ROOT CANAL TREATMENT/ RCT

Endodontic therapy or root canal therapy is a sequence of treatment for the infected pulp of a tooth which results in the elimination of infection and the protection of the decontaminated tooth from future microbial invasion. The innermost layer of tooth is the pulp which provides nutrients, blood supply and nerves to the tooth; it runs like a thread down through the roots. When the pulp is diseased or injured, mostly due to dental decay or a fracture, the tooth needs to be saved.

The most common causes of pulp damage or death are:

 A cracked tooth

A deep cavity

An injury to a tooth, such as a severe knock to the tooth, either recent or in the past.

Endodontic therapy involves the removal of these structures, the subsequent shaping, cleaning, and decontamination of the hollows with small files and irrigating solutions and the obturation (filling) of the decontaminated canals with an inert filling such as gutta-percha and typically eugenol-based cement.

 In order to retain the tooth in the oral cavity root canal treatment is done that would otherwise be lost. After the dentist removes the pulp, the root canal is cleaned and sealed off to protect it. Then your dentist places a crown or a cap over the tooth to make it stronger.

Most of the cases root canal treatment is a relatively simple procedure with little or no discomfort involving one or three visits.Best of all , it can save your tooth and your smile.

Once the pulp is infected or dead, if left untreated, pus can build up at the root tip in the jawbone, forming an abscess. An abscess can destroy the bone surrounding the tooth and cause pain.

INDICATIONS

Dental caries or decay involving pulp

Fracture involving pulp

Intentional root canal treatment is indicated in the following cases,

Severe periodontal problem

grossly attrited tooth

Fixed replacement of missing tooth like bridges

TREATMENT PROCEDURE

First, an opening is made through the crown of the tooth in to the pulp chamber, after giving local anesthesia.

The pulp is then removed and the root canals are cleaned and shaped to a form that can be filled.

The pulp is removed, and the root canals are cleaned, enlarged and shaped.

Medications may be put in to the pulp chamber and root canals to help get rid of germs and prevent infection

A temporary filling will be placed in the crown opening to protect the tooth between dental visits. Your dentist may leave the tooth open for a few days to drain. You might also be given medicines to help control infection that may spread beyond the tooth.

The pulp chamber and root canals are filled and sealed.

The temporary filling is removed and the pulp chamber and root canal s are cleaned and filled.

In the final step, a crown or cap is usually placed over the tooth.

 How Long Will the Restored Tooth Last?

Your treated and restored tooth/teeth can last a lifetime with proper care. Because tooth decay can still occur in treated teeth, good oral hygiene and regular dental exams are necessary to prevent further problems.

As there is no longer a pulp keeping the tooth alive, root-treated teeth can become brittle and are more prone to fracture. This is an important consideration when deciding whether to crown or fill a tooth after root canal treatment.

To determine the success or failure of root canal treatment, the most relied-upon method is to compare new X-rays with those taken prior to treatment. This comparison will show whether bone continues to be lost or is being regenerated. As long as the roots of a tooth are nourished by the tissues around it, your tooth will remain healthy.

DR.RENJU T GEORGE,

SIGNAL DENTAL SPECIALTY CLINIC,

OPP. BSNL TELEPHONE EXCHANGE,

KALAVATHU ROAD, PALARIVATTOM,

COCHIN-682025.KERALA, INDIA.