A root canal is a dental procedure involving the removal of the soft centre of the tooth, the pulp. It is used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed. While performing the root canal procedure, the pulp is removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned. Root canal also protects the tooth from future infections.

What is expected during root canal treatment?

Step 1:At this stage, anaesthesia is applied to numb the surrounding area to reduce any pain or discomfort. The dentist will then use fine instruments to enter the canal to remove the infected pulp and disinfect the canal.

Step2: The canal is packed with a rubber-like material that fills up any spaces so that bacteria is not able to grow in the canal. Steps 1 and 2 can be performed in a single session or separate sessions, depending on the condition of the tooth.

Step 3: After the treatment is completed, the tooth is restored to its original shape by sealing off the canal with a filling or crown. Before and during the root canal treatment, x-rays will be required to check the condition of the root canal.

Causes of root canal:

1. When a tooth is not properly cleaned it allows bacteria to seep into the root of the tooth causing  root canal infection.
2. Teeth grinding can cause fissures in a tooth which expose the pulp to bacteria which causes root canal infection.