What Is Root Canal Treatment?

The Crown of a tooth is a three-layered structure namely – Enamel, Dentin & Pulp. If the tooth decay is limited to initial part or the first two layers, it can be corrected with Filling/ Restoration. In case the tooth decay reaches the third layer and causes inflammation or infection of pulp, root canal procedure is needed then.

Root Canal Treatment (RCT) 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 and the steps involves.

Why Does One Need To Undergo Root Canal Treatment?

Root Canal Treatment 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 that particular tooth. It becomes extremely important to get the Root Canal Treatment done as:

Symptoms

• The most common symptom that one might need Root Canal Treatment is due to tooth pain. The pain can range from mild to severe and it may worsen, also you will feel the pain even when you bite your food.
• The other reason is prolonged sensitivity. If you feel severe 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 due to infection 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 increased.
• The bacteria from infection can enter into the tissues of gum and jaw which can cause a pus-filled abscess which can lead to a serious condition like heart disease and stroke.

What Is The Procedure For Root Canal Treatment?

Step 1 :

Very first step involves an X-ray which is taken to determine the extent and approach to infection.

Step 2 :

local anesthesia is administered before starting the treatment.

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 removed completely, canals are shaped and cleaned. Thorough disinfection is achieved.

Step 4 :

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

Step 5 :

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

Post-Treatment Care 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 further damage to the tooth.
• Avoid hard and crunchy food, its better to chew soft food until final restoration
• Be careful while brushing. Don’t be too harsh while brushing.
• Get a crown/cap as soon as possible as this will protect your tooth from further damage.
• Visit your dentist if you face any issues or severe pain.

Price Of Rct In India

The price of a RCT depends on the location and health of the afflicted tooth, as well as whether or not a crown is required. If the infection in your tooth is not treated, it might spread to adjacent teeth, gums, or even travel to other parts of your body, which will further become much more expensive in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1. Can An Infected Tooth Heal Itself?

No, an infected tooth cannot heal itself. In fact, the infection can spread to other areas of your jaw causing serious pain.

Q.2. Do Root Canals Procedures Hurt A Lot?

No, a root canal treatment is pain-free. However in rare cases with high infection and high inflammation some amount pain can be experienced. Before proceeding with the root canal treatment, a dentist will use local anaesthesia to numb the infected area ensuring a painless treatment. Now a days painless injection systems are available for more comfortable experience.

Q.3. How Long Does It Take To Heal?

Once the root canal treatment is completed, the treated tooth will heal within a few days. Patients might experience some pain once they awaken from anaesthesia; this is likely to end within a few days due to medication.

Q.4. Can One Get Rct Done In A Day?

Most root canal treatment can be successfully completed by a dentist in a single day. However In certain cases of serious infection or back tooth, a dentist may give 2-3 days appointment for finishing the treatment.

Q.5. Single sitting RCT v/s multiple sitting RCT?

Treatment results are same for both according to research articles. In case of high infection and high inflammation multiple visit is preferred.most of the cases are completed with single sitting visits, only few requires multiple visit.