Root canal treatments have the reputation of being very painful. However, RCT (Root Canal Treatment), if performed by an experienced endodontist, will cause no pain at all. Root canal treatment is a highly predictable procedure with success rates of up to 96%. Although the treatment has a high success rate, failure still occurs due to inadequate cleaning and shaping in anatomically complex root canal systems and/or continued microbial leakage due to lack of adequate sealing material characteristics. In fact, the success of the treatment depends on the skill and experience of the dentist. Root canal Treatment basically serves the purpose of saving your tooth from complete decay.
Unfortunately, only some people approach experienced endodontists for RCT due to lack of awareness.
It is estimated that 22.3 million endodontic procedures were performed annually:
• 15.2 million/68% were performed by general dentists
• 5.7 million/26% were performed by endodontists
• The remainder were performed by other dental specialists
Dr. Sanjay Kalra, the best dentist in Panchkula, explains the root canal treatment and its needs.
The tooth structure
The human tooth is covered with a hard white layer called enamel which is responsible for the color of the teeth. Inside the enamel, there is another hard layer dentin. Inside the dentin there is soft tissue called the pulp.
When is it required?
Root canal treatment, is a dental procedure done to remove the infected pulp of the tooth and prevent it from any damage. When tooth decay damages the enamel and dentin, and reaches the pulp that is when RCT is required. It is done to give life to a badly damaged or decayed tooth. With root canal therapy the tooth can be saved from decaying completely.
When do you know you need one (symptoms)
Severe pain while chewing or biting. The pain can be persistent, or throbbing pain. A pain in the tooth generally means something is wrong with the tooth and it needs endodontic treatment.
Swelling around the teeth which may spread to other parts as well. A swelling generally means that the infection is spreading and immediate dental care is needed.
Increased sensitivity to hot or cold.
Or there may be no symptoms present at times. In fact 98% of people infected with caries report no symptoms at all. It’s only when the infection worsens that people tend to notice it. The earlier you opt for a visit to the dentist will determine firstly the type of treatment needed and secondly (if need be) how much of the tooth is saved via that treatment.
Root Canal Treatment (The Procedure)
This treatment will require multiple sittings with the endodontist. The first step is a X-ray of the infected area to determine the course of treatment to be administered. To start with the dentist will make space on the tooth using drills, to reach the infected pulp. Once that is done the dentist will proceed to remove the infected pulp. If you have a dental abscess, which is a pus-filled swelling, your dentist will be able to drain it at the same time. Once the infected pulp is thoroughly removed, the dentist will place a crown on the operated tooth. The crown is made by the dentist using an impression he will obtain from your teeth.
Opting for a root canal treatment may seem scary, but you will be treated with anesthesia during the procedure, and your treatment will be pain-free. Dr. Sanjay Kalra, the best dentist in the Tricity, offers state of the art facilities and treatment by a team of experienced endodontists for Root Canal Treatment.