Root canal Tips

Not every tooth infