You may have heard a lot about root canal treatment (RCT) but did you know it is a straightforward procedure? It is one of the procedures required to save a tooth that has seemed nonfunctional… i.e dead tooth. During the root canal procedure, the dentist will carefully remove the pulp inside the tooth, clean and shape the root canal before filling it up to seal the space. Without a root canal treatment, the infection may erode the tissue surrounding the tooth thus becoming infectious. RCT has been rumored to be a painful procedure, however, the procedure itself is not as painful as filling the dead tooth.
Why Removing The Tooth Pulp During An RCT Procedure?
When the pulp becomes injured or damaged, it wears down and begins to produce bacteria on its own. When these bacteria are produced, they automatically begin to multiply within the pulp chamber thus causing the creation of abscess. You know that abscesses are really bad for the body in general. They are pus-like. If an infection is in the root canal it would likely cause
- Swelling
- Bone loss
- A bigger hole on the tooth
- Drainage to the skin
- Halitosis ( Mouth Odor)
How do I know I need A Root Canal Treatment (RCT)
If you notice any of these symptoms, you may likely need an RCT procedure.
- Tooth sensitivity
- Pain chewing
- Sudden pimples on your cheek
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Swollen and painful gums
- Decayed tooth
- Darkened gum within a spot
(RCT) Root Canal Treatment: What to Expect
The dentist who specializes in RCT is called endodontics. The procedures during an RCT includes the following:
- First, after clerking, your dentist would request you do an x-ray. If an X-ray reveals that there is an infection surrounding the bone, he would use anesthesia to numb that area in order to help you feel more relaxed.
- Then he would use a rubber dam to help control your saliva during the treatment.
- After this, he would drill access into the tooth and remove the pulp, bacteria, and decayed nerve tissue. The area is cleaned and water or sodium chloride is used to flush out the debris in the tooth.
- Cleaning makes the tooth ready to be filled. However, if your dentist realizes that the tooth is infected, you may be required to come back to have the tooth sealed. He would put medication in the tooth to help clear the infection.
- To fill the interior of the tooth, a sealer paste and a rubber compound are placed into the root canal. Then the tooth is filled.
- The final step involves the restoration of the tooth. A tooth that needs a root canal often is one that has a large filling or extensive decay or other weakness. Because of that, you may need a crown, crown, and post, or other restoration to protect it, prevent it from breaking, and restore it to full function. Your dentist will discuss the need for any additional dental work with you.
Root Canal Treatment (RCT) Recovery
After the RCT procedure, there is a likelihood that your mouth would be numb for a period of days. However, you can continue your daily activity. You may want to wait before eating normally. Also, the spot may likely be sensitive due to inflammation. This inflammation is controlled by over the counter drugs like ibuprofen, Advil, and the likes. We advise that until the RCT procedure is complete, try and avoid chewing on that part of the tooth to help avoid piling up food debris at the spot. Perform your oral hygiene procedures and always meet up with your appointment.
Root Canal Treatment Cost
The cost of a root canal treatment varies depending on how bad the tooth is, the number of teeth to be treated, and the choice of the dental clinic as well as location. Some health insurance covers this cost however RCT procedure is estimated to be within hundreds of thousands of naira. If you would love to find out the cost of an RCT procedure, contact us here.
Root Canal Complications
One of the major complications of an RCT procedure is an infection on the treated teeth. This may occur if
- If a root canal is not cleaned thoroughly
- A crack on the teeth
- A problem with the restoration such that bacteria finds its way to the inner tooth.
- An improper filling of the inner canal.
Sometimes you have to take the RCT procedure again but in order cases, you may need surgery to save the tooth.
