What Happens During a Root Canal?



The following is a broad overview of root canal surgery.

Treatment required:


  • ​Local Anaesthetic
  • ​Drilling
  • ​Cleaning and shaping of the canal
  • ​Antibiotics
  • ​Final root filling placement


Number of visits required:  2 - the first visit involves the drilling and fillings, a second visit for the crown placement

Treatment time:  1-2 weeks

Follow-up plan:  Regular cleaning and maintenance


Step-by-step Procedure
​1) Preparation

You will be given a form of sedation in the form of a local anaesthetic or nitrous oxide (happy gas) in order to relieve anxiety what is a root canal and numb the area that the dentist is working on. A dental dam is placed over the tooth to isolate it and keep the tooth free of saliva. The dentist will usually measure the depth of the canal at this point if they have not already done so. This step is important in order to ensure to the whole cavity is cleaned thoroughly. An x-ray will be taken using an instrument that sends a small electric current down the tooth canal.

2) ​Cleaning the canal

​During this stage, the dentist will use specialist tools to access the infected pulp and thoroughly clean the area out. This step sounds worse than it actually is – pain and discomfort will be minimal thanks to the sedation. All the tooth canals must be cleaned out, regardless of whether they are infected or not. Each tooth will have a differing number of canals, so the time taken here will depend on which tooth is being operated on. Your front teeth usually only have one canal, whereas molars typically have 3-4.

 3) Filling

Once thoroughly cleaned, the root canals are filled with a rubber-like filling called ‘gutta-percha’. Depending on your case, sometimes it’s necessary for a support post to be inserted with the filling to stabilise the crown A temporary filling is placed over the tooth to protect the canal until the next visit. During the last visit, the temporary filling is removed and a permanent crown is placed on the tooth. The process is now complete.


Should You See A Root Canal Specialist OR Can You Just See A Dentist?

Before having a tooth extracted it’s wise to have a consultation by an Endodontist. This is because the average cost of having the tooth saved is much more affordable than the costs of having it extracted and replaced by implants.

Here are some considerations:

A general dentist may tell you that the tooth is beyond repair and that you should go ahead with extraction, but an Endodontist’s opinion may prove different.

Here are some reasons why you should seek a specialist’s opinion:

An Endodontist can root-treat, re-treat and carry our minor root surgery, often saving ‘hopeless’ teeth. They spend a great deal of time studying the root system and hence are experts on the matter. They hold a master’s degree or equivalent in the field of Endodontics.

​An Endodontic microscope will be used, which is designed specifically for root canal exploration and used only by the relevant specialist. This means that they have the ability to investigate the case more thoroughly and give you a more accurate assessment. Make sure that during your assessment an Endodontic microscope is being used. If not, you may not be receiving the most appropriate care available.

Admire Dentistry is a local, independent Family Dental Clinic located in Arana Hills.  You will find a very comfortable, gentle and trusting environment here.  A comprehensive range of dental treatments is provided.  We ensure we can provide you with the best treatment options available by utilizing the latest technology.  We proudly take a holistic approach to your treatment needs.  We maintain the highest ethical standards toward all our patients and are highly conscious of our environmental footprint.  We look forward to meeting and serving your dental needs.

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