Root canal – the word that is most commonly associated with dentists and truly the most commonly performed dental treatment too. So today, let’s talk all about RCT, as it is commonly referred to.
What is a root canal?
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure in which, the central portion of the tooth, known as the nerve of the tooth, is completely removed and thoroughly cleaned. Then that space is filled with a new filling material which seals and protects the tooth from any future contamination.
When is it needed?
The most common reason when root canal is needed is when decay or cavity gets deep into the tooth due to its large extent. Then a root canal becomes compulsory to save the tooth
Sometimes our teeth can develop a micro crack, which is not normally visible to the naked eye. But it produces severe pain and a root canal is needed.
Apart from these two, there are so many other less common causes when a root canal may be needed.
Number of visits and steps involved
Traditionally, 2 – 3 visits were often required to complete a root canal treatment.
In the first visit the infected tooth is numbed by giving a local anesthetic solution. The dentist will then make a hole by drilling into the tooth and remove the entire infected portion from the center of the tooth
In the next visit, the central space is cleaned with both, cleaning medicated solutions known as irrigants as well mechanical cleaning by hand or through machine with the help of instruments called as files.
In the final visit, the clean and aseptic space is filled with a rubbery filling material known as gutta-percha. This offers the final seal to the tooth and protects it from any future re-contamination
Nowadays, a root canal can be completed in a single visit too, because of highly sophisticated instruments. However, it may take 2 or 3 visits, depending on the extent of infection of the tooth and surrounding tissues.
Is it painful?
Most patients dread the name of the root canal fearing pain. Sometimes they have had previous root canals done; sometimes the fear is just vague.
Nowadays, due to advent of better materials and techniques your root canal can be completely painless.
Painless injection systems and techniques, better use of files through rotary instrumentation, use of sophisticated apex locators that help prevent over instrumentation, and last but not the least the hands of a highly skilled dentist etc. These factors can make a huge difference in the experience that you face while having a root canal done.
Conclusion
Do you know that the success ratio of a well performed root canal treatment is 95%! It is the treatment which saves your teeth and keeps it good for years to come.
At ANANT DENTAL CLINIC AND ORTHODONTIC CENTER we provide the best possible experience for patients who need a root canal. Our previous patients can vouch for how painless and effortless this procedure was for them. We continue to grow and hope to serve you only better.