The source of the problem
Deep decay, injury or other damage can affect the pulp inside a tooth. Symptoms and clinical tests help determine whether root canal treatment is the appropriate response.
Root Canals / Treatment guide
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment addresses inflamed or infected tissue inside a tooth. The inner canals are cleaned and sealed while the natural tooth is retained, then an appropriate restoration protects the remaining structure.
Explore your options with our Atlas Dental team. Ask who would provide your treatment and whether a specialist referral is needed.
Let’s talk about your options See what care can involveA closer lookTreatment animation
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Treating the inside of a tooth
The canals inside a tooth are cleaned and sealed while the natural tooth is retained.
- 01Inner canals
- 02Cleaning and sealing
- 03Natural tooth
The roots remain in the jaw. A suitable restoration is still needed to protect the treated tooth.
Understanding your care
Treat the inside. Keep the natural tooth.
Start with the purpose of treatment, then explore what matters for your own care.
Preserving the tooth
The aim is to retain a natural tooth that can still be restored. The amount of remaining tooth, cracks and supporting gum and bone health influence that decision.
The restoration matters
Treating the canals is one part of the plan. The tooth needs an appropriate restoration afterward, which may include a crown depending on its location and remaining structure.
From questions to a plan
What care can involve.
The details and sequence depend on your assessment and individual treatment plan.
Confirm the diagnosis
The clinician examines the tooth, performs appropriate tests and reviews imaging. The findings establish whether the pulp is affected and whether the tooth can be restored.
Access and clean
After anesthesia and isolation, an opening provides access to the pulp space. The canals are cleaned and shaped according to the tooth’s anatomy.
Fill and seal
Prepared canals are filled and sealed. The access opening is closed, with the temporary or final restoration sequence determined by the condition of the tooth.
Protect and review
An appropriate final restoration is arranged and the tooth is reviewed. Ongoing care includes monitoring healing, the restoration and the health of surrounding tissues.
Before you decide
A plan that makes
sense for you.
Root canal treatment cannot preserve every tooth. A significant crack, insufficient remaining structure or poor supporting tissues can change the recommendation. Persistent disease, complex anatomy or a new problem may require further treatment. Extraction is an alternative when preservation is not appropriate. The decision should include both the canal treatment and the restoration needed afterward.
Are the tooth roots removed?
No. The aim is to treat the tissue space inside the roots while keeping the tooth in place. Tooth extraction is a different procedure that removes the tooth from its socket.
Will the tooth always need a crown?
The best restoration depends on the tooth’s position, remaining structure and bite. Many back teeth need a crown or other protective restoration, but this should be decided individually.
Can a treated tooth need care again?
Yes. Healing may not proceed as expected, or decay, a crack or a leaking restoration can create a new problem. Assessment helps determine whether monitoring, retreatment, surgery or extraction is appropriate.
A place to begin
Bring your questions.
We’ll start there.
Talk through your priorities, alternatives and who would provide your care. An assessment helps clarify the next step.
Let’s talk about your optionsOur team will contact you to confirm your visit.
About this guide & educational sources
The treatment images and animations in this guide illustrate examples of care. They are not Atlas Dental patient results, personal treatment recommendations or statements about an individual clinician’s scope. Your assessment and care plan determine which options are appropriate for you.