Root Canal Treatment

Anesthesia – A dentist uses a topical gel and needle to numb the tooth.

Access – The dentist uses a small drill to expose the pulp, which is made up of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.

Removal – Special tools called files remove the dead or infected pulp.

Cleaning – The canals are cleaned and irrigated with a disinfecting solution.

Filling – The canals are filled with a permanent material.

Sealing – The top side of the tooth may be sealed with a soft, temporary material.

Root canal treatments are usually painless and no more unpleasant than having a filling. In fact, most people experience little to no pain during a root canal.

After a root canal, the treated tooth should last as long as your other teeth if you maintain good oral hygiene and see your dentist every six to 12 months.

Alternatives to a root canal include extracting the damaged tooth, no further treatment, or replacing the tooth with a dental implant, bridge, or removable partial denture.