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Treatment
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment removes infected or damaged tissue from inside a tooth so that the tooth itself can be kept rather than extracted.
Treatment Overview
What root canal treatment involves
Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When decay, a crack or an injury allows bacteria to reach the pulp, it can become inflamed or infected.
Root canal treatment removes that damaged tissue, cleans and shapes the canals inside the root, and seals them. The tooth is then restored, usually with a filling and often a crown to protect it.
The purpose of the treatment is to keep a tooth that would otherwise need to be removed. Keeping a natural tooth preserves the bite and avoids the need to replace it later.
Who May Need It
Common reasons to consider this treatment
These are general indications, not a diagnosis. Only an examination can establish what is appropriate in your case.
- Persistent toothache, or pain when biting on a particular tooth.
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold that continues after the source is removed.
- Swelling or tenderness in the gum near a tooth.
- A tooth that has darkened compared with those around it.
- Deep decay, a cracked tooth, or a tooth injured in an accident.
- A previously treated tooth that has become symptomatic again.
Assessment
How Dr. Anshul evaluates your case
- Dr. Anshul examines the tooth and the surrounding gum, and asks about the history and pattern of your symptoms.
- Tests may be used to check how the pulp is responding, and radiographs are taken to look at the root and surrounding bone.
- The findings determine whether root canal treatment is appropriate, or whether another approach is more suitable.
- The options, including what happens if the tooth is not treated, are explained before treatment is planned.
Treatment Process
Step by step
A general sequence. Your own plan is confirmed after assessment.
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Examination and diagnosis
Clinical examination and radiographs establish the condition of the tooth and whether root canal treatment is indicated.
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Anaesthetic and isolation
The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic and isolated to keep the area clean and dry during treatment.
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Access and cleaning
A small opening is made in the tooth so the damaged pulp tissue can be removed and the canals cleaned.
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Shaping and disinfecting
The canals are shaped and disinfected. Depending on the case, a medicated dressing may be placed between visits.
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Filling the canals
Once the canals are clean and dry, they are filled and sealed to prevent bacteria re-entering.
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Restoring the tooth
The tooth is restored with a permanent filling, and frequently a crown, to protect it against fracture.
Benefits
What this treatment can achieve
- Allows a tooth that would otherwise need extraction to be kept.
- Removes the infected or inflamed tissue causing the symptoms.
- Preserves the natural root and the surrounding bone.
- Maintains your existing bite and the position of neighbouring teeth.
- Avoids the need to replace the tooth with a bridge, denture or implant.
Treatment Timeline
What to expect, generally
- Root canal treatment is completed in one or more appointments depending on the tooth and the condition of the canals.
- Front teeth generally have fewer canals than back teeth and often take less time.
- Where infection is present, treatment may be spread across visits to allow a medicated dressing to work.
- A crown, when recommended, is usually fitted at a later appointment once the tooth has settled.
- These are general expectations; your own plan is explained at the assessment.
Aftercare
Looking after your teeth afterwards
General guidance. You will be given instructions specific to your treatment.
- The tooth and surrounding area may feel tender for a few days after treatment; this normally settles.
- Take any medication exactly as prescribed.
- Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent restoration is in place.
- If a crown has been recommended, have it fitted within the advised period to reduce the risk of fracture.
- Continue normal brushing and cleaning between the teeth.
- Contact the clinic if pain or swelling increases rather than settling.
Questions
Root Canal Treatment — common questions
Root canal treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic so that the tooth is numb during the procedure. Some tenderness afterwards is common and usually settles within a few days. What to expect is explained to you beforehand.
It depends on the tooth and the condition of the canals. Some cases are completed in a single visit, while others are spread across two or more. Dr. Anshul explains the plan for your tooth at the assessment.
A crown is often recommended, particularly for back teeth, because a treated tooth can become more prone to fracture. Whether it is needed in your case is discussed after treatment.
Extraction is an alternative, but it leaves a gap that may need replacing later. The options and the reasoning are explained so you can decide.
The information on this page is general dental information, not individual advice or a diagnosis. What is appropriate in your case can only be established by an examination. See the Dental Information Disclaimer.
Illustrative image — a stand-in portrait, not a photograph of Dr. Anshul
Your Dentist
Dr. Anshul
BDS — University of Delhi
Dentora is a solo practice. Dr. Anshul is your primary dentist for the assessment, the treatment plan, the treatment itself and the follow-up, and remains your point of contact if specialist input is coordinated.
10 years of clinical experience · English & Hindi
Appointments
Considering root canal treatment?
Send an appointment request and Dr. Anshul will examine, explain the findings and set out the options before anything is planned.
Monday – Saturday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM · Sunday — Closed