What is a Root Canal?

Pulp, the innermost part of our tooth, is made up of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues responsible for the growth of our teeth. A root canal may be defined as a dental procedure that involves removing this pulp. This is done when the pulp is infected or damaged due to one or more reasons like:

• Deep decay in the tooth or untreated cavity
• One or more dental procedures done on the same tooth.
• Cracked, chipped or damaged tooth
• Any other injury

It may be noted that the pulp may get infected or damaged interiorly even if the crown of the tooth is intact from outside. The most common symptoms indicating a damaged pulp are:

• Intolerable pain in the tooth
• Swelling in the gums
• Decayed tooth
• Burning sensation in the gums

The Procedure

The process is undertaken by a qualified dentist or an endodontist at his clinic. Many myths about the root canal cause many patients to opt not to go for it. But the fact is, it is a very easy, simple and painless procedure and it is very safe too. Following are the major steps involved in RCT:

Note: Always remember to brush your teeth before visiting a dentist.

Local Anesthesia

The dentist firstly applies a small amount of numbing medicine to the affected gum ab, and then local anesthesia is given to the teeth on which RCT has to be done. This is given to keep the patient away from pain.

Drilling In and Pulp Removal: 

A small opening is created by drilling the infected tooth. This is done to have access to the pulp. Once the damaged pulp is seen, the dentist carefully removes it with the help of precision tools or files. He makes sure that all the canals (pathways) are cleaned properly. 

It may take more than one sitting to clean, depending upon the magnitude of the infection or damage. If more than one sitting is needed, the dentist inserts a temporary sealing until the next sitting.

When the dentist removes all the infection from the canal satisfactorily, he inserts an artificial root made of rubber compound into the root canal and seals the opening.

Measuring the Tooth Size and Crown Fitting

 A permanent crown is a necessity when the root canal is done so that the repaired tooth does not get damaged in the future. Crown is nothing but artificial teeth. These are generally made up of ceramic, porcelain, and gold. Measurement for the crown is taken by placing a mold made with a special composite material under your tooth and sent to the lab. 

It generally takes less than a week for the newly built crown to arrive. Lastly, the crown is fitted with a special adhesive.

Your dentist may prescribe some antibiotics but, for not more than a week, which again depends upon the magnitude of the decay or damage of your tooth. Root canal treatment is not a complicated process. It is almost as same and simple as filling decayed teeth. It is the best way to save your tooth.