| What is Root Canal Treatment? |
| It is removal of the inflamed or infected pulp, cleaning and shaping of the tooth’s root and then sealing the prepared site. Generally finished in 1 to 3 appointments ranging from 30 to 90 minutes each. The tooth is then generally restored with a crown. |
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| What is the dental pulp? |
| The pulp is the soft tissue that contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. It lies within the tooth and extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the root in the bone of the jaws. |
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| What happens if the pulp gets injured? |
| When the pulp is diseased or injured and can't repair itself, it dies. The most common cause of pulp death is a cracked tooth or a deep cavity. Both of these problems can let germs (bacteria) enter the pulp. Germs can cause an infection inside the tooth. Left without treatment, pus builds up at the root tip, in the jawbone, forming a "pus-pocket" called an abscess. An abscess can cause damage to the bone around the teeth. |
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| Why does the pulp need to be removed? |
| When the infected pulp is not removed, pain and swelling can result. Certain byproducts of the infection can injure your jaw bones. Without treatment, your tooth may have to be removed. |
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| What are the symptoms for a RCT? |
| The patient has prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, spontaneous pain, discolouration of the tooth, swelling or tenderness of the tooth or adjacent gums. |
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| How Is Root Canal Treatment Done? |
Generally root canal treatment is completed in single sitting, in selected cases it may require two or three sittings depending on severity.
The tooth is isolated. An opening is done to gain access to diseased pulp.
The diseased pulp will be removed canal will be cleaned and a medication will be placed.
Once the canal is clean and sterile it is filled with a biocompatible material and packed with a white coloured material. |
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| Will There Be Pain During The Treatment? |
This is the most common question asked.
Today root canal procedure using modern technology is painless. local anaesthesia during the procedure is given and medication can be used to help the discomfort.
Your normal routine is not hampered and you would be eating your normal diet without any discomfort and pain. |
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| How long will the restored tooth last? |
| Your restored tooth could last a lifetime, if you continue to care for your teeth and gums. However, regular checkups are necessary. As long as the root(s) of a treated tooth are nourished by the tissues around it, your tooth will remain healthy. |
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