🦷 Root Canal Therapy (Endodontic Treatment)
Root canal therapy is a procedure used to save a tooth whose internal pulp (nerve tissue) has become inflamed or infected.
The dental pulp is the soft tissue inside the root canals containing blood vessels and nerves that nourish the tooth.
When bacteria enter the pulp due to deep decay, fracture, or trauma, severe pain, swelling, or abscess may occur. In such cases, a simple filling is insufficient, and root canal therapy becomes necessary to preserve the tooth.
🔹 Steps of Root Canal Treatment
🔍 Examination and Imaging
X-rays or CBCT scans are taken to assess the number, shape, and condition of root canals.💉 Local Anesthesia
Numbing the tooth and surrounding tissue to ensure a pain-free procedure.🪥 Pulp Access
The dentist creates an opening in the tooth crown to reach the root canals.🦠 Removal of Infected Pulp
All infected or necrotic pulp tissue is carefully removed.🧴 Cleaning and Disinfection
The canals are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected using special instruments and antibacterial solutions.🪢 Root Canal Filling
The cleaned canals are sealed with gutta-percha, a biocompatible material, to prevent reinfection.👑 Crown Restoration
After completion, the tooth is rebuilt with a permanent filling or crown for durability and function.
💡 Root canal therapy relieves pain, saves the natural tooth, and has a success rate above 90%.
⏰ Duration of Root Canal Treatment
🦷 Single-rooted teeth (front teeth): 45–60 minutes
🦷 Multi-rooted teeth (molars/premolars): 90 minutes–2 hours
🦠 Infected or abscessed cases: 2 sessions (1 for cleaning, 1 for filling within 1–2 weeks)
During each session:
Local anesthesia is administered.
The pulp is removed, the canals are cleaned, disinfected, and filled with gutta-percha.
A temporary filling is placed if further sessions are needed.
Each session lasts 30–90 minutes, depending on the tooth and infection severity.
Mild discomfort or tenderness for 24–48 hours is normal and manageable with medication.
Final crown placement is typically done 1–2 weeks after root canal completion.
💚 Follow-up Care After Root Canal Therapy
💊 Take prescribed antibiotics and painkillers as directed by the dentist.
🪥 Brush and floss carefully around the treated tooth, avoiding excessive pressure.
🚫 Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods on the treated tooth until the final crown is placed.
🩹 If a temporary filling is placed, avoid using that side to prevent dislodging it.
🧴 Rinse with warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt in a cup of warm water) if mild swelling or tenderness occurs.
😌 Mild sensitivity for 1–2 days is common—report if pain persists longer or swelling increases.
🧃 Reduce sugary or acidic drinks to protect the new restoration.
👨⚕️ Attend follow-up visits for crown placement and post-treatment x-rays.
🦷 Protect the tooth with a crown once healing is complete to prevent fractures.