What a Root Canal Procedure Entails

Root canal treatment is the careful “cleaning out” of the inside of a damaged tooth. This process removes the bacteria and inflamed tissue that causes pain, after which the space is disinfected and filled with a rubber-like product called gutta percha. The material stops bacteria from re-entering the tooth and causing another infection.

If enough of the tooth remains to hold it, a filling is used to close the opening in the tooth. In most instances, the dentist will recommend the placement of a crown over the damaged tooth, to support and protect it. In cases where too much of the tooth structure is lost during the root canal procedure, a metal post is implanted into the jawbone to hold the crown.

The entire root canal treatment is done under a dental microscope, which enables the dentist to reach through the tiny canal entry points and branches. These are invisible to the naked eye, and even magnifying glasses are not strong enough to be able to detect and treat all parts of the canal containing bacteria. Without treatment, these bacteria will continue causing inflammation and lead eventually to tooth loss.