What is Root Canal Treatment (RCT)?
RCT or Root Canal treatment is the process of removing infected dental pulp tissue from the carious tooth. The root is then cleaned and sealed.
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As decayed tooth may cause infection of surrounding tissue leading to abscessed tooth.
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RCT of teeth removes bacteria from infected root canal to save the natural tooth.
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When is RCT Required?
Most common sign that you require an RCT is severe pain in tooth, pain is aggravated while eating sweet, or having anything hot or cold and also during night. But sometimes the tooth.
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Abscessed tooth causes infection at the root which presses on the nerves causing tooth ache.
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RCT is necessary when the pulps containing soft tissues, blood vessels and nerves gets inflamed. Tooth may have to be removed if this infected pulp is not removed.
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Sometimes feverish face, pain while chewing or discharge around the tooth are the symptoms for RCT requirement.
Procedure of Root Canal Treatment
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First step of RCT is clinical examination by dentist to find the severity of problem. Besides X-Ray imaging helps to visualize the pulp chamber.
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Local anesthesia is administered to numb the affected area.
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Infected pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned completely and shaped.
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Bio-compatible material named "Gutta-Percha" is filled in this space which replaces the pulp of the tooth.
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Space is sealed properly using temporary root canal filling.
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Once the root canal crown is constructed, temporary filling is removed crown is placed to restore a tooth.
Symptoms
Swollen Gums
It indicates infection beneath the tooth. Gums may have pimples on them.
Sensitivity to hot or cold
Tooth hurts while eating or drinking something cold or hot indicating the infection of nerves & blood vessels.
Pain in Tooth
Patient may feel persistent pain in tooth or may feel pain in face, jaw or in other teeth.
A Chipped or Cracked Tooth
A chipped or cracked tooth can expose the nerves of the tooth and cause infection in the roots.
Discoloration of Tooth
Tooth gets discolored due to infection in the pulp. Damaged roots turn the tooth in greyish black color.
Post Treatment care for RCT
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Avoid chewing or biting down on treated tooth as first it is resorted by temporary filling.
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Once the temporary filling is replaced by crown, a restored tooth can last as natural teeth.
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After RCT, good oral hygiene is very important. You need to take care of your teeth by brushing, flossing and using antiseptic mouth wash.
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Make regular appointments with your dentist and / or endodontist to have follow up visits for cleaning and check-ups.