How Is Root Canal Treatment Done for Infected Teeth?

We understand that when you hear the term "root canal treatment," there may be a lot of anxiety associated with it. If you're feeling anxious about root canal treatment, don't worry! In many instances, a tooth that has been injured or has an infection can be treated comfortably and saved with endodontic therapy (root canal treatment). At Dental Designs, we want to reassure you that the technique of performing root canal treatment is a safe, predictable procedure that focuses on relieving discomfort rather than causing it.

The majority of patients leave the clinic with a sense of relief knowing that their pain was treated and their tooth will continue to be preserved for the foreseeable future. This article will outline how is root canal treatment done so that you will have a better idea of what to expect when undergoing this procedure.

When The Trouble Starts Inside Your Tooth

The center of a tooth contains the pulp, which is a soft tissue that runs through narrow tubular spaces that run through both the roots (known as root canals).

So, when the bacteria come into contact with a tooth's pulp due to extensive tooth decay or through non-traumatic means such as cracks, repeated dental procedures, and/or trauma, the pulp may swell or possibly become necrotic, depending on the severity of the bacterial exposure. The pulp, if not treated, will also become inflamed and/or die at the base of the root; so, an untreated tooth history will lead to pain, swelling, heat sensitivity, or pressure sensitivity. 

Some teeth may eventually require root canal therapy due to deep, untreated decay, cracks or tooth trauma. If not treated, the infection will eventually reach the surrounding bone, which will then also weaken the tooth and may necessitate dental extraction (tooth removal).

In these situations, root canal therapy will remove the necrotic pulp from within the tooth, completely clean and disinfect the canals, then fill and seal the canals from future infection in an effort to keep the tooth alive for as long as possible.

What Happens During My Root Canal Appointment?

Phase 1: Diagnosis

When you visit our clinic, we take the time to understand your concerns. We’ll talk through your overall health and the oral symptoms that led you to seek treatment, so you feel comfortable and well-informed throughout your appointment.

At Dental Designs Clinic, root canal treatment is performed by our general dentists. For more complex cases, we also have an endodontist—a specialist in root canal treatment—who you may be referred to if needed. This article explains when you might see a general dentist or a specialist for your care.

During your check-up, your dentist will perform necessary tests such as percussion of the tooth for tenderness, vitality tests and x-rays as needed. Radiographs or x-rays images give an idea of the extent of infection you might have, and what the root canal(s) will look like. All of this information is used to plan your treatment and prevent any possible unexpected problems.

Phase 2: Root Canal Treatment Proper

Once it is confirmed that a root canal treatment is required, the dentist begins by ensuring the area is fully numbed using local anaesthesia. This is done even if the tooth’s nerve is no longer alive, as the surrounding tissues still need to be anaesthetised for comfort.

A dental dam made of rubber which is very thin, is then placed, which serves to isolate the tooth. This keeps the working field dry; no bacteria-led saliva is present, which helps improve safety measures by protecting you from swallowing any small, sharp instruments.

Access and Clearing the Chamber

This marks the start of the mechanical procedure. The dentist gains access using a specialised instrument to create a small clean opening on the tooth's top.

Coronal Debridement

The dentist then clears all the visible tooth decay and removes the bulk of the infected pulp tissue from the chamber. This action provides the clear path necessary to reach the root canal system.

Cleaning and Shaping the Canals

This is the core phase of the procedure and is carried out to ensure bacteria are thoroughly removed.

• Measuring the canals: Each root canal has a specific length. The dentist uses an electronic apex locator (a measuring device) to measure this accurately and confirms the working length with an X-ray. This ensures the canals are cleaned with precision, without over- or under-treatment.

• Cleaning and Shaping Instruments: Modern root canal treatment typically uses rotary files to clean and shape the root canals. These flexible, motor-driven instruments follow the natural curves of the tooth without placing stress on the root. Used with a slow, controlled electric handpiece, they help clean and shape the canals safely, preparing them for sealing.

