Treatments - Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is required when the pulp of a tooth is damaged due to extensive decay, wear, fracture or when indicated for making a bridge, if the supporting teeth do not have the desired alignment. Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that replaces a tooth’s damaged or infected pulp with a filling.
A tooth consists of enamel (outermost layer), dentin and pulp. This pulp consists of tiny nerve fibres, blood vessels and some specialized dental cells and is located in the hollow space in the center of the tooth. The procedure is also known as endodontic treatment.

Symptoms:
A tooth may require root canal treatment if it shows certain signs and symptoms. Sometimes, tooth pulp may be damaged or diseased without presenting any symptoms. In these cases, the problem is usually diagnosed by special tests or x-rays during a dental check-up or when the patient is undergoing treatment for other dental problem.

Deep decay in the root causing infection
In general, the presenting signs and symptoms include:

• Deep and untreated dental decay or secondary decay beneath a filling or crown
• Increased sensitivity to hot and cold beverages and foods
• Pain on biting or chewing food
• Loosening of the tooth
• Swelling of the gum near the affected tooth
• Pus discharge from the area surrounding the affected tooth
• Swelling of the face on the side of the damaged tooth
• Advanced gum disease (periodontitis)

If not treated on time, the infection can spread unchecked into the tissue spaces and a huge swelling of face, neck and eyes can result. This may spread even further and can cause difficulty in swallowing and breathing. In severe cases the tooth will have to be removed as root canal treatment then may not work.

Root Canal Treatment in molar tooth
Root canal treatment is done under local anaesthesia or sometimes without it if the tooth is totally non-vital (i.e. Pulp tissue is dead). The procedure includes thorough cleaning and debridement of the canals of the tooth to remove the degenerating pulp tissues. Then it is cleaned, shaped and decontaminated with the use of tiny files and irrigating solutions. The canals are then obturated (filled) with inert filling materials, such as gutta percha and a sealer to form a compact and tight root canal filling. Screw posts are inserted to give strength to the final filling and then the tooth is prepared for crown (cap).
Your dentist may prescribe you medicines to control infection and relieve pain if required. The whole procedure may be completed in one sitting or may require you to visit many times depending upon the stage of infection and symptoms.