What Is Root Canal Treatment (RCT)?
When We First Think of a Dentist?
Probably at the time when we have “toothache” or maybe want to get done “root canal”.
But the majority of people have the belief that a root canal is a painful procedure. But in reality, with the help of advanced procedures and instruments, a dentist will make the procedure painless.
To know what is a root canal and how the treatment is performed, you first need to know that our tooth is made up of three layers. That means the outer portion or crown of the tooth is a three-layered structure namely:
- Outer Enamel
- Middle dentin
- Inner pulp
When tooth decay begins and is limited to the first two layers i.e. outer enamel and middle dentin then it can be corrected with filling or restoration. But when tooth decay eats away the outer enamel and middle dentin, and if left untreated, reaches the inner pulp, and causes tooth pain, inflammation, or pulp infection, requiring RCT (Root Canal Treatment).
A root canal treatment treats the inside of the badly damaged or infected tooth by repairing it. This treatment helps in curing swollen, infected, or damaged pulp of the teeth without extracting the teeth. The term “root canal” refers to the cleaning of the canals inside the tooth’s root.
The gap among the hard layers is called the root canal system and during the root canal procedure the damaged area of the tooth i.e. the pulp is removed first, followed by its cleaning and disinfecting, and then filled and sealed by the soft dental pulp of nerves and blood vessels that improves the growth of your teeth.
When Root Canal Treatment (RCT) Is Needed?
There are some signs and symptoms which indicates that one may require a root canal treatment –
- Broken or cracked teeth
- Teeth with deep decay/cavity
- Failed dental fillings
- Teeth with gum diseases
- Teeth that suffered a trauma
- Teeth suffering from sensitivity
- Repeated dental treatment to the tooth
- Dark stain of the tooth
- A boil on the gums
- Toothache
- Faulty Crowns
- Bone loss
- Drainage issues
- Swelling (may at a time extend to the neck and the face)
What To Expect During A Root Canal Procedure?
Root canal treatment is also known as Endodontic Treatment, performed by an Endodontist (Root Canal Specialist). The treatment is a multi-step procedure and usually requires 1-2 sittings, but sitting may get extended depending on the level of the infection and the condition of the tooth. The treatment involves a number of steps:
Step 1 – X-ray
When a dentist suspects you may need a root canal, he first takes X-rays to determine the cause of the pain and the extent of the infection to know where the decay is located.
Step 2 – Injecting A Local Anesthesia
To ensure a painless procedure, the dentist injects local anesthesia before starting the treatment. However in some cases, when the patient is asymptomatic or if the tooth is completely dead and painless, a local anesthesia may not be given.
Step 3 – Cavity Preparation
A cavity is prepared in the tooth to access the inner part of the tooth i.e. pulp to make sure that all the infected tooth material or previous filling material is removed.
Step 4 – Pulpectomy
An opening is made and the infected inflamed tooth pulp is removed completely, and pulp canals are shaped to achieve disinfection.
Step 5 – Sealing
Clean and disinfected canals are then filled with an inert rubber-based filling material.
Step 6 – Post Root Canal Crown Or Cap
It is time to restore the decayed crown portion of your tooth with a filling, followed by shaping of the tooth crown for the placement of the cap to strengthen the tooth by sealing the cap/crown with the cement.
What Are The Consequences Of Not Getting A Root Canal Treatment?
- If you have pain in your tooth and it went away eventually, it does not mean that the tooth had healed with time but indicates that the nerves inside the tooth are dead and the infection is worsened.
- The bacteria from the infection can enter into the tissues of the gum and jaw which can cause a pus-filled abscess and can lead to serious conditions like heart disease and stroke.
What Are The Tips For Care After A Root Canal Treatment?
- Practice good oral hygiene – brush teeth twice a day, and floss at least once.
- Get done cleanings and examinations regularly by dentists and hygienists.
- Avoid chewing hard food, as it can cause teeth to break, and can harm root canals.
- Do not put pressure on the tooth
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the success rate of root canal treatments?
Can An Infected Tooth Heal Itself?
Root canal treatments are painful?
How Much Time Does A Treated Tooth Take To Heal?
Root canal treatment can be done in a single day?
Is it an expensive treatment?
Is Crown or Cap is necessary after the root canal treatment?
What are the types of crowns available for a tooth?
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I was scared initially that I am undergoing a root canal. But I enjoyed it here. The staff served me when I walked in, the way they solved my queries, the doctor, the clinic, everything is top-notch. I must say my root canal treatment is a journey from “terrifying to tremendous”. –
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This was my first root canal and staff made their best efforts to provide me a painless procedure. They happily greeted me, explain to me the entire procedure, and additionally the doctor stays gentle and kind before, during, and after the procedure. I highly recommend this clinic to those who need root canal treatment.
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This was by far the best experience at a doctor’s clinic I ever had. I was in extreme pain from a back molar that needed a root canal. As my office close late so I took the last possible appointment. The doctor and staff even stayed late until my procedures were complete. Thanks to the entire staff for their professional service. And I can’t say enough good things about the doctor. I keep repeating myself – he is simply the best.
