Root canal treatment
WHAT IS RCT?
The outer portion or Crown of a tooth is a three-layered structure namely – Enamel, Dentin & Pulp.
If the tooth decay is limited to the first two layers, it can be corrected with Filling/ Restoration.
Root Canal Treatment 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.
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.
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 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 dentist if you face any complexities or severe pain
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q.1. Can An Infected Tooth Heal Itself?
Even if one does not feel pain the infected tooth will not heal itself and require a proper RCT.
Q.2. Do Root Canals Procedures Hurt A Lot?
Because the tooth is infected one feels constant pain it is assumed that the treatment will also hurt. But in reality, the treatment is pain-free.
Q.3. How Long Does It Take To Heal?
A successful RCT can result in pain for a few days but this pain is temporary and will go away with time. One just need to follow good oral care practice.
Q.4. Can One Get RCT Done In A Day?
Anterior or front teeth have one canal and the back teeth have multiple canals, therefore, the procedure might take 1-3 visits depending upon the difficulty.