Root Canal process is often performed on a patient whose root has decayed because of considerable bacterial growth. The dental expert will take out all the contaminated tooth pulp and replace it with an appropriate dental material. The material will probably be resorbable, so it matches the location of the tooth perfectly. It is possible to replace that area in this situation with Root Canal treatment.
What is RCT or Root Canal Treatment?
Whenever we think of a dentist, one of the first things that comes to mind is how much they can help us with our teeth. They can clean them, help with cavities, and even help with things like root canals. Whenever there is an extensive development of bacteria, the chances of decaying increase. In several cases, the decaying of the tooth reaches the root of the teeth, which infects the pulp.
This situation can be accompanied by pain and, if left untreated, can lead to the decay of the entire tooth. In fact, a large majority of people fear Root Canal Treatment (RCT) because they believe it is painful. However, RCT is actually the best way to treat the decay and save the tooth from further damage.
But how many of us really know and understand what a root canal is, and how and why a RCT is performed?
The RCT procedure involves several steps:
1. Removal of the infected and inflamed pulp.
2. Cleaning the root canals and disinfecting them.
3. Filling the canals with an inert material and sealing them.
4. A post root canal crown or cap.
When Do You Need a Teeth Root canal Treatment?
When might you need a root canal procedure? Are there any signs or symptoms that suggest you might require RCT?
Yes, there are some common situations that demand a RCT and these are:
- Teeth with deep decay
- Broken or cracked teeth
- Teeth with gum diseases
- Failed dental fillings
- Teeth that have suffered a trauma
The most common symptoms that may indicate the need for a RCT are:
Tooth ache: One of the primary reasons why people visit dentists is because of tooth pain, which can vary from mild to severe. This pain can intensify when changing position, particularly when lying down or biting onto something with the affected tooth.
Sensitivity: The enamel layer protects the inner two layers of the tooth, so you shouldn’t feel any sensitivity. However, if the dentin and pulp layers are exposed, you may be more sensitive to air, hot foods, sour foods, and sweet foods.
When you have a toothache, it’s easy to think that the pain will just go away. But even if the pain subsides, the infection can still spread to the tissues around the decayed tooth, resulting in a swelling.
A lot of patients who come to the dentist with a swelling are treated with a root canal procedure.
Procedure of a RCT
When you hear the word ‘root canal treatment’, the first thing that comes to mind is probably pain. However, another question you might have is “How many visits does a root canal take?” RCT is a multi-step procedure and it usually takes 1-2 sittings, but can take longer based on the condition of the tooth.
Here is what a RCT procedure entails:
X-ray: An X-ray is the first step in a root canal procedure. It is essential in order to determine the cause of your pain and the extent of decay. Your dentist will take an X-ray of the affected tooth, which will help them to plan the next steps in your treatment. After an x-ray is taken, the next step is to determine if local anesthesia is necessary. In most cases, it is injected to ensure you have a painless procedure. However, in some cases, the patient is asymptomatic or the tooth is completely dead and painless, local anesthesia may be omitted.
Removal or decay and preparing the cavity: The next step in RCT is to remove all decay and prepare a cavity in the tooth to access the inner pulp easily.
Removal of infected pulp, drainage of any pus from underneath the tooth: After gaining access to the infected and inflamed pulp, it is removed completely. In some cases, the pulp may have disintegrated, leaving only specks of it behind. These can be cleared out by using a saline solution in the canals. If there is pus accumulation beneath the root, accessing and removing the pulp can help drainage of pus and provide relief to the patient.
Cleaning, disinfecting and preparing the canals: Once the pulp has been removed, the canals are cleaned and shaped to be able to accommodate the filling material.
Sealing the canals with inert material and a sealant: Ideally, canals can be sealed with an inert rubber-based material in a single sitting, a treatment known as single-sitting root canal. However, most cases require a gap of 3-5 days before the canals can be permanently sealed. The dentist temporarily places a calcium-based medication to allow the inflamed tissues to heal. Once the canals are ready to be sealed, rubber-based cones are placed into the canals and sealed. These cones are inert in nature and do not dissolve in saliva or blood, which prevents re-infection.
Post-root canal filling and crown: The next step is to fill in the decayed crown portion of your tooth with tooth filling material. Once that is done, you will then shape the tooth crown for the placement of a cap. This will help to strengthen the tooth.
Is throbbing pain after root canal normal?
Although it is normal to experience some pain and discomfort after a teeth root canal treatment, this should only last a few days as your body heals. The area around the tooth may feel sore and tender, but this should improve within a few days. There are a few things you can do to help speed up the healing process and reduce any discomfort.
- Avoid eating hard food for a few days.
- Try eating soft food like ice-cream, soups and fruit juices.
- Start brushing your teeth twice a day.
- Start reducing the amount of sugary food in your daily diet.
If your RCT pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by swelling, see your dentist right away.
How Root Canal Treatment (RCT) is executed at any standard Dental Clinic?
Tooth RCT is executed in three steps, and many of the dental surgeons perform this process in three different sessions. But due to the specialized root canal dentists, staff and also superior services available at most dental clinics, this RCT treatment procedure can be completed in just a single session. So please check with your dentist regarding this point.
The dentist first numbs the treatment area with local anesthesia to help reduce pain during the root canal procedure. Then, they create a small hole in the tooth to remove the affected nerves and dead pulp. Next, the root canal dentists will clean and reshape the hollow area before filling it.
