I. General Steps of Root Canal Treatment

1. Anesthesia

To ensure a painless procedure.

2. Pulp chamber opening

To gain access to the inflamed dental pulp.

3. Root canal instrumentation & debridement

To remove necrotic, inflamed pulp tissue and bacteria, and to shape and disinfect the root canals.

4. Intracanal medication

Placement of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory medicament, followed by temporary restoration.

→ Usually requires one follow-up visit.

5. Root canal obturation

Three-dimensional filling of the root canals with biocompatible materials to prevent bacterial reinfection.

6. Restoration & crown placement

After root canal treatment, the tooth becomes brittle.

A dental crown is recommended to protect the tooth from fracture.

II. Total Duration and Number of Visits

- Anterior teeth: Usually 2–3 visits, 30–40 minutes per visit.

- Posterior teeth (molars): With more and complex root canals, usually 3–4 visits, 40–60 minutes per visit.

- Total treatment period: Approximately 1–3 weeks (depending on inflammation resolution).

The number of visits may increase in cases of severe infection, abscess, or curved/complex root canals.

III. Summary

- Steps: Anesthesia → Pulp opening → Debridement → Medication → Obturation → Restoration/Crown

- Visits: 2–3 for anterior teeth, 3–4 for molars

- Pain: Mostly painless under local anesthesia; mild postoperative discomfort is normal.