Root Canal Treatment

What is Root Canal Treatment (RCT)?

When the nerve of a tooth is infected, there are 2 options available to eliminate the infection:

First is to extract the tooth entirely
Another common general dental procedure we perform is Root canal treatment or RCT. It is also called Endodontic Therapy

With RCT, your tooth that has been severely damaged due to decay, disease or injury can be saved. The source of infection can be removed while still preserving the overall tooth structure for several more years.

What are the benefits of Root Canal Treatment?

Below are the benefits of root canal treatment:

1) Saves the tooth

Root canal treatment saves the tooth from being removed.

2) Maintains harmony between teeth in the jaw

Removing the infected tooth can cause shifting of adjacent teeth. This can affect the alignment of the teeth, which can cause difficulty while chewing.

3) Relieves pain

Removing the infected soft core of nerves relieves pain and removes swelling almost immediately.

Do root canals hurt?

Root canal treatment is performed only after you are sufficiently numbed with a local anesthetic, so the answer to the above question will be a no. We make sure you are comfortable and calm before the procedure.

How do I know that I need RCT?

We advise you to look out for the following signs & symptoms, all of which may be an indication that infection is present in your tooth's nerve:

Severe pain or discomfort surrounding a tooth
A large cavity that has entered into the nerve
An abscess (painful collection of pus)
Excessive tooth decay or loss of structure due to previous trauma or injury

What is Single visit RCT?

With continuously evolving newer technology in the field of endodontics, multiple visit root canal treatment has been transformed into single visit endodontics. This saves time and money for both you and the dentist. Single visit endodontics suggests that cleaning, shaping, disinfection and filling of root canals are all done at the same appointment.

Is single visit root canal treatment advisable in all cases?

Not all cases favor single visit root canal therapy. Below are the conditions where single visit root canal can be performed:

Uncomplicated vital teeth where only superficial infection is present
Physically and mentally disabled patients who cannot endure multiple visits
Patients undergoing intentional root canal therapy for a full mouth rehabilitation
Fractured front teeth where immediate prosthetic restoration is required for esthetic purpose

What are the contra - indications for single visit root canal?

In case of high infection levels may it be long standing or acute infection single visit root canal is not advised
In patients who cannot open their mouth for long time (patients suffering from temporomandibular joint disorders)
Teeth with abnormal tooth structure or anomalies in canal system

1.Why might I need a root canal treatment?

You may need a root canal treatment if the pulp of your tooth becomes infected or damaged due to decay, trauma, or other factors. Symptoms of a damaged or infected pulp can include pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, and abscesses.

2.Is root canal treatment painful?

Root canal treatment is usually performed under local anesthesia, which means that you should not feel any pain during the procedure. You may experience some discomfort or sensitivity after the treatment, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

3.How long does a root canal treatment take?

A: The length of a root canal treatment can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the number of roots that need to be treated. In general, the procedure can take anywhere from one to three visits to complete.

4.Is it better to have a tooth extracted or undergo a root canal treatment?

In most cases, it is better to try to save the natural tooth with a root canal treatment rather than having it extracted. Extracting a tooth can lead to other dental problems and may require additional treatments such as dental implants or bridges.

5.How long does a root canal treated tooth last?

With proper care, a root canal treated tooth can last a lifetime. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene and schedule regular dental check-ups to ensure the long-term success of the treatment.