19 September 2026
The words "root canal" can make patients immediately think about pain. In reality, the purpose of root canal treatment is to address a problem inside the tooth and, when possible, preserve the natural tooth rather than remove it.
Understanding what actually happens during the procedure can make treatment feel much more predictable.
A root canal is a carefully planned dental procedure that removes diseased or damaged pulp from inside a tooth, cleans and disinfects the internal canal system, and seals the space to help prevent reinfection. The tooth can then be restored so it can continue functioning as part of your natural bite.
At Pacha & Bijan Dental in Maitland, FL, patients can receive comprehensive restorative treatment with an individualized approach to diagnosis and treatment planning.
Here is what happens during a root canal, step by step.
What Is Inside a Tooth?
Before understanding a root canal, it helps to understand the anatomy being treated.
A tooth has several primary structures.
Enamel
Enamel is the hard outer layer of the tooth. It protects the underlying structures from the forces of chewing and exposure to the oral environment.
Dentin
Dentin lies beneath the enamel and makes up much of the tooth's internal structure.
Pulp
The pulp is the soft tissue located in the center of the tooth. It contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
The pulp extends from the central chamber into narrow spaces called root canals, which travel through the roots of the tooth.
When the pulp becomes severely inflamed or infected, treatment may be necessary.
Why Does a Root Canal Become Necessary?
Several conditions can damage the pulp.
Common causes include:
- Deep tooth decay
- Significant trauma
- Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth
- Cracks or fractures that allow bacteria to reach the pulp
- Injury to the tooth
When the pulp cannot recover from the damage, bacteria and inflammatory processes can affect the tissues inside the tooth and around its root.
Symptoms can include:
- Persistent tooth pain
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swelling around the tooth
- Tender gums
- A pimple or drainage near the tooth
- Tooth discoloration
However, symptoms vary. Some teeth requiring root canal treatment may cause little or no noticeable discomfort.
That is why diagnosis requires more than simply evaluating pain.
Step 1: Comprehensive Diagnosis
Root canal treatment begins with determining what is actually happening inside and around the tooth.
Your dentist may evaluate:
- Your symptoms and dental history
- The tooth's response to temperature or other tests
- Tenderness when biting or tapping
- Gum and surrounding tissue
- Dental X-rays or other imaging
The purpose is to determine whether the pulp is inflamed, infected, or no longer viable and whether the tooth can be predictably restored.
Diagnosis is an important part of the process because tooth pain can originate from different sources.
Step 2: Local Anesthesia
Once treatment is planned, local anesthesia is administered to numb the area.
Modern dental anesthesia helps make the procedure considerably more comfortable for most patients.
The dentist will confirm that the area is adequately numb before beginning treatment.
If you feel discomfort during the procedure, tell your dental team so additional anesthetic can be provided as needed.
Step 3: Isolating the Tooth
The tooth is isolated from the rest of the mouth.
A dental rubber dam is commonly used for root canal treatment.
This serves several purposes.
It helps:
- Keep saliva away from the treatment area
- Reduce contamination from oral bacteria
- Keep the working field dry
- Protect the patient from dental instruments and materials
Isolation is particularly important because the root canal system needs to remain as clean as possible throughout treatment.
Step 4: Creating Access to the Pulp Chamber
The dentist creates a small opening through the top of the tooth.
This opening provides access to the pulp chamber and root canals.
The dentist carefully works through the tooth while preserving as much healthy structure as possible.
Once access is established, the internal anatomy of the tooth can be evaluated.
Step 5: Removing the Diseased Pulp
The damaged or infected pulp tissue is removed from the pulp chamber and root canals.
Specialized endodontic instruments are used to enter and clean the narrow canal spaces.
The goal is to remove the affected tissue while preparing the canals for thorough cleaning and sealing.
This stage addresses the source of the problem inside the tooth.
Step 6: Finding and Measuring the Root Canals
Root canals are not simple, straight tubes.
Their shapes and configurations vary from tooth to tooth.
Some may be narrow, curved, or contain anatomical variations.
Your dentist determines the working length of the canals using appropriate techniques and instruments. Imaging and electronic measurement devices can assist with this process.
Accurate working length helps the dentist clean the canal system appropriately without unnecessarily extending beyond the root.
Step 7: Cleaning and Shaping the Canals
After the canals are located and measured, they are carefully cleaned and shaped.
Specialized instruments remove remaining tissue and debris while creating a canal shape that can be effectively disinfected and sealed.
This stage is one of the most technically important parts of root canal treatment.
The objective is not simply to make the canal larger. It is to prepare the internal space so that cleaning solutions can work effectively and the final filling material can seal the canal.
Step 8: Disinfecting the Canal System
Mechanical cleaning is only part of root canal treatment.
The canals are also irrigated with antimicrobial solutions designed to help remove bacteria, tissue remnants, and debris from areas that instruments may not reach directly.
The combination of mechanical preparation and chemical irrigation helps reduce microbial contamination within the canal system.
This is particularly important because root canals can contain microscopic spaces and irregularities that are difficult to clean using instruments alone.
Step 9: Sealing the Root Canals
Once the canals have been properly cleaned, shaped, and disinfected, they are filled with a specialized material.
One commonly used material is gutta-percha, which is placed into the prepared canal space along with an appropriate sealer.
The objective is to create a dense filling that limits the space available for bacteria to survive or re-enter.
The access opening is then closed with a temporary or permanent restoration depending on the treatment plan.
Step 10: Restoring the Tooth
Completing the root canal does not necessarily mean the tooth is finished.
