What happens during a root canal?

A root canal saves a tooth whose nerve is infected. After profound anaesthesia, we isolate the tooth with a rubber dam — a latex sheet that keeps saliva out and you comfortable. Under the microscope we locate the canals (even extra MB2 canals in upper molars) and verify length electronically.

Rotary nickel-titanium files shape the canals gently while we irrigate with warm sodium hypochlorite to dissolve bacteria. A final bioceramic sealer and gutta-percha filling seals the system. Most cases are done in 60–90 minutes in one visit; curved roots may need two short sittings.

You leave with a composite core build-up and a temporary crown advice sheet. A full-coverage crown within three weeks protects the now-brittle tooth from fracture. Mild tenderness when chewing for 24–48 hours is normal and settles quickly.

Success rates exceed 92% at Pearl & Root when a crown follows promptly. We X-ray at six months to confirm periapical healing and keep the tooth on a yearly watch list.