Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is a procedure performed when a tooth's living tissue, known as the pulp, is damaged or infected due to decay, fracture, or wear. The goal is to save the tooth and preserve the patient's natural tooth as much as possible.

Treatment begins with a thorough examination and, if needed, an X-ray, followed by local anesthesia. The infected pulp tissue is removed, the canal is cleaned and disinfected, and it is then filled with a special material to prevent reinfection.

Treatment duration depends on the tooth's location, the severity of the infection, and the number of canals; treatments on back teeth generally take longer. Most cases can be completed in a single session, though some require multiple visits.

Thanks to modern anesthesia techniques, patients feel no pain during the procedure; any mild sensitivity in the first few days afterward can easily be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. If pain persists or worsens, the dentist should be consulted.

Severe decay, tooth fractures, complications from previous treatments, and deep cracks are among the main reasons a root canal may be needed. Persistent severe pain, sensitivity to hot and cold, discomfort while chewing, swollen gums, and discoloration are signs that a tooth may need root canal treatment.

If symptoms such as ongoing pain, swelling, or discoloration appear, the treatment may have failed; in this case, options such as retreatment, apical surgery, or extraction followed by an implant or bridge are considered.

A tooth that has had root canal treatment should still be brushed and flossed; regular oral hygiene and a protective crown on back teeth help ensure the treatment lasts as long as possible.