Root Canal Treatment: Everything You Need to Know

mubeendesg
Feb 18
2 min read

Updated: Mar 27

1. What is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment involves cleaning the roots of teeth affected by decay or trauma (knocked/displaced teeth due to an accident). This procedure helps save painful teeth from extraction.

2. When should root canal treatment be done?

Root canal treatment is required for:

Large and deep cavities in molars
Painful teeth
Non-vital teeth
Discolored teeth

3. How is root canal treatment performed?

The procedure includes:

Administering a numbing injection to the affected tooth.
Creating a small hole in the tooth.
Using special tools to remove pus, clean the roots, and seal the root tip.
Placing a dental crown (cap) over the tooth as a protective shield for eating hard foods.

4. How long does root canal treatment last?

The treatment is usually completed in 2 to 3 sittings. The duration depends on:

The severity of the infection
The number of roots
The body’s immunity
If the infection is mild, the procedure can be completed in a single sitting.

5. Is an X-ray necessary for root canal treatment?

Yes. 2 to 3 X-rays are required to:

Determine the structure, number, and length of the roots
Assess whether the root canal treatment is completed successfully

6. Are there any side effects of this treatment?

No. Root canal treatment has been practiced worldwide for the last 30 to 40 years without any harm to the teeth or body.

7. Will there be pain during root canal treatment?

No. The procedure is done under local anesthesia, ensuring a pain-free experience.

8. Does root canal treatment weaken teeth?

No. This treatment does not weaken the teeth. Instead, it removes infection from the roots, making the teeth stronger.

9. At what age can this treatment be done?

Root canal treatment can be performed at any age as long as the teeth are strong.

10. Can loose teeth be corrected with this treatment?

No. Loose teeth are caused by bone loss around the teeth and cannot be corrected with root canal treatment.

11. Can discolored teeth regain their original color after treatment?

After a root canal, a dental crown (cap) is placed over the treated tooth to restore its original color. The cap blends naturally with other teeth, making it unnoticeable.

12. Is there a chance of recurrence after a root canal?

To prevent reinfection, a dental crown must be placed and proper oral hygiene maintained.

If a crown is not placed, the tooth may break, and reinfection may occur.
Delaying or skipping crown placement is a major cause of root canal failure.
If the body's immunity weakens due to illness or diabetes, pain may recur.

13. What is the alternative to root canal treatment?

The only alternative to root canal therapy is tooth extraction. However, saving natural teeth is always the best option.

Root canal treatment is more cost-effective than extracting and replacing a tooth with a fixed artificial tooth.