A root canal treatment is generally indicated when there has been trauma to tooth as in an injury, fall or accident where tooth is fractured or discolored. There is a large decay in the tooth extending to the roots causing recurring pain or swelling or both.There is an opening in the gums, which drains pus through a sinus tract that leads to an abscess surrounding the roots. Cavities extend very close to the nerve extreme pain.
The root canal treatment procedure begins with an intra-oral X-ray, which shows the extent of tooth decay or the rounded black spot at the end of the roots indicating a decrease in the density of bone due to infection. After local anesthesia to the concerned tooth, access is gained to the nerve area by a dental drill and a hole is made which leads to pulp chamber. Cleaning the tooth out to remove bacteria, degenerated nerve and debris is then done using RC files. These files are a series of increasing diameter used with a twisting motion as well as up and down in tooth to scrape and scrub sides of canals.
The dentist examines the tooth and takes X-rays to determine the extent of infection.
The area is numbed to ensure a pain-free procedure.
A small opening is made, and the infected pulp is removed from the root canal.
The canal is thoroughly cleaned, shaped, and disinfected.
The canal is filled with a rubber-like material (gutta-percha) and sealed.
A crown or filling is placed to restore strength and appearance.
No, modern RCT is performed under local anesthesia and is virtually painless.
It usually takes 1–2 visits, each lasting about 60–90 minutes depending on the case.
If proper oral hygiene is maintained and the tooth is well-restored, reinfection is rare.
Yes, in most cases a crown is recommended to protect the tooth from future damage.
With proper care, a root canal treated tooth can last a lifetime.
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