ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
a. What is root canal treatment?
This procedure involves the removal of the infected nerve and bacteria from the tooth. This is required when the nerve or blood supply of the tooth (termed the pulp) is infected through decay or injury.
After removal of infected nerve (pulp) from inside the tooth, it is followed by cleaning and shaping of the canals in the tooth. The procedure is completed by filling up these canals with an inert material. This is followed by placing a protective cover (crown) on the treated tooth.
b. When does one need root canal treatment?
A Root Canal treatment is required when there is extensive decay (caries) in a tooth, which has progressed to reach the nerve of the tooth. If left untreated such a tooth gets severely infected and patient can experience pain and swelling.
c. Why is root canal treatment needed?
If the pulp becomes infected, the infection may spread through the root canal system of the tooth. This may eventually lead to an abscess. If root canal treatment (RCT) is not carried out, the infection will spread and the tooth may need to be taken out.
RCT helps restore and preserve the tooth for a long period of time. The RC treated tooth can be successfully used for chewing / biting. It allows for maintaining an aligned bite. Basically it will function and serve like any other natural tooth.
d. Does it hurt?
A Local anesthesia is used and therefore you should feel no pain during the procedure. Pain associated with RCT is merely a thing of the past.
e. How many sittings does RCT take?
RCT can be done in single sitting though sometimes it may require multiple visits depending on the infection level.