Root Canal Treatment Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Dealing with tooth pain and infection can be uncomfortable for anyone. An infection typically occurs when bacteria travel through a crack or cavity to reach the soft pulp inside the tooth. The bacteria infect the pulp, causing buildup of pressure and swelling, which will eventually cause pain.

Root canal treatment is a safe and reliable method to save the natural tooth, rather than having to remove it completely. The procedure involves cleaning the inside portion of the tooth (which contains pulp and nerves) to remove any infection and bacteria that were damaging it. Once the infection has been removed, the inside of the tooth is filled with an inert material and then sealed, to prevent reinfection from occurring.

The purpose of performing a root canal treatment process is to reduce discomfort and allow your tooth to heal so that you can return to your daily routine. At Dental Designs Clinic, we take the time to listen to your concerns and understand your goals. This helps us communicate clearly, tailor the treatment to suit your needs and provide a comfortable experience during your visit.

 

What is Happening Inside Your Tooth?

The tooth is made up of a few different layers. The outer layer is known as the enamel, which protects the tooth. Beneath the enamel is dentin, which is slightly softer. At the centre of the tooth is the pulp, a soft tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels.

When the tooth is damaged by decay, cracks, or infection, these nerves can become irritated. This irritation is what causes the pain or sensitivity you feel. For example:

• Tooth decay (cavity): Bacteria can reach the pulp and trigger inflammation, causing pain.

• Cracked or chipped tooth: Exposes the inner layers, irritating the nerves.

• Infection: Can cause pressure and swelling inside the tooth, leading to sharp or throbbing pain.

In short, tooth pain usually happens when the nerves inside the pulp are affected, signaling that the tooth needs attention.

 

Overview of Root Canal Treatment Process: Step-by-Step

1. A Comprehensive Consultation

Your appointment starts with the consultation, where our dentist will listen to what you’ve been experiencing, talk with you about your symptoms, and review your medical and dental history. This step is all about understanding your concerns and making sure you feel informed and comfortable.

At Dental Designs Clinic, most root canal treatments are carried out by experienced general dentists. If your tooth condition is deemed to be more complex, you may be referred to an Endodontist, who is a dentist that specialises in root canal care. This simply means you’re being guided to the right level of expertise for an ideal outcome.

Your dentist will examine the tooth, which may include light tapping, vitality tests, and taking X-rays. At Dental Designs Clinic, we use 3D digital X-rays (CBCT xrays) to map the canals in detail, so every tiny canal is traced and treated to prevent missed canals. These also help determine how far the infection has spread and what the inside of the tooth looks like. All of this information allows your dentist to plan your treatment accurately.

 

2. Root Canal Procedure

Once a root canal is confirmed, the area is effectively numbed using local anaesthesia. This is because even if the nerve inside the tooth is no longer alive, the surrounding tissues still need to be numbed so you don’t feel pain during the procedure.

A thin rubber sheet called a dental dam is then placed around the tooth. This keeps the area clean and dry, stops bacteria from saliva entering the tooth, and also protects you from accidentally swallowing any small instruments. It’s a step we take that makes the procedure safe and comfortable.

For patients who feel anxious, we also offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help you relax during treatment, making the experience easier for those nervous about dental procedures.

 

3. Cleaning and Shaping the Root Canals

Your dentist will create a small opening on the top of the tooth using rotary dental instruments. Through this opening, tooth decay is removed, and the infected pulp inside the tooth is then taken out.

Every tooth is different with different number of root canals, and each root canal has its own length and shape. Your dentist uses an electronic measuring device, along with X-rays, to find the exact length of each canal. This ensures the canals are cleaned thoroughly without going beyond the root or missing any infected areas.

At Dental Designs Clinic, we use flexible, motor-driven rotary files to clean and shape the canals. Unlike traditional root canal files, these modern endodontic tools follow the natural curves of the tooth and work with slow, controlled movements, making the process safe and accurate while preparing the canals for sealing.

The root canal procedure is also performed using a dental microscope, which lets our dentists see tiny areas invisible to the naked eye (up to 20 times!). This ensures an accurate and thorough root canal treatment.

