Exploring the Depths | Essentials of Root Canal Treatment
Our teeth are made up of 3 layers. The outer layer is the enamel, the next layer is the dentin, and the innermost is the pulp. The pulp is the collection of blood vessels that provides nutrition to the tooth.
What is a Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal treatment is a dental procedure to remove the infected pulp, clean the canal, and fill it.
When Might You Need a Root Canal Treatment?
If the tooth becomes infected or damaged by:
- Deep cavity
- An injury
- Cracked tooth
- Gum disease
- Broken fillings
- Repeated fillings can injure the pulp
What Are the Signs to Go for Root Canal Treatment?
- Severe tooth pain that does not respond to pain medication
- Severe toothache when biting or chewing
- Swollen and tender gums with pus discharge
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- A loose tooth
- Tooth discoloration
The Procedure of Root Canal Treatment
Preparation of the Patient
The first step of root canal treatment is to take an x-ray of the tooth. The tooth has to be isolated by a rubber dam, which isolates the tooth by covering the rest of the teeth.
Anesthesia
The local anesthesia is injected to numb the area.
Removal of Infected Pulp
The drill removes infected caries. Once we reach the pulp, we remove the pulpal tissue by an instrument. Once the infected pulp is removed, an antibacterial and antiseptic solution can be used to eliminate the bacteria and treat the infections.
Cleaning and Shaping the Canals
Frequent irrigations with saline have to be done to clean the canal. The shaping of the canal can be done by an instrument called Files.
Filling the Canal
The canals can be filled with the material called Gutta-percha, and then the permanent filling over the tooth can be placed. If the tooth is infected, we can place the temporary filling and prescribe them a course of antibiotics.
Is a Crown Mandatory After RCT?
Root canal procedure weakens the tooth by reducing the amount of healthy tissue within it. A crown is usually suggested for back teeth meant for chewing and hard biting. Usually, it is not recommended for front teeth as they don’t receive any hard chewing function. But if there are discolored teeth, for aesthetic concerns, we can put crowns over them.
