A root canal treatment is used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp (vital tissues) are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed till the apex. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected causing further damage.

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure which involves removing the entire internal parts, mainly pulp chamber and its connection (root canals). It also involves filling of the prepared empty cavity with a suitable bio-compatible material.

• The tooth area is isolated. An access cavity is prepared with the help of an airotor to expose the root canal orifices in the pulp chamber, but this does not eliminate all the contents of the pulp chamber. The root canal files with increasing diameter are used to clean the root canals entirely. The procedure can be completed in a single sitting or in multiple sittings (in case of infection). A temporary filling is given between the sittings to prevent infection.

• The final stage includes filling of the canal with a plastic bio-compatible material called Gutta Percha, and after the canal is filled, a suitable and aesthetic cement filling is done over it.

• Though not part of the treatment, it is usually recommended that a crown be placed over the treated tooth.

What Are the Signs that a Root Canal Is Needed?