A root canal is a common dental procedure performed to save a badly broken/decayed/infected natural tooth. Inside the tooth there is a chamber at the center of the tooth containing sensitive tissue called the pulp. This contains fine blood vessels, nerves and connective tissues which help the tooth to grow during development. When there are deep cavities, cracks in the enamel or trauma, bacteria can enter the center of the tooth causing irritation and infection.

Knowing what happens during a root canal can help eliminate any fears you might have, clear up any misconceptions and help you prepare for your visit with a calm mind.

What Happens During a Root Canal Treatment?

First your dentist will carry out a detailed examination of the tooth to identify what is going on inside.
Pulp testing – Your dentist will apply a slight temperature change or electric current to the affected and surrounding teeth to see how responsive the nerve is. It will confirm if the pulp is becoming necrotic.
Clinical examination – Your dentist will look for any signs of swelling, soreness or sinus tracts (small pimples on the gums) around the area. They will also gently tap on the tooth to check for any periodontal inflammation.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Root Canal Procedure

Your comfort is a priority during any modern root canal procedure. We use modern anesthesia techniques to completely numb the area.
Topical anesthetic – A strong anesthetic cream will be applied to the gums.
Local anesthetic – The dentist will inject a numbing agent around the roots of the affected tooth.
Check tooth is numb – Your dentist will check to make sure the tooth and surrounding tissue is numb.

Understanding the Root Canal Treatment Process

We want to keep the area clean and dry whilst working.
Rubber Dam – A small piece of latex or non-latex material will be placed over the affected tooth using a small metal clamp.
Preventing infection – This will keep the area clean and dry. This will prevent the newly cleaned root canals becoming contaminated with bacteria from the mouth.
Protection – This will protect you from getting any of the cleaning agents, small root canal instruments or tooth debris in your mouth.

What to Expect During a Root Canal Procedure

Now the tooth is numb, the dentist will create an access cavity to get to the infected pulp.
Creating access cavity – Using specialized high speed instruments a small cavity will be drilled through the chewing surface of a molar or the back of a front tooth.
Access to inner chamber – This allows the dentist to get good access to the main pulp chamber and root canals.
Release of pressure – Opening the pulp chamber will release any gas build up caused by the bacteria and relieve any pressure build up.

How Is a Root Canal Treatment Performed?

The dentist will now carefully remove all of the infected, inflamed or dead tissue from the root.
Removal of tissue – Specialized small instruments will be inserted into the root canals to remove the nerve, blood vessels and bacteria.
Measuring the length – An electronic apex locator and digital x-rays will be used to accurately measure the length of the root canals.
Cleaning – Anti-bacterial and anti-microbial solutions will be flushed through the canals to dissolve any organic matter, kill bacteria and remove any debris.

A Complete Guide to the Root Canal Procedure

Once all this biological matter has been removed the small irregular canals need to be made smooth and even to fit the permanent filling.
Shaping – Flexible nickel titanium (NiTi) rotary files will be used to widen, smooth and taper the inner walls of the canals.
Smoothing – Specialized chemicals will be used to remove the fine layer of dentin created during shaping.
Drying – The canals will be dried thoroughly with sterile absorbent paper points.

Root Canal Treatment: Steps, Process and Aftercare

The root canals must be permanently sealed to prevent bacteria entering again.
Thermoplastic latex– Natural rubber like material will be chosen to fit perfectly in the sized and tapered canals.
Sealer – The cones will be covered in specialist bio compatible cement and inserted firmly into the root canals.
Condensing – The thermoplastic latex will then be gently heated or compressed to form a tight seal.

Temporary or permanent restoration

The cavity will need to be filled to protect the inner restoration.
Temporary filling – If you have had more than one visit or a bespoke crown made a temporary filling will be placed over the top.
Build up – If there has been a lot of tooth lost due to decay or fracture, a glass composite resin will be placed to build up the tooth. Sometimes this will be supported with a small post inside the canal.
Permanent crown – As the tooth will no longer have any living pulp it will become slightly brittle so almost always a permanent crown will be advised. This will be made from porcelain or ceramic material and will be placed on the back teeth to give full strength when chewing.
Post-operative care
Do not eat or bite anything hard until the numbness has worn off to avoid biting your tongue, cheek or lip.
Do not bite on the tooth until your permanent crown has been placed.
Take any over the counter anti inflammatory medication as advised by your dentist to help with any mild soreness.
Continue with your usual oral hygiene routine. Gently brush and floss around the area.

If you have severe pain, swelling or your temporary filling comes out contact your dentist.

Book your follow up to have your permanent crown placed.

FAQs

How long does a root canal take?

On average a root canal will take between 1 hour and 1 hour and 30 minutes. More complex cases such as multi-rooted molars, very curved canals or lots of previous dental work may take 2 visits.

Will it hurt?

No! The tooth, jaw bone and surrounding gums will be completely numb using modern local anesthesia. You may feel a slight pressure or vibration but there will be no pain.

Why do I need a crown?

When the pulp is removed the tooth will lose its blood supply and become slightly brittle. A full coverage crown will go around the tooth to stop it fracturing.

Can I drive home?

If you had a local anesthetic you can drive home or return to work. If you had any sedation (oral or IV) from your dentist you must have someone responsible to drive you home.

A root canal is a very predictable, effective and painless way to stop any active infection, relieve severe tooth pain and save your natural teeth. With the use of modern diagnostic equipment, local anesthetic, rotary instruments and strong sealants your dentist will ensure you have a comfortable experience. If you are suffering with any tooth pain book an appointment today.