   

  

Disinfection

Mechanical cleaning alone is not enough. The canals are thoroughly rinsed with antibacterial solutions to remove microscopic bacteria and debris. Multiple rinses may be used to ensure effective disinfection and to help the filling material bond securely to the canal walls.

Occasionally, ultrasonic vibrations are used for the cleaning process. This allows the solutions to penetrate areas that cannot be accessed by instruments and provides a thorough and safe cleaning of the tooth.

At Dental Designs Clinic, lasers may be used to assist in disinfecting stubbornly infected canals, enhancing the cleaning process and treatment success. Find out more here.

Phase 3: The Permanent Seal (Obturation)- How is Root Canal Treatment Done?

Once the canals are clean, shaped, and disinfected, they are sealed to prevent bacteria from re-entering.

Filling Material

The primary material used to fill root canals is gutta-percha. Gutta-percha is an inactive rubber-like polymer. It is normally inserted with sealer cement. The role of the sealer cement is primarily that of a strong adhesive, creating a watertight seal between the gutta-percha and the sides of the canal.

Creating a Secure Seal

The final result that has to be achieved is an ideal three-dimensional seal. This is commonly done using the warm vertical compaction technique, where the gutta-percha is gently heated and compacted. This allows it to flow into tiny spaces and irregularities within the canal, ensuring a secure and long-lasting seal.

Phase 4: Post and Core, and Final Filling

In some cases, the remaining tooth structure after a root canal may not be strong enough to support the everyday chewing forces on its own. When this happens, a post and core may be recommended by your dentist.

Post

A small, sturdy rod (usually made of metal or fiber-reinforced material) is placed inside one of the cleaned root canals. It helps anchor the core and provides additional internal support for the tooth.

Core

The core is a build-up material that reconstructs the shape of the tooth, replacing lost structure and creating a stable foundation that strengthens the tooth.

Once the post and core are in place, the tooth is restored with a final filling to seal the area fully. This step improves tooth strength, ensures proper function, and helps prevent fractures, making the tooth ready for long-term protection with a crown.

Phase 5: Dental Crowns

After a root canal treatment, the tooth may need additional support to maintain its structure and function over time. To ensure long-lasting protection, a dental crown is usually recommended.

A crown fully covers the treated tooth, helping to preserve its shape and function while protecting it from potential damage. It also reduces the risk of reinfection and allows you to chew comfortably. While the crown may be placed at a later appointment, it is an important step in securing the long-term success of the root canal treatment.

Until the crown is fitted, patients are advised to avoid biting on very hard or sticky foods on the treated side to protect the tooth during healing.

How Long Does It Take For RCT?

The time involved varies widely as the tooth anatomy is different for each tooth. Here is a look at the average session time:

*Treatment times are approximate and may vary depending on the complexity of the tooth, including factors like curved roots or calcified canals.

Related Articles

• Root canal infection treatment: Tooth Decay to Infections Explained!

• Root Cause of Root Canal Pain: What’s Really Behind the Discomfort?

  
  

Conclusion

Root Canal Treatment is a reliable way to relieve dental pain, remove dental decay, and preserve the health of the tooth. At Dental Designs, our dentists focus on making the experience as comfortable as possible, with fewer procedures than many patients expect from dental care.

Following a tooth nerve treatment, the treated tooth is usually more fragile than it was before the treatment. Therefore, it is very important to replace the tooth following treatment with the same or better quality of material as was used in the original tooth. The final step in the tooth nerve treatment is to place a dental crown on the treated tooth. Dental crown have a high rate of success over the long term and can last many years.

With regular dental visits, consistent brushing, and flossing, a root canal–treated tooth can remain healthy and functional, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable smile for years to come.

At Dental Designs Clinic, Singapore, our approach is guided by research and evidence-based practices, so we can deliver high quality care for overall dental well-being.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

WhatsApp us at : +65 8200 9092

Call us at : +65 6221 8284