Have you been advised by the dentist to undergo a root canal treatment? Are you looking for all the necessary information about a root canal procedure before you go ahead? This blog discusses everything you need to know about root canal treatment – Treatment, Procedure, Symptoms and how root canal treatment can relieve your tooth pain and save your smile.
WHAT IS ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?
Root canal treatment or endodontic treatment is required when the infection from a decayed tooth or an injury reaches the pulp (internal nerves and vessels) of the tooth. In that scenario the tooth cannot be treated with just a simple filling. It needs a thorough cleaning of the entire canal system which harbours the infected tissue.
Inside your tooth, beneath the white enamel and a hard layer called dentin, is a soft tissue called pulp. This tissue contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue, which help grow the root of your tooth during its development. A fully developed tooth can survive without the pulp because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.
Once the tooth is decayed and left untreated, the infection spreads to the nerves and travels through the root canal of the tooth into the bone. This could lead to an abscess, pain from which can come and go. Antibiotics can temporarily alleviate the pain and swelling but are not capable of treating the underlying problem. Furthermore, regular intake of antibiotics can cause them to be less effective as the bacteria become more resistant over a period of time. Thus, it is better to get the treatment done as soon as possible.
Undergoing a root canal treatment in Delhi at INDIADENS is nothing like those old sayings! It is usually completed in one appointment (single-sitting root canal treatment/RCT), or rarely may take more appointments in case of severe infection. Lasers act as an adjunct for complex cases and are routinely used at Indiadens for treatment of such patients. Getting an RCT is relatively painless and extremely effective here. You’ll be back to smiling, biting and chewing with ease in no time. The cost of root canal treatment varies with the tooth involved and complexity of the case. Indiadens is known for its “quality meets affordability” approach for all dental treatments.
HOW TO KNOW IF YOU NEED AN RCT? / SYMPTOMS SHOWING THAT YOU NEED A ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
It is important to know that you may not have any symptoms in the early stages of infection, and every tooth will respond differently when it comes to tooth decay.
In some cases, your tooth may darken in colour, which could mean that the nerve (blood supply to the tooth) is dying.
Root canals are needed in a tooth with a deep cavity, or secondary infection beneath a pre-existing filling, or in a tooth cracked from injury or genetics.
There are a few symptoms that mean you might need a root canal:
- Lingering sensitivity to hot and/or cold food and sweets, even after the sensation has been removed
- Throbbing pain while chewing or biting
- Pain that worsens when you lie down
- Tooth pain that radiates to the head and ears
- Pimples on the gums/swelling around the tooth
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- Deep decay or darkening of the gums
STEPS OF ROOT CANAL TREATMENT:
- An opening is made in the infected tooth to reach the infected pulp.
- Infected tissues are removed, any abscess is drained and the canals are thoroughly cleaned and sterilized.
- Laser is used for final disinfection of the canals(this step is optional).
- The canal is filled with a permanent material (gutta percha). Openings are sealed and the RCT is considered complete.
- Sometimes an additional post is inserted for extra support (if needed). This procedure is called “Post and Core”.
- New crown is fabricated and cemented to regain the tooth structure in order to restore the functional ability of the tooth as well as to protect the natural tooth from inadvertent fracture.
To conclude, getting a root canal treatment would provide you with a relief from the raging and dreadful toothache that you have been experiencing for a while. Book an appointment now for a consultation at Indiadens.
If you still have more questions, feel free to refer to our blog on the frequently asked questions about root canal treatment.
