Root Canal Treatment (RCT) also is known as Endodontic Treatment is a procedure done when the tooth decay reaches the pulp (innermost layer of the tooth) causing inflammation. It is necessary to save the damaged tooth from extraction. This procedure is done by an Endodontist who is known as a Root Canal Specialist. The procedure involves:

Removal of inflamed or infected tooth material

Cleaning and disinfection

Filling and sealing with an inert material

Restoration and crown/cap It is a multi-step procedure and may require multiple sittings.

WHY DOES ONE NEED TO UNDERGO ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?

Root Canal Treatment (RCT) is done on a damaged or infected tooth. Infection could be due to a cracked or broken tooth, deep decay, gum diseases or maybe due to repeated dental treatment on a particular tooth. It becomes extremely important to get the Root Canal Treatment as:

It stops the infection from spreading and will then save the tooth from extraction

RCT relieves the pain caused due to inflammation

SYMPTOMS

The most common symptom that one might need Root Canal Treatment is a toothache. The pain can range from mild to severe. With time it may worsen, and you will feel the pain even when you bite your food.

The other reason is prolonged sensitivity. If you feel sensations in your tooth while consuming something hot or cold, then there is the slightest chance that one needs to undergo Root Canal Treatment.

Swelling in the gums can also be a sign that you need Root Canal Treatment.

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

If the pain you feel goes away, then it does not mean that your tooth had healed with time but this indicates that the nerves inside the tooth are all dead and the infection has grown manifolds.

The bacteria from infection can enter into the tissues of gum and jaw which can cause a pus-filled abscess. This can even lead to a serious condition like heart disease and stroke.

Step 1:

The very first step involves an X-ray which is taken to determine the extent and approach to infection. If required local anesthesia is administered before starting the treatment.

Step 2:

The next step is Cavity Preparation. A cavity is prepared, making sure all the infected tooth material or previous filling material is removed and a proper approach to inner-part of the tooth (pulp) is established.

Step 3:

This is followed by disinfection and shaping of pulp canals. The infected pulp is cleared out completely, canals are shaped and cleaned. Thorough disinfection is achieved.

Step 4:

Clean and disinfected canals are then sealed and filled with an inert rubber-like filling material known as Gutta-Percha

Step 5:

The very last step is restoration & crown. The crown portion of the tooth cavity is then restored with a filling, followed by a Cap/Crown cementation.

POST-INSTRUCTION FOR ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

Do not put pressure on the tooth. Since there is no crown, the tooth is unprotected as a result, putting pressure can cause damage to the tooth.

Avoid hard and crunchy food, instead chew soft food until final restoration

Be careful while brushing. Do not be too harsh while brushing

Get a dental crown as soon as possible as this will protect your tooth from further damage

Visit your Endodontist if you face any complexities or severe pain