“Root canal” a commonly heard term, everyone is aware of. But, the actual procedure is known only by a few individuals. The treatment in which, the soft centre portion of the tooth is removed and replaced with biocompatible synthetic material, to preserve the natural tooth and get rid of pain caused by infection due to bacterial invagination.
Root Canal procedure.
When the tooth decay caused by bacteria, spreads to an extent where it invaginates the pulp ( i.e, the pink portion of the tooth which has vessels and nerves) and the patient starts to feel pain, the root canal treatment (RCT) has to be done.
What happens in a root canal procedure?
- Removal of caries and infected pulp – this is done under local anaesthesia, the affected tooth is drilled to remove caries, followed by the extirpation of pulp from the exposed root canal, with the use of hand instruments.
- Biomechanical preparation – in this step, the canals are prepared to receive the synthetic restorative material. The canal is re-cleaned and can be done by the use of the hand as well as rotary instruments.
- Obturation – this is the final step, which includes proper irrigation with root canal irrigants and filling the canals with gutta-percha which is a biocompatible material, and the canals are sealed. The crown portion is filled with temporary cement followed by permanent cement.
Tooth after the treatment.
After the treatment, the tooth loses its vitality due to the removal of nerves and vessels supplying it, thus the tooth becomes brittle and is prone to fracture. The root canal treatment must be followed by crown placement which will protect the tooth from fracture And enhance the treatment results.
How long will a root canal last?
Like any other medical or dental procedure, the root canal can last a long time based on the maintenance and care given by the patient. However, being weaker than the natural teeth, a properly treated tooth with a cap can survive 12 – 15 years or further.
Post-treatment do’s and don’ts.
| do’s | don’ts |
| Brush teeth twice daily and floss. Brush the treated tooth area with light soft strokes. | Don’t chew hard food before cap placement. |
| Contact immediately if crown or filling comes out. | Don’t delay the treated tooth having been restored by a cap. |
| Do take the prescribed medications on time to reduce infection which aids the treatment success. | Don’t delay the treated tooth having been restored by a cap. |
| Ensure visiting your dentists regularly. Avoid foods that are bad for teeth | Change the frequent snacking habit which is harmful to the overall health of teeth and gums. Don’t forget the importance of regular dental checkup. |
Conclusion– “Root canal treatment is painful“, it is the common misconceptions about a root canal. But Latest RCT technology has helped root canal treatment to become more comfortable and completely painless. Visit your root canal dentist near me for more information about root canal treatment.
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Address: 11/11 Akurdi Chikhli Road, Near Dwarka Collection, Kasturi market, Sambhaji Nagar, Thermax Chowk, Below Nutan Jewellers, Chinchwad, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra 411019
