What is root canal treatment (RCT)?
RCT also known as Endodontist treatment, is a dental procedure in which the diseased or damaged pulp of the tooth is removed and the inside areas (pulp chamber and canals) are filled and sealed.
When is the root canal treatment needed?
RCT is necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal, becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or the infection can have a variety of causes; deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or a chip in the tooth. If pulp infection or inflammation is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.
What are the signs of needing RCT treatment?
Throbbing pain in the tooth, Prolong sensitivity to heat or cold Tenderness to touch and chewing, discoloration of the tooth and swelling, drainage and tenderness in the lymphnodes as well as nearby bone and gingival tissues, Sometimes, however, there are no symptoms.
The root canal procedure
The dentist removes the inflamed or the infected pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the Canal, a channel inside the root, then fills and seals the space. Afterwards a crown or other Restoration is placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like another tooth.