Understanding the Root Canal Treatment using Medical Animation

Root canal treatment (RCT) is a type of endodontic treatment, which means it treats the inside of the tooth.

Much like the root system of a plant, the root canals of a tooth too comprise a main branch and many smaller side branches, and the whole system needs to be sealed during root canal treatment to be successful long term.

Inside the tooth (covered with enamel and dentin) is a soft tissue called the pulp which extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the roots. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue to provide nourishment to the tooth while it grows. The pulp also creates the surrounding hard tissues of the tooth during its development. The roots of the tooth are connected to these tissues. Once a tooth is fully mature it can survive without the pulp, as it continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.

RCT becomes necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected.

This can occur due to causes like

• deep decay,


• repeated dental procedures on the tooth,


• a crack or chip in the tooth, or


• an injury.

Often this dental treatment is performed in two to three sittings in exactly the same way as shown in the animated video.

1. Initially, the pulp along with bacteria, the rotten nerve tissue and other debris is removed from the tooth. The cleaning out process is accomplished using root canal files. A series of these files of increasing diameter are one by one inserted into the access hole and worked down the full length of the tooth to scrape and scrub the sides of the root canals. Water or sodium hypochlorite is used periodically to flush away the debris.


2. After the space is cleaned and shaped, the next step is to fill the root canals with a biocompatible material, rubber-like material called gutta-percha. The gutta-percha is placed with an adhesive cement to ensure complete sealing of the root canals. In most cases, a temporary filling is placed to close the opening, which is removed before the tooth is restored.


3. A crown is then placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function.

Until the dental treatment is complete, it's wise to minimize chewing from the tooth under repair. This is done to avoid recontamination of the interior of the tooth and also prevent the fragile tooth from getting fractured before it is fully restored.

As far as oral health care is concerned, brush and floss regularly and see your dentist at regular intervals.