[ Magok-dong Dental Clinic_02 ] How Is Root Canal Treatment Performed from Start to Finish?

Hello.

We are Seoul Dia Dental, helping you turn dental concerns into comfort at Magok Station.

The weather lately has been no joke, has it?

The heat is so intense that it takes your breath away when you go outside, and you break into a sweat after walking just a little. 😭

On days like this, I just want to stay home, but you still have to keep your dental appointment. Haha.

Today is Part 2 of our root canal treatment series,

and we have prepared the question so many people are curious about.

"How, exactly, is root canal treatment performed?"

Things can seem scarier when you do not know what to expect.

Today, I will explain the root canal treatment process step by step, from start to finish.

Once you know what happens, it will feel much less frightening. 😊

Root Canal Treatment Is Not Completed in One Visit

First, there is one thing you should know.

Root canal treatment usually requires multiple visits.

In general,

2–4 visits are needed,

and the entire treatment period takes

about 2–4 weeks.

Why are multiple visits necessary?

Because thoroughly disinfecting and sealing the inside of a tooth

is more precise than you might expect.

The more severe the infection,

the more visits may be required.

The Root Canal Treatment Process, Step by Step

Step 1 – Removing Decay and Exposing the Pulp Chamber

Magok-dong Dental Clinic_Removing decay and exposing the pulp chamber

If there is decay,

the decay is removed first.

Next, the space inside the tooth

where the nerve is located—the root canal—must be opened.

Because a very small opening must be created,

this step requires precise manual skill.

During this process,

we also check how far the damaged nerve and infected tissue have spread.

Step 2 – Measuring the Canal Length and Removing the Infected Pulp

Magok-dong Dental Clinic_Measuring the root canal length and removing the infected pulp

The length of the nerve varies

from tooth to tooth and from root to root.

Even among incisors or molars of the same type, each one is different,

and the structure of each tooth differs even within the same person.

If the nerve is not removed accurately,

inflammation may return.

Therefore, a specialized instrument is used

to first measure the canal length precisely.

Once the length has been measured,

the infected pulp is removed in earnest.

The inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned

using a small, precise instrument called a file.

This is not simply a matter of scraping tissue out;

it is a precise cleaning process to remove bacteria thoroughly.

Because every tiny piece of nerve tissue must be removed cleanly,

this step takes time.

Step 3 – Root Canal Filling (Sealing the Nerve Space)

Magok-dong Dental Clinic_Root canal filling

Once the nerve has been removed,

the space becomes empty.

If it is simply left empty,

bacteria could enter again, right?

That is why a special material called

gutta-percha is used

to firmly fill the empty space.

This is called root canal filling.

At this stage,

the inside of the tooth is completely sealed.

An X-ray is also taken to check whether the filling has been completed properly.

Step 4 – Core and Post

Magok-dong Dental Clinic_Core and post

Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment

often have a significant portion of the crown removed.

Therefore, the inside must be rebuilt

using a restorative material such as composite resin.

This is called core buildup.

When a large amount of tooth structure has been removed,

or when only the root remains,

the core alone may have difficulty withstanding chewing forces.

In such cases,

a metal post is placed deep inside the tooth root

to reinforce the structure.

When the core and post are properly combined,

the tooth can be restored into a strong structure

that can last longer once a crown is placed over it.

Step 5 – Protecting the Tooth with a Crown

Magok-dong Dental Clinic_Protecting the tooth with a crown

A tooth that no longer has a nerve

can no longer receive nourishment on its own,

leaving it more susceptible to fracture.

Therefore, the crown of the tooth must be covered and protected

with a crown, or prosthetic restoration.

Once a custom crown is made and placed,

the tooth is restored into a strong structure

capable of withstanding chewing forces.

A crown after root canal treatment

is not a choice but a necessity.

We will cover this in greater detail in Part 4.

The Process Varies Depending on the Tooth’s Location

[ Incisors ]

Because they often have one root,

they require fewer visits

and the treatment is relatively straightforward.

[ Premolars ]

With one or two roots,

they are slightly more complex than incisors.

[ Molars ]

Because they often have three or four roots,

they are the most complex,

and more treatment visits may be required.

This is why the difficulty and duration

differ depending on the tooth’s location,

even when the treatment is root canal treatment.

Please Keep These Things in Mind During Root Canal Treatment

Visit the dentist immediately if the temporary filling falls out

If you leave it that way,

bacteria may enter again.

You should visit the dentist as soon as possible.

Avoid hard foods

A tooth under treatment is in a weakened state.

If you chew hard foods,

the tooth may fracture.

Be sure to take your prescribed medication

Antibiotics and pain medication

are needed to help control infection and pain.

What Is the Success Rate of Root Canal Treatment?

The success rate of root canal treatment

is generally known to be 85–95%.

The success rate varies depending on the following factors.

• The extent and severity of the infection

• The complexity of the root shape

• The thoroughness of disinfection

• Whether a crown is placed

• Care after treatment

With precise treatment,

proper placement of a crown,

and careful aftercare,

a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment

can be used for decades.

Seoul Dia Dental: Proceeding Carefully, Step by Step

The key to root canal treatment

is how precisely the infected area is removed

and how completely it is sealed.

At Seoul Dia Dental,

we carefully examine the condition of the roots using X-rays

and proceed accurately, step by step.

We explain the entire process in advance before treatment,

so you can receive care comfortably and without worry.

We offer convenient consultations through

Naver TalkTalk and appointments.

Feel free to check with us without any pressure.

Magok-dong Dental Clinic_Seoul Dia Dental

Now, shall we briefly summarize today’s discussion?

• The process proceeds in this order: removing decay → measuring the canal length and removing the pulp → root canal filling → core/post → crown

• Depending on the number of tooth roots and the severity of the infection, 2–6 or more visits may be required

• If treatment is stopped because the pain has decreased, bacteria may spread again and lead to extraction

• The success rate of root canal treatment is 85–95%; treatment is complete only after the crown is placed

• The core and post are key structures that help the crown last longer

Root canal treatment—

now that you know the process,

does it feel a little less frightening?

Things can seem vaguely scary when you do not know about them,

but once you understand them, they are often not as serious as you imagined.

If you have been putting off treatment because of fear,

now is the best time to begin. 😊

In the next installment,

we will discuss:

"How painful is root canal treatment? We will tell you honestly."

[ This post was written in accordance with the Medical Service Act for the purpose of providing accurate information about dental surgery and procedures. Infection and side effects may occur after surgery, so you should decide whether to undergo surgery or a procedure after sufficient consultation with a qualified medical professional. ]

[ "What is root canal treatment?" Introductory Series ]

• Why is root canal treatment necessary? Its connection to pulpitis

• How is root canal treatment performed from start to finish?

• How painful is root canal treatment? We will tell you honestly

• Do you really need a crown after root canal treatment?

• Root canal treatment costs: when insurance applies and when it does not