Root canal treatment

Root canal treatment is a dental treatment procedure performed when the soft tissue (nerve, vessels, connective tissue) called pulp, which is located inside the tooth, becomes inflamed. Root canal treatment may be needed in cases such as severe decay, dental trauma or infection of the tooth root that has reached the inner structure of the tooth (pulpal cavity).

Root canal treatment involves the following steps:

Anesthesia: The first step is to give a local anesthetic to the area around the tooth. This ensures that the patient does not feel pain or discomfort during treatment.

Access: The dentist makes an opening in the top of the tooth and accesses the pulp cavity. This opening allows access to the inside of the tooth.

Cleaning: The dentist removes the pulp tissue. He or she removes inflamed, infected or damaged tissue. The inside of the tooth is then cleaned and disinfected with special instruments.

Shaping: The inside of the tooth is prepared and cleaned with special shaping instruments.

Filling: After the pulp cavity is emptied, the dentist fills it. It is usually filled with gutta-percha, a rubber-like material. This filling protects the inside of the tooth against bacteria.

Sealing: The opening at the top of the tooth is filled and sealed. Sometimes a filling or a crown (restoration) can be placed over the tooth.

Root canal treatment protects the root of the tooth and helps to save the problem tooth without the need to extract the tooth. This procedure aims to relieve pain and infection while preserving the function and appearance of the tooth. After root canal treatment, the tooth usually regains its normal function and can last for a long time.

Since root canal treatment is a specialized dental treatment that must be performed by a dentist, you should consult a dentist whenever you have a dental problem. If you experience symptoms such as toothache, swelling or sensitivity, your dentist will assess whether to recommend root canal treatment.