Many patients have mentioned “What is a root canal?” This question. Indeed compared to the more easily understood concepts of tooth extraction, scaling and filling, the specialized term root canal treatment is indeed relatively unfamiliar to patients. In order to solve your confusion, we have carefully compiled the knowledge about root canal treatment, including what is root canal treatment, the specific treatment process and the common problems during the treatment process. I. What is root canal treatment? Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is one of the most effective methods to treat endodontic and periapical diseases. By removing the inflammatory pulp and necrotic material from the root canal, and properly disinfecting and filling the root canal, the root canal contents can be removed from the periapical tissues to prevent the occurrence of periapical lesions or to promote the healing of periapical lesions. Second, what conditions require root canal treatment? Generally speaking, root canal treatment is suitable for pulpitis, pulp necrosis and various types of periapical infection, including pulpitis caused by caries, hidden fracture, overconsumption, pulp penetration, etc. and pulp necrosis that cannot preserve the living pulp. How long does root canal treatment take and what is the specific procedure? Generally speaking, root canal treatment requires 2-4 visits and takes 2-3 weeks. Root canal treatment usually consists of three basic steps: root canal preparation, root canal disinfection, and root canal filling. First, the inflammatory pulp and necrotic material will be removed from the root canal, then the root canal length will be measured and enlarged appropriately (i.e. root canal preparation process), then the root canal will be sealed and disinfected, and finally the root canal will be filled with medication. Fourth, why is it necessary to kill the nerve for root canal treatment? When the pulp has suffered from infection or irreversible damage, if the pulp is still partially alive, the patient will feel pain at this time. In order to alleviate the patient’s symptoms and at the same time clean the diseased pulp to prevent further development of infection, it is necessary to extract the pulp nerve and perform root canal treatment. V. Why do I need to take multiple dental films for root canal treatment? It is necessary to take dental radiographs during root canal treatment and to make sure that at least 3 radiographs are taken. The first one is before the treatment to help the doctor understand the basic situation of the root and make the treatment plan; the second one is during the treatment to help the doctor understand the treatment situation, such as whether the root canal preparation is in place, and make the next treatment plan; the third one is after the treatment to help determine the quality of the root canal filling and find the problem to remedy in time. Sixth, why do I need to do full crown protection after root canal treatment? Many patients do not understand why they need full crown protection after root canal treatment, when the tooth does not hurt anymore and the filling is fine, and they think it is unnecessary. In fact, after root canal treatment, the tooth will become dark and brittle without the nutrients provided by the pulp, and the remaining part of the crown will be easily broken and split, which will lead to the reduction of the service life of the tooth, so a full crown is needed to protect it after root canal treatment. Seven, is root canal treatment safe? It is true that root canal treatment is more complicated, using many instruments and steps, and it requires several treatment steps and many x-rays to complete the whole process. At present, the technology is relatively mature, and clinical reports show that the success rate of root canal treatment is about 80% to 90%, which is the best treatment method to preserve the affected tooth. It is important to note that you must go to regular hospitals and dental clinics for root canal treatment in order to truly ensure the safety of your visit.