WHAT IS RCT?
Our tooth is a three-layered structure namely – Enamel, Dentin & Pulp/Nerve.
If the tooth decay is only in the first two layers, it can be corrected with Filling/ Restoration. If the decay reaches the third layer it causes infection of pulp leading to severe pain. This is when an RCT or Endodontic Treatment is needed.
Root Canal Treatment saves the damaged tooth from extraction. The procedure involves:
- Removal of infected tooth surface
- Cleaning and disinfection from within the tooth
- Sealing the canals with an inert material
- Chipped or broken tooth
- Re-building the lost tooth surface and then covering it with a crown/cap to prevent it from fracture
It is a multi-step procedure and requires multiple sittings(Avg 4-6 appointments)
WHY DOES ONE NEED TO UNDERGO ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?
Root Canal Treatment is done on a damaged or infected tooth that was either left untreated previously or accidentally fractured exposing nerve. It becomes extremely important to get the Root Canal Treatment as:
- It stops the infection from spreading and prevents extraction
- RCT relieves the pain & allows you to eat comfortably
SYMPTOMS
- The most common symptom that one might need Root Canal Treatment is a toothache. The pain can range from mild to severe. You will feel the pain even when you bite your food, drink cold fluids
- There can be pain in or around ear extending upto forehead causing severe headaches
- Swelling in the gums or in severe cases face 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.
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?
Step 1:
The very first step involves an X-ray which is taken to determine the extent and approach to infection. Local anesthesia is administered before starting the treatment.
Step 2:
The next step is Access Opening. Here all the infected tooth material or previous filling material is removed and a proper approach to inner-part of the tooth (pulp) is prepared.
Step 3:
This is followed by disinfection and shaping of nerve canals. The infected pulp is cleared out completely, canals are shaped and cleaned. Thorough disinfection is achieved & a healing dressing is given.
Step 4:
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 which was destroyed due to infection is then restored with a filling, followed by a Cap/Crown cementation.
TREATMENT CARE DURING ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
- Do not put pressure on the tooth unless the treatment it totally completed. Since there is no crown, the tooth is unprotected as a result, putting pressure can fracture 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.
- Make sure you visit for your appointment as per schedule to avoid complications.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q.1. Can An Infected Tooth Heal Itself?
No, an infected tooth cannot heal itself. Infection once set can spread to other areas of your jaw causing serious pain and other systemic complications. Treating an infected tooth requires medications and root canal treatment. For getting an RCT, book your appointment with us.
Q.2. Do Root Canals Procedures Hurt A Lot?
No, a root canal treatment is a comparatively pain-free. Before proceeding with the root canal treatment, we use local anesthesia to numb the infected area ensuring a pain-free treatment.
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 discomfort after anesthesia wears off; this is likely to end within a few days due to medication that shall be prescribed.
Q.4. Can One Get RCT Done In A Day?
Some Root canal treatments can be successfully completed in a single day. However if serious infection exists then 2-3 days appointments may be needed for finishing the treatment.