The tooth still needs an appropriate final restoration.
The choice depends on:
- Which tooth was treated
- How much natural tooth structure remains
- The size of existing restorations
- The forces placed on the tooth
- The overall treatment plan
For teeth that have lost substantial structural integrity, a dental crown may be recommended to provide additional protection.
This is especially relevant for many posterior teeth because they experience significant chewing forces.
Why Does the Tooth Need a Final Restoration?
A root canal addresses the internal pulp problem.
It does not automatically restore all the tooth structure that may have been lost from decay, fracture, previous fillings, or the treatment itself.
A properly planned final restoration helps return the tooth to functional use.
The restoration also helps seal the treated tooth from the oral environment.
Your dentist will determine when the permanent restoration should be completed based on the condition of the tooth and your specific treatment plan.
What Does a Root Canal Feel Like?
During treatment, local anesthesia is used to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues.
Afterward, the tooth may feel tender or sensitive, particularly when biting.
This can happen because the tissues around the root may have been inflamed before treatment.
Your dentist may provide specific aftercare instructions based on your procedure.
Contact the office if you experience significant or worsening pain, swelling, or other unexpected symptoms.
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
The treatment time varies depending on the tooth and its anatomy.
Factors that can influence treatment time include:
- Number of canals
- Canal complexity
- Severity of infection
- Tooth location
- Existing restorations
- Need for additional procedures
A straightforward tooth may require less treatment time than a tooth with complex anatomy or extensive previous dental work.
Your dentist can provide a more specific estimate after examining the tooth.
Can a Root Canal Save a Natural Tooth?
One of the primary objectives of root canal treatment is to allow a damaged or infected tooth to remain in the mouth when it can be predictably restored.
Without treatment, disease within the pulp can continue affecting the tissues surrounding the root.
Extraction removes the affected tooth, but it also creates a missing-tooth space that may require additional restorative treatment.
When a tooth is suitable for root canal treatment and restoration, preserving it can maintain its position and function within your natural dentition.
What Happens If a Previously Treated Tooth Develops Problems?
A tooth that has undergone root canal treatment can sometimes require further evaluation.
Potential causes include:
- New decay
- Leakage around a restoration
- A fractured tooth
- Persistent infection
- Complex canal anatomy
- Problems with the original treatment
Depending on the cause, additional treatment may be considered.
This is why maintaining the final restoration and attending regular dental examinations remains important even after root canal therapy.
Root Canal Treatment in Maitland, FL
Pacha & Bijan Dental provides comprehensive dental care for patients in Maitland, Winter Park, Altamonte Springs, Orlando, Casselberry, and Eatonville.
Located at 320 N Maitland Ave, Ste B, Maitland, FL 32751, the practice is conveniently situated for patients seeking dental treatment in the Maitland area.
The location is near destinations including Lake Lily Park, Maitland Community Park, Maitland City Hall, and Maitland Station, making it accessible to patients throughout the surrounding community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a root canal painful?
Local anesthesia is used to numb the treatment area, and modern techniques are designed to keep patients comfortable during the procedure. Some tenderness may occur afterward, particularly when biting.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Symptoms such as persistent tooth pain, prolonged temperature sensitivity, pain when chewing, swelling, or tooth discoloration can indicate a problem with the pulp. However, some affected teeth have few symptoms. A dental examination and appropriate testing are needed for diagnosis.
How many appointments does a root canal require?
The number of appointments depends on the tooth, its anatomy, the severity of the condition, and the planned restoration. Some treatments can be completed in one appointment, while others require multiple visits.
Why is a dental crown sometimes needed after a root canal?
Root canal treatment addresses the internal tissue of the tooth, but the tooth may also have substantial structural loss. A crown can provide additional protection when the remaining tooth structure requires coverage and reinforcement.
Can I eat after a root canal?
Your dentist will provide specific instructions based on the restoration placed after treatment. If a temporary restoration is used, you may need to avoid chewing certain foods on that tooth until the permanent restoration is completed.
How long does a root canal take to heal?
The tissues around the treated tooth can require time to settle after treatment. Healing varies depending on the original condition of the tooth and surrounding tissues. Your dentist can monitor the tooth during follow-up care.
Can a root canal fail?
Root canal treatment has high rates of success, but no dental procedure guarantees that a tooth will never develop another problem. New decay, fractures, leakage, untreated canal anatomy, or other issues can affect a previously treated tooth.
What happens if I do not treat an infected tooth?
An untreated infection can progress and affect tissues around the tooth. Depending on the circumstances, the tooth may eventually require extraction. Prompt dental evaluation can help determine whether the tooth can be treated and preserved.
Understanding the Procedure Can Make Treatment More Predictable
A root canal is a structured procedure involving diagnosis, anesthesia, isolation, access, removal of diseased pulp, canal preparation, disinfection, sealing, and final restoration.
The goal is to address disease inside the tooth while preserving the natural tooth whenever possible.
At Pacha & Bijan Dental, treatment begins with an evaluation of the tooth and surrounding structures so that the appropriate course of care can be determined.
Schedule a Root Canal Consultation
Pacha & Bijan Dental
320 N Maitland Ave, Ste B
Maitland, FL 32751
📞 (407) 647-1346
🌐 www.bijandental.com
If you have persistent tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling, or have been told that you may need root canal treatment, contact Pacha & Bijan Dental for an evaluation. Understanding the condition of your tooth is the first step toward determining whether root canal treatment and restoration are appropriate for you.
