Root Canal Treatment
What is ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
Think of your tooth as a tree standing in your mouth. The tree’s portion above the ground represents the visible part of your tooth, and much like the roots of a tree, the root canal system of a tooth provides nourishment and sensory perception to it. Root canal treatment is a guardian of your dental forest, preserving and protecting your natural tooth from extraction. The procedure aims to remove the infected or damaged pulp from the root canal system, eliminating pain and restoring oral health.
Why does one need an RCT
Just as trees face threats from pests and decay, teeth are susceptible to tooth decay, cavities, and infections. When harmful bacteria penetrate the protective layers of your tooth, they can infiltrate the root canal system, wreaking havoc on your dental tree. This is where our hero, root canal treatment, comes to the rescue.
What is the procedure of an ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
Here, every step contributes to the growth and revitalisation of your dental tree.
- Diagnosing the Threats: This begins with a thorough examination by our experienced dentists, identifying the lurking threats within your tooth. Using X-rays and careful observation, they determine the extent of decay or infection within the root canal system.
- Numbing the Area: The dentist administers local anaesthesia, which numbs the area, ensuring you feel little to no discomfort during the root canal treatment.
- Clearing the Path: With the area numb, the dentist creates a small access point in your tooth to the hidden roots. This allows them to carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp from the root canal system.
- Deep Cleansing: The dentist skillfully cleans and shapes the root canals using specialised tools. This meticulous cleaning removes debris, bacteria, or infected tissue, creating a healthy environment for your tooth to thrive.
- Sealing the Roots: With the path cleared and the canals cleaned, the dentist fills the root canals using a biocompatible gutta-percha material. This acts as a protective shield, preventing future infections and stabilizing the tooth’s foundation.
Post Treatment Care for Root Canal Therapy
- Mind the Numbness: Be careful while eating or drinking immediately after RCT because of temporary numbness; avoid hot foods.
- Gentle Chewing: Begin with soft foods and progress to increase quantities and varieties of regular food as the pain subsides.
- Pain Management: Use any pain reliever from the drug store and follow instructions to ease mild discomfort.
- Oral Hygiene Priority: Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly.
- Regular Check-ups: Check up with the dentist regularly to monitor the situation.
- Avoid Crunchy or Sticky Foods: Avoid hard candies or sticky snacks that could stress the treated tooth.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking water promotes healthy teeth and assists in recovering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Root canal treatment is done with local anaesthesia, causing minimal pain during the process. Any soreness that develops after treatment can be mitigated with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Yes, adequately cared for and subject to frequent dental visits, a tooth treated by root canal therapy can last an entire life.
The natural tooth is an essential component of a healthy bite, preventing neighbouring teeth shift and integrity preservation in your dental structure with root canal treatment – saving it.
Another way is to extract the tooth. However, it is always better to save your natural tooth whenever possible to avoid the complications of losing a tooth.
Good oral hygiene, regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential for avoiding tooth decay or the processes of root canal treatment. Also, avoiding sweet foods and beverages and wearing mouthguards while engaging in physical activities can help to keep your teeth safe.