What Happens During a Root Canal? Step-by-Step Guide

Why is a root canal treatment necessary?

A root canal is performed when the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, cracks, repeated dental procedures, or trauma. The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels that are vital during tooth development but are not necessary once the tooth is fully grown.

Infections in the pulp can cause severe toothache, sensitivity to hot and cold, swelling, and even abscesses. If left untreated, the infection can spread, leading to more serious health complications. Root canal treatment removes the infected pulp, disinfects the inner chamber, and seals the tooth to prevent further infection.

At White Perfect Dental, we always prioritise saving your natural tooth when possible, and a root canal is one of the most effective ways to do that.

What happens before the procedure?

Before the root canal procedure begins, your dentist will first conduct a comprehensive assessment to evaluate the health of the tooth and surrounding tissues. This typically includes taking one or more dental X-rays to get a clear view of the tooth’s internal structure, including the number, shape, and curvature of the root canals, as well as any signs of infection in the bone surrounding the root. In some cases, 3D imaging may be used for more complex cases to ensure accurate treatment planning.

During the consultation, your dentist will review your dental and medical history to ensure you’re a suitable candidate for root canal therapy. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions and understand the treatment process, potential outcomes, and any associated risks. If there are signs of swelling, severe infection, or abscess formation, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics prior to the procedure to reduce inflammation and improve treatment results.

Once you’re cleared for treatment, the area around the affected tooth is numbed using a local anaesthetic. This ensures you remain comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. After confirming the area is fully desensitised, a small rubber sheet known as a dental dam is placed around the tooth. This isolates the treatment area, keeping it clean, dry, and free from saliva or bacteria that could interfere with the procedure.

These preliminary steps—diagnosis, planning, anaesthesia, and isolation—are essential for both precision and comfort. They lay the groundwork for a successful root canal treatment by allowing your dentist to work efficiently while minimising discomfort and the risk of complications.

What occurs during the root canal procedure itself?

Once the tooth is isolated and numbed, the dentist creates a small opening on the surface of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. Special instruments are used to remove the diseased or dead pulp tissue.

The canals are then carefully cleaned, shaped, and disinfected using anti-bacterial solutions. This is a meticulous process that ensures no traces of infection remain. The area is then dried and filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha to seal the canals and prevent re-infection.

Depending on the tooth’s condition, a temporary filling may be placed, or a crown may be recommended for added protection. At White Perfect Dental, we often recommend placing a crown after a root canal to restore the tooth’s strength and function.

What should you expect after the treatment?

It’s common to feel mild discomfort or sensitivity after the anaesthesia wears off, but this usually subsides within a few days. Over-the-counter pain medication can help manage any post-procedure soreness.

Most patients are able to return to their normal routine the very next day. However, it’s important to avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it’s fully restored with a permanent filling or crown.

Follow-up appointments are essential to ensure the tooth is healing properly and to assess whether additional treatments are needed. At White Perfect Dental, we schedule regular reviews and provide detailed aftercare guidance to support your recovery.