This canal will be filled with a dental filling to seal off the tooth root canal completely, thus completing the RCT. Immediately after this, the tooth is absolutely dead and has no sensation.
To safeguard a lifeless, brittle tooth, a crown can be placed on the dead tooth, ensuring the patient can use the tooth as before. RCT prices vary case to case depending on the seriousness of the condition of the patient.
Many people are skeptical about the cost of root canal treatment, which deters them from getting the procedure done. However, we have carefully selected the best dental clinic for root canal treatment. Teeth root canal treatment price mentioned on our portal are affordable, which makes it easy to opt for. If you are looking for a root canal dentist near you, check out the dentist listed below.
These dental clinics provide quality root canal treatment at an affordable cost. Thus, the next time if you are planning to have an RCT treatment near you, think about the Dentist listed below as your first choice to solve your dental complications and keep smiling.
FAQ
In order to understand RCT, one must first understand the anatomy of a tooth. The outer enamel layer encloses a hard layer called dentin, as well as a soft tissue pulp. The pulp is the soft tissue that contains blood vessels and nerves, and is housed within the pulp chamber and root canals of a tooth. In RCT, the pulp along with its nerve supply is removed.
A tooth’s nerve is not necessary for its health or function, as its only purpose is to provide sensation of heat or cold. The absence of a nerve will not affect the tooth’s daily functioning. However, after treatment the tooth is less viable and thus more susceptible to fracture.
Since pulp is removed, the tooth becomes non-vital/dead after RCT.
- Anesthesia: First, the dentist will numb the affected tooth with local anesthesia.
- Isolation: The dentist will then use rubber dam or cotton rolls to isolate the tooth and keep it clean and dry during the procedure.
- Access Opening: Next, a dental handpiece will be used to access the inside of the tooth (pulp chamber). The root canals will be located and the working length will be determined with the help of 8 or 10 endodontic K-files.
- Biochemical Preparation and Irrigation: A series of files are used to clear the pulp waste and shape the canals, after which irrigation will be performed to get rid of any remaining pulp. An antimicrobial solution will also be used to do away with any remaining bacteria and reduce the risk of further infection.
- Obturation: The canals are filled and closed with a rubber-like biocompatible material called gutta percha. The opening in the tooth may be covered with a filling, until you receive a permanent crown.
- Capping: After a week, the dentist will finish the treatment by placing a permanent crown or similar type of restoration.
If you delay in getting a recommended root canal, it will become more difficult to treat a dental abscess caused by the infection in the soft pulp of your teeth. Drugs will provide only temporary relief. An periapical abscess can develop when the bacterial infection occurs in soft, easily infected dead tissues inside a root canal.
Individuals suffering from periapical abscess typically report pain, swelling at the base of a tooth, gums, or cheek, and abscess suppuration. When the condition becomes so severe that the root of the tooth becomes involved, the only alternative is to extract the tooth.
Over the counter prescription painkillers, eugenol ingredient in clove oil, and lukewarm water can aid a toothache. But a visit to a healthcare professional will help you find and remedy the underlying cause of your toothache.
RCT pain is typical, being mild. But, it is temporary, and RCT is designed to be effective at alleviating the pain of decayed or missing teeth.
Root canal treatment (RCT) is a successful procedure used to save millions of teeth each year. However, there are potential complications that can develop later on, even years after the initial treatment. These complications can include failure of the RCT, re-infection, and swelling. While the chances of these complications are relatively low, it’s important to be aware of them so you can seek treatment if necessary.
For the most part, it is always better to save the natural tooth with RCT. Root canals have come a long way in recent years and they are now very successful in treating infections and saving teeth. In fact, the success rate for root canals is over 95%.
However, there are some instances where extraction may be the best option. If the tooth is severely damaged or decayed, it may not be able to be saved with RCT.
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are important for people of all ages, but they are especially important for those who have had a recent root canal treatment (RCT). After RCT, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits. This means brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and using an antibacterial mouthwash. It is also important to avoid chewing hard foods or biting your nails. You should also avoid using tobacco products. The tooth may feel sensitive for the first few days after the treatment, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure.
There may be some temporary discomfort after the treatment, but this can be relieved with prescribed medication. The treated tooth may feel different from other teeth for a while, but if you experience severe pain or pressure, be sure to visit the dentist. Also, be sure to consume soft foods after RCT.
It is best to avoid hard or hot foods that could potentially damage your teeth. It is suggested that you do not eat for a few hours until the numbness in your mouth wears off, so that you do not accidentally bite your cheek or tongue. With proper care and attention, a tooth that has undergone RCT can last a lifetime!
A root canal can last a long time if the tooth is protected by a crown. Generally, a root canal will last for more than 12 years. However, it is important to avoid eating hard food that can damage the tooth.
In root canal therapy, the decayed portion of the tooth is drilled out to remove the infected pulp. The canals are then filled with the dental material called gutta-purcha and sealed from the dental material outside. After the root canal treatment, a dental cap is installed to protect the tooth.
A root canal can potentially last a very long time if the tooth is well-protected with a crown. In most cases, a root canal will last for over 12 years. However, it is crucial to avoid eating hard foods that could potentially damage the tooth.
- Sensitivity to pressure/ Tenderness
- Swelling/ Abscess/Gum boil/Sinus Tract
- Thermal sensitivity (to hot or cold stimulus)
Having above symptoms does not always indicate endodontic failure. Thus, a visit to the dentist can help to identify the cause of symptoms.
