that are considered medically necessary. Since standard root canal treatments are considered non-surgical treatments, they are not covered by MediSave.

However, if you are 60 and above, you may be eligible to use Flexi-MediSave for root canal treatment and dental crowns. Find out more here.

4. How much is root canal treatment in Singapore?

The cost of the root canal treatment depends on multiple factors, such as which tooth is involved. For example, a front tooth with a single canal will cost less compared to a back tooth that has multiple canals. Your dentist can advise on the cost for your specific treatment plan. Click here to learn about the cost of root canal treatments at Dental Designs Clinic.

5. Does root canal treatment hurt?

With modern dentistry, root canal treatment does not hurt. Dentists will administer local anaesthesia during the visit to numb the concerned tooth and gums. Patients may feel pressure, but they will not feel pain. Post-treatment sensitivity, if present, could feel like a dull ache and will subside after a few days.