Root canal treatment (also called endodontic therapy) is a dental procedure designed to save a severely decayed or infected tooth. During this treatment, a dentist or endodontist removes the inflamed or infected pulp from inside the tooth, thoroughly cleans and disinfects the root canals, then fills and seals them to prevent reinfection.
The Step-by-Step Root Canal Procedure
This treatment typically involves multiple stages:
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Dental X-ray – To evaluate the extent of damage and root canal structure
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Local anesthesia – Numbs the tooth and surrounding gum for a painless procedure
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Access hole creation – A small opening is made to reach the infected pulp
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Pulp removal & canal cleaning – Infected tissue and bacteria are completely removed
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Canal shaping & disinfection – The canals are widened and sterilized
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Filling & sealing – Canals are filled with gutta-percha (a biocompatible rubber material)
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Final restoration – Usually, a crown or filling is placed to protect and strengthen the tooth
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
✔ Saves your natural tooth (avoiding extraction)
✔ Stops infection spread to jawbone and nearby teeth
✔ Relieves severe toothache caused by infection
✔ Restores normal chewing & speaking function
Aftercare & Longevity
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, a root canal-treated tooth can last many years—even a lifetime!