5. Disinfecting the Root Canals

Cleaning instruments alone can’t remove all bacteria, especially those that are too small to see. For this reason, the canals are rinsed several times with antibacterial solutions to flush out remaining germs and debris. These solutions also help the filling material bond properly to the canal walls.

In some cases, ultrasonic activation is used to help the cleaning solutions reach areas that instruments cannot access. At Dental Designs Clinic, laser technology may also be used to enhance the disinfection of stubbornly infected canals, improving the thoroughness of cleaning and supporting the long-term success of the treatment.

 

6. Sealing of the Root Canals

Once the inside of the tooth is fully cleaned and disinfected, the canals are sealed to protect them from future infection.

An inert rubber-like, biocompatible material called gutta-percha is placed into the canals. To make sure even tiny spaces are sealed, dentists often use a technique called warm vertical compaction. The gutta-percha is gently heated and pressed so it flows into small, irregular areas inside the canals, creating a secure and long-lasting seal.

 

7. Rebuilding the Tooth’s Strength with Post and Core

Sometimes, a tooth that has had a root canal doesn’t have enough natural structure left to handle everyday chewing on its own. When this happens, your dentist may suggest a post and core to strengthen the tooth from the inside.

A post is a small, sturdy rod made from metal or fibre-reinforced material that is placed inside one of the treated canals. It helps support the restoration.

The core is a build-up material used to rebuild the shape of the tooth and replace what has been lost. Together, the post and core create a strong foundation.

After this, a final filling is placed to completely seal the tooth. This step improves strength, restores normal function, and reduces the risk of fractures, preparing the tooth for a crown.

 

8. Protecting Your Smile with a Dental Crown

After a root canal, the treated tooth often needs extra protection to stay strong in the long term. This is why a dental crown is usually recommended.

A dental crown covers the entire tooth, helping restore its natural shape and function while protecting it from damage and lowering the risk of reinfection. It allows you to chew comfortably and confidently.

At Dental Designs Clinic, we offer same day crowns. This means that what usually takes two weeks can be done in just one day, thanks to our in-house lab, where we fabricate dental restorations right here in the clinic. For same day crowns, you’ll come for a morning appointment to have your tooth prepared, leave for the day while we create your dental crown, and when you return to the clinic at the end of the day, crown will be ready for placement onto your tooth — all in a single day!

Related Articles

• Success of root canal treatment: What are the factors that matter

• Why do I need a dental crown after root canal treatment

Recovery After Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is an important step in the infection resolution process, but what happens afterwards in terms of healing is equally important. A root canal involves removal of nerves inside the tooth, but the structures surrounding the tooth such as the ligaments and gum tissue may still be sore due to the original infection.

Because of this, it’s normal to feel mild soreness or discomfort after the treatment, but this usually subsides within a few days.

I. Managing Initial Sensitivity

After your root canal, it’s common to feel a slight “phantom” sensation or mild discomfort once the anaesthesia wears off.

Pain management: Most patients find that over-the-counter pain management medications are enough to manage any discomfort.

Keep an eye on your condition: t’s normal for your tooth to feel a little sore when you bite down. But if you notice sharp pain, prolonged pain even after a few days, or any swelling, please contact your dentist.

II. Dietary Precautions

For the first few days after your root canal, it’s a good idea to stick to soft foods. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods such as ice, nuts, or candy on the side of the treated tooth to protect it while it heals.

 

III. Oral Hygiene

After a root canal treatment, keeping your mouth clean is essential for healing and long-term success. Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste, paying extra attention to the treated tooth. It’s also important to maintain a regular flossing routine to keep your gums and the spaces between your teeth clean.

Refer to this article for a thorough read on recovery after your root canal treatment.

Why is it Important To Choose to Save Your Tooth?

At first glance, removing a “problem tooth” might seem like the easiest solution, but tooth extraction can have some significant drawbacks.

Once a tooth is lost, it can lead to jawbone loss over time and may cause your other teeth to shift out of place, affecting your bite and smile. Watch this video to find out why saving a tooth is often the preferred option to tooth removal.

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