Root Canal Treatment

Root Canal Treatment (RCT), also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure performed to treat and save a tooth that has a damaged or infected pulp (the innermost part of a tooth). Here's a detailed description of root canal treatment:

Purpose: The primary goal of a root canal treatment is to remove infected or damaged tissue from inside the tooth, clean and disinfect the root canals, and seal the space to prevent further infection. This procedure aims to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted.

Types of Fillings:

Infected Pulp:

RCT is necessary when the pulp tissue inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, cracks, trauma, repeated dental procedures, or a dental abscess.

Pain:

Severe toothache, especially when chewing or applying pressure to the tooth, is a common sign of pulp infection.

Procedure:

• Diagnosis: The dentist starts by taking X-rays to assess the extent of the infection and plan the procedure.
• Local Anesthesia: The affected tooth and the surrounding area are numbed using a local anesthetic to ensure the patient's comfort during the procedure.
• Access Opening: A small opening is made in the crown (top) of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals.
• Pulp Removal: The infected or damaged pulp tissue is carefully removed from the pulp chamber and root canals using specialized instruments.
• Cleaning and Shaping: The root canals are cleaned, disinfected, and shaped to remove any remaining debris or bacteria.
• Filling: The cleaned and disinfected canals are sealed with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha to prevent re-infection. The access opening in the crown is also sealed with a temporary or permanent filling.
• Restoration: In many cases, a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment will require further restoration, such as a dental crown, to protect and strengthen the tooth, especially if a significant portion of the tooth structure was lost.

Pain Management:

Root canal treatment is often associated with the misconception that it is painful. In reality, patients typically experience relief from pain after the infected pulp is removed. Modern techniques and anesthesia make the procedure comfortable for patients.