Root Canal Treatment

The removal of the infected or irritated nerve tissue that lies within the root of the tooth is called Root Canal Treatment. When your tooth gets infected, the infection does not only limit to the tooth, the surrounding bone and gums also get infected. It is not possible that only medication will heal this state of the tooth and gums.Hence the procedure called Root Canal Treatment has to be performed to save the tooth from removal.


How does tooth decay to the extent that it needs root canal to save it?

What are the signs that you need a root canal treatment?

    Severe tooth pain, that typically increases with the intake of hot liquids.
    Pain worsens when you lie down and reduces when you sit up. (night pain)
    Pain stays for a long time after consuming cold things.
    Swelling around the tooth.
    Constant throbbing tooth pain.
    Pain when chewing.
    Pain in head and ear of affected side as well.
    Tooth sensitivity on consuming sweet and sticky food

If you have any of the above stated symptoms, it would be advisable that you visit us, since dentist is the best person to judge whether you have a root canal disease or not, as some of these symptoms may be due to other problems as well.

How is root canal done in a tooth?

What is the next procedure after root canal is completed?

After the root canal procedure is completed we fill the tooth and later cap it. This is a compulsory procedure as it strengthens the tooth after the root canal. BUT, if the tooth structure is weak, we have to do an additional procedure called a post and core to strengthen it.

What is post and core?

Post and core is a completely painless procedure done in a root canal treated tooth, when the tooth is weak due to extensive decay or is too small to receive a cap or was fractured due to decay. Post and core helps to strengthen the tooth and thus gives more support to the cap.


Can root canal treatment be performed in milk teeth?

Yes it is done on primary teeth when the decay is extensive involving nerves.

Is there a age limit for RCT?

A tooth that is completely formed can be treated by routine root canal treatment. However in young children the roots of the teeth are still developing. In such children it may be required to first undertake treatment to develop the root or close its wide open end and then complete the root canal treatment.

Can a tooth with big swelling or infection that has spread beyond the root be saved by R.C.T.?

Once the inside nerve gets infected and adequate treatment is not carried out there is a chance that the infection may spread to the underlying bone. In such cases the infection forms an abscess in the bone which is nothing but collection of pus. Such an abscessed tooth can be saved by antibiotic therapy followed by root canal treatment. However, these patients required to be followed up regularly by X rays and clinical check up until complete healing take place.

Is it a true that root canal treated tooth does not have any sensation or pain?

As the nerve supply to the tooth is removed the tooth does not respond to heat, cold, etc, like other normal teeth but continues to function like other teeth in the mouth.

Can decay occur on root canal treated teeth?

Root canal treated teeth can decay; hence, proper night brushing / flossing and regular dental check-up necessary to keep decay away.

Do root canal treated teeth fracture?

No, a tooth with minimal destruction that is well restored does not fracture in normal usage. However, a tooth with huge decay may fracture if it is not protected by a crown/ cap.

What are the alternatives to root canal treatment?

Tooth removal is the only alternative. The extracted tooth will have to be replaced by a denture, bridge or implant. Otherwise, the neighbouring teeth will move into the space, creating problems with eating and cleaning. These problems can cause gum disease and new cavities.

Can I get a root canal while pregnant?

Teeth requiring root canals are generally in the late stages of decay or damage, which poses a risk of infection. Emergency root canal procedures can be performed under local anaesthesia at all stages of pregnancy. As for other dental procedures, like routine or elective treatments can be best completed during the second trimester.

I am very anxious about the treatment, how can you help me to curb my anxiety?

Here, at Dr. Vora’s Dental Care we have a procedure called as Conscious Sedation dental treatment. This procedure helps you to achieve a painless and anxiety free dental treatment. (click here to know more about it)

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