WHAT IS RCT?
WHAT
IS RCT?
The outer portion or Crown of a tooth is a
three-layered structure namely :
1.Enamel
2.Dentin
3.Pulp
If the tooth decay is limited to the first two
layers, it can be corrected with Filling/
Restoration.
In case the tooth decay reaches the third layer and
causes inflammation or infection of pulp, an RCT or
Endodontic Treatment is needed.
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.
WHY
DOES ONE NEED TO UNDERGO ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?
Root Canal
Treatment is done on a damaged or infected tooth. Infection could be due to a
cracked or broken tooth, deep decay, gum
diseases or maybe due to repeated dental treatment on
a particular tooth. It becomes extremely important to get the Root Canal
Treatment as:
· It stops the infection from spreading and will then save the tooth from
extraction
· RCT relieves the
pain caused due to inflammation
SYMPTOMS
· The most common symptom that one might need Root Canal Treatment is a
toothache. The pain can range from mild to severe. With time it may worsen, and
you will feel the pain even when you bite your food.
· The other reason is prolonged sensitivity. If you feel sensations in
your tooth while consuming something hot or cold, then there is the slightest
chance that one needs to undergo Root Canal Treatment.
· Swelling in the gums 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. If required local
anesthesia is administered before starting the treatment.
Step 2:
The next step is Cavity Preparation. A cavity is
prepared, making sure all the infected tooth material or previous filling
material is removed and a proper approach to inner-part of the tooth (pulp) is
established.
Step 3:
This is followed by disinfection and shaping of
pulp canals. The infected pulp is cleared out completely, canals are shaped and
cleaned. Thorough disinfection is achieved.
Step 4:
Clean and disinfected 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 cavity is then restored with a filling, followed by
a Cap/Crown cementation.
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?
No, an infected tooth cannot heal itself. In fact,
the infection can spread to other areas of your jaw causing serious pain.
Treating an infected tooth requires medications or root canal
treatment. For getting an RCT, book your appointment at the nearest Clove
Dental Clinic.
Q.2. Do Root Canals Procedures
Hurt A Lot?
No, a root canal treatment is pain-free. Before
proceeding with the root canal treatment, a dentist will use local anaesthesia
to numb the infected area ensuring a painless 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 pain
once they awaken from anaesthesia; this is likely to end within a few days due
to medication.
Q.4. Can One Get RCT Done In A
Day?
Most root canal treatment can be successfully completed
by a dentist in a single day. In certain cases of serious infection or back
tooth, a dentist may give 2-3 days appointment for finishing the treatment.
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