Root Canal Treatment

WHAT IS ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?

The outer portion a tooth consists of a structure that has three layers. Those are ; Enamel, Dentin & Pulp. If the tooth decay has damaged only to the first two layers, it can be restored with Filling treatment. However, when the infection reaches and damages the third layer, the pulp, Root Canal Treatment, or Endodontic Treatment is required to

root-canal-treatment

Root Canal Treatment (RCT) also is known as

“Endodontic Treatment” is another name for RCT. This treatment is used when tooth decay damages the pulp (innermost layer of a tooth) causing inflammation. It is vital to heal the infected tooth from extraction. This particular treatment is handled by an Endodontist who is known as a Root Canal Specialist. The whole procedure can be summed up as below:

  • Initially inflamed or infected tooth material should be removed
  • Then, cleaning and disinfection take place
  • Thirdly, the tooth is filled and sealed with an inert material
  • Finally, restoration and crown/cap should be done.

You will need to do multiple sittings since the procedure is multi-step.

WHY DOES ONE NEED TO UNDERGO ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?

RCT is done on an infected tooth. The infection could happen due to either a cracked or broken tooth, deep decay, gum diseases, or maybe due to a dental treatment done repeatedly on a particular tooth. Root Canal Treatment is extremely vital as:

 

  • RCT can stop the infection from further spreading and it can help to save your tooth from extraction
  • RCT can give relief to you by eliminating the pain caused due to inflammation.

 

SYMPTOMS

  • Usually, a toothache is the most common sign that tells, you will need an RCT. Toothache can be a mild one or even a severe one. With time it may turn worse, and you will start to feel the pain even when you bite your most favorite food.
  • Prolonged sensitivity can be identified as another symptom of an RCT. If you feel your tooth is sensitive to hot or cold foods, then there is the slightest chance that you are going to need a Root Canal Treatment.
  • Swelling in the gums can possibly be another sign that tells you to need to undergo an RCT.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT GETTING A ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?

  • Just because your pain disappears, it does not mean that your tooth has found peace from infection. This indicates that the nerves within your tooth are all dead and the infection has grown manifolds.
  • The bacteria from infection has the ability to enter into the tissues of gum and jaw which can cause a pus-filled abscess. This situation might even lead to serious health conditions like heart disease and stroke.

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?

Step 1:

Initially, an X-ray should be done that will help to understand the extent and approach to infection. Local anesthesia is administered before starting the treatment if required.

Step 2:

The second step is Cavity Preparation. A cavity is prepared to establish a proper approach to inner part of the tooth (pulp) by removing all the infected tooth material or previous filling material

Step 3:

Thirdly disinfection and shaping of pulp canals take place. The infected pulp is cleaned out completely, canals are properly shaped and cleared. Thorough disinfection is achieved in this step.

Step 4:

Once the cleaning procedure of canals is done. Then canals are sealed and filled with an inert rubber-like filling material called “Gutta-Percha”.

Step 5:

Lastly, restoration & crown should be done. The crown portion of the tooth cavity is then repaired with a filling, alongside a Cap/Crown cementation.

POST-TREATMENT CARE FOR ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

  • Avoid putting pressure on the tooth. The tooth remains unprotected as there is no crown. Putting pressure can lead to tooth damage.
  • Do not consume hard or crunchy food. Choose to hew soft food instead until your final restoration.
  • Take extra care when you brush. Make it soft as much as possible.
  • Make sure to get a dental crown immediately to protect your tooth from further decaying.
  • Visit your dentist if you experience any complexities or severe pain.