Root canal treatment under a microscope
Root canal treatment involves several steps, and the complexity depends on the specifics of the tooth. Complexity here refers to:
1. Anatomical Factors – including the number of root canals, their length, any curvatures in the root, and any effects of pathological conditions or chronic inflammation.
2. Presence of broken dental instruments or complications from previous treatments.
Generally, root canal treatment starts with the restoration of the tooth’s damaged walls or creating access to the tooth cavity.
Once the infected pulp (the inflamed nerve) is removed, the pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned, widened, and prepared for filling.
If, for any of the reasons mentioned above, the root canals cannot be filled immediately, the dentist will schedule additional visits. At this stage, the dentist usually applies a therapeutic paste and places a temporary filling.
During subsequent visits, any broken instruments (if present) are removed, and an additional X-ray is taken to check the quality of the treatment. After that, the root canals are fully cleaned and sealed. In certain cases, a plastic post (or pin) is placed into the canal to provide extra support. The final step involves restoring the natural shape of the tooth crown with a permanent filling. It’s also recommended to place a crown on the tooth to ensure its long-term durability.