Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is the treatment of the innermost part of your tooth called the pulp. The pulp is a collection of nerve tissues and blood vessels; it is the center of life for your tooth. If for any reason, the pulp gets infected, your dentist goes in for a root canal treatment to eliminate the infection and salvage the tooth and the nearby organs as much as possible. Dr.Chandrakanth Majeti, head dentist at Trident Dental Clinic says, “It is a minor, but sensitive surgical procedure. When done right, it can save you a lot of dental trouble down the road.” Across India, endodontists perform around 41,000 RCTs everyday!

When Will You Need A Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatments are required when the pulp of your tooth is infected and the infection stands a chance to spread to the gums and the neighboring teeth. This infection usually occurs when you have an untreated tooth cavity that has extended deep. You can watch out for the following symptoms:

• Severe pain while chewing or even at rest
• Chipped or cracked tooth
• Swollen or decaying gums that look red or black
• Severe sensitivity to heat or cold that lingers even when the trigger is removed
• The tooth feels loose or falls out
• Pimples on the gums or inner cheeks

Is Root Canal Treatment Safe?

Root canal treatment is a completely safe procedure as far as surgical procedures go. Dentists only suggest the treatment where no other less invasive treatments seem viable. This treatment not only removes infection, but can sometimes even save the tooth.

Root canal treatment often gets a bad reputation for being painful. But, in fact, it gives you relief from immense tooth pain that can otherwise impair you from eating regularly. Plus, the surgery is done under anesthesia, so it is unlikely you will feel a lot of pain during the procedure.

How Is A Root Canal Treatment Done?

After evaluation of your condition, if the doctor deems root canal surgery fit for your condition, he will set a date for the procedure.

• On the day of the treatment, the doctor will inject or apply some numbing medication to your gums.
• Then, the infected tooth or the area is marked and isolated.
• A small opening is drilled into your tooth to access the pulp.
• Your endodontist then very carefully remove the infected pulp to remove all infection.
• The area is then thoroughly cleansed and disinfected so that there is no scope for the infection to relapse.
• The newly formed gap is then filled with a dental tool called the gutta-percha.
• The cavity and the drilled hole are then filled with dental filling to prevent bacteria from reentering.

After Root Canal Treatment the doctor advices to go for a custom made crown for enhancing the life of tooth. 

Root Canal Treatment Post-op Care

After the procedure, the effects of the anaesthesia will wear off after 2 – 3 hours. You can expect mild pain for the following week. Here’s how you get better faster:

• Take your antibacterials, painkillers, and any other medicines prescribed by the doctor on time.
• Keep your mouth clean. Do not brush roughly on the treated tooth. Rub it with toothpaste or use mouthwash to keep it clean.
• Do not chew solid food with that tooth. It is best to stick to soft boil food items.
• Do not skip your follow-up with the doctor to ensure you are recovering safely!