When people hear “root canal,” they often feel nervous — but understanding the process can make a world of difference. A root canal is a safe, routine procedure that saves your natural tooth and relieves pain. Here’s a simple, clear guide to what you can expect.

Step 1: Diagnosis and Consultation

Your journey starts with a dental exam. If you have a severe toothache, swelling, or sensitivity, your dentist will likely take X-rays to assess the damage. Once confirmed, they’ll recommend a root canal to save your tooth.

Step 2: Numbing the Area

Before starting, your dentist will numb the affected area with a local anesthetic. This ensures you stay comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.

Step 3: Accessing the Tooth

The dentist creates a small opening on the top of the tooth to access the infected or damaged pulp inside.

Step 4: Cleaning and Shaping the Canals

Using special tools, the dentist carefully removes the infected tissue. The inside of the tooth is cleaned, disinfected, and shaped to prepare it for filling.

Step 5: Filling the Canals

Once clean, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material (often gutta-percha) to prevent any future infections.

Step 6: Sealing and Restoring the Tooth

A temporary filling is placed to seal the tooth. Later, you’ll return to have a permanent crown or filling placed to restore full strength and function.

Final Thought:

Root canals are nothing to fear. They are designed to relieve pain, not cause it! With modern techniques, most patients experience little to no discomfort during and after the procedure.