A root canal is a dental procedure that involves removing the soft center of the tooth, known as the pulp. The pulp is made up of connective tissues, nerves, and blood vessels that support the growth of the tooth. Typically, a dentist will perform your root canal while you’re under local anesthesia.

Steps in a Root Canal Procedure

1. Shaping and Cleaning of the Root Canal:
2. This step involves removing the pulp tissue and debris from the canal. The canal is then shaped to prepare for the obturating material.
3. Irrigation of the Root Canal:
4. Recommended irrigation solutions include physiological saline, a 30% solution of urea, urea peroxide solution in glycerin, chloramine solution, and sodium hypochlorite.
5. Medications for the Root Canal:
6. Two commonly used intracanal medications are calcium hydroxide and chlorhexidine.
7. Obstruction of the Root Canal:
8. This procedure seals and fills the cleaned root canal using a sealer and a core filling material. The canal must be dry, and the tooth should be asymptomatic before sealing.
9. Sealing the Root Canal:
10. Root canal sealers, used with solid obstructing material, ensure a proper seal of the root canal system.

Signs You Need Root Canal Treatment

• Severe pain while chewing or biting
• Pimples on the gums
• A cracked or fractured tooth
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
• Swollen gums
• Decaying or darkening of gums

Recovery Process After a Root Canal

• Mild Discomfort: Some patients may feel minor discomfort after the procedure, but severe pain is uncommon.
• Slight Soreness: This can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
• Persistent Pain: If pain continues beyond the recovery period, contact your endodontist immediately.

Conclusion

We’ve discussed the root canal procedure step by step, along with its symptoms and recovery process. A root canal is a healthy and effective dental procedure. Most patients enjoy excellent outcomes after undergoing the treatment. However, long-term success depends on maintaining proper oral hygiene, including regular brushing and a good dental care routine. Temporary discomfort or mild pain is common after a root canal, but it typically subsides within a few days.