Root canal treatment
Root canal treatment (endodontics) in Casablanca
Root canal treatment, also called endodontic treatment, means cleaning, disinfecting and sealing the inside of a tooth whose pulp (nerve) is infected or irreversibly damaged, so that the tooth can be kept instead of extracted. At the Smiles & Beyond centre, Dr Oussama Baji performs root canal treatment with a microscope, a latest-generation Morita endodontic motor and its apex locator, nickel-titanium rotary files, ultrasonic irrigation, on-site digital and 3D imaging and the BioRoot bioceramic sealer.
When is root canal treatment necessary?
It is proposed when the pulp of the tooth is infected or can no longer heal, most often because of a deep cavity, a crack, an impact or repeated treatments on the same tooth.
Warning signs: spontaneous or throbbing pain, sometimes at night; prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold; pain when biting; swelling of the gum or cheek; a tooth that darkens. Sometimes there are no symptoms and the problem is found on an X-ray.
How is root canal treatment done?
The dentist first confirms the diagnosis: examination, sensitivity tests and imaging. Under local anaesthesia, the tooth is opened, the pulp removed, and the canals cleaned and disinfected with irrigation solutions. The canals are then sealed tightly and the tooth is rebuilt.
Depending on the case, treatment takes one or several sessions. The tooth is most often protected afterwards with a crown, especially molars.
The centre’s endodontic equipment
The microscope magnifies and lights the working area: it helps find fine canals and work precisely. The tooth is isolated with a rubber dam when necessary.
The centre is equipped with a latest-generation Morita endodontic motor combined with an apex locator. The motor controls the speed and force applied to the instruments, which limits the risk of fracture. The apex locator electronically measures canal length, so work stops at the right point with fewer X-rays.
Nickel-titanium rotary files are flexible: they follow the curve of the canals and shape them evenly, faster and more comfortably than hand files alone. The choice of instrument depends on the anatomy of each tooth.
Irrigation is activated by ultrasound: the disinfecting solutions circulate through the whole canal system, including areas the instruments cannot reach, which improves cleaning.
Digital technology in endodontics
The centre has digital radiography, which gives an immediate image with a reduced radiation dose, and an on-site CBCT 3D scanner. 3D imaging lets the dentist study root shape, spot an extra canal, a crack or a lesion around the root, and plan treatment precisely.
It is not systematic: it is requested only when it brings useful information. See dental X-rays.
Bioceramics in endodontics
Bioceramics are calcium-silicate-based materials. According to the scientific literature, they are biocompatible, stable over time, able to set in the presence of moisture and good at sealing canals. Dr Baji uses the BioRoot bioceramic root canal sealer.
They are used to fill canals, but also to repair a perforation, protect a healthy pulp (capping) or perform root-end surgery. They do not replace thorough disinfection, which remains the decisive factor for success.
What makes a quality root canal treatment
Endodontic societies, such as the ESE in Europe and the AAE in the United States, stress a few principles: an accurate diagnosis, isolating the tooth during treatment, careful disinfection of the canals, a tight seal and a prompt restoration of the tooth. A follow-up X-ray later checks healing.
After treatment, retreatment and surgery
Mild discomfort when chewing may last a few days. Avoid biting hard on the tooth until it is restored. If infection persists or returns, retreatment of the canals or root-end surgery may be considered after an imaging assessment. When a tooth truly cannot be saved, extraction followed by an implant is an alternative.
Who is it for?
- You have spontaneous pain, at night or when biting.
- Your tooth stays sensitive to heat or cold for a long time, or has changed colour.
- You have been told you have an infection, an abscess or a very deep cavity.
How the treatment works
Accurate diagnosis
Examination, sensitivity tests and digital or 3D imaging to confirm the source of the problem.
Cleaning and sealing
Under local anaesthesia: measurement with the apex locator, shaping with rotary files, ultrasonic irrigation, then a tight seal with the BioRoot bioceramic sealer.
Restoration and check
Rebuilding the tooth, often with a crown, then an X-ray check.
Frequently asked questions
Is root canal treatment painful?
It is done under local anaesthesia, so you should not feel pain during treatment. Mild discomfort may last a few days.
How many sessions does a root canal take?
Often one or two, sometimes more with a major infection or complex canals. The number is given after the diagnosis.
What are bioceramics in endodontics?
Calcium-silicate-based materials used to fill canals or repair the tooth. They are biocompatible, stable and seal canals well, even in the presence of moisture.
Is it better to keep the tooth or extract it?
When possible, keeping the natural tooth is preferable: it keeps its function and avoids a replacement. If the tooth is too damaged, extraction followed by an implant may be proposed.
Does a tooth with a root canal need a crown?
Often yes, especially molars: the tooth is more fragile and the crown protects it against fracture.
What should I do with an abscess or swelling?
See a dentist quickly: an abscess does not go away by itself. Emergency appointments are available. With a high fever or trouble breathing or swallowing, go to the emergency room.
Can a tooth that already had a root canal be retreated?
Yes. If infection persists or returns, retreatment or root-end surgery may be considered after an imaging assessment.
What is an apex locator for?
It measures canal length with an electrical signal. It helps the dentist clean and seal exactly to the right limit, without going past the root, and complements the X-ray.
What is a rotary file in endodontics?
A thin nickel-titanium file driven by a motor that cleans and shapes the canal following its curve. It is more flexible and more regular than a hand file.
What is ultrasonic irrigation in endodontics?
The disinfecting solutions are agitated by ultrasound inside the canals. This improves their circulation and cleaning, including in hard-to-reach areas.
What is BioRoot?
BioRoot is a bioceramic root canal sealer used to seal the canals after cleaning. It belongs to the calcium-silicate-based materials described above.
What is the microscope used for in endodontics?
It magnifies and lights the inside of the tooth. It helps find very fine canals and work precisely. See technology and laboratory.
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This information is for guidance only and does not replace a consultation: only an examination allows a diagnosis. Content written by the Smiles & Beyond Dental Centre. Last updated: November 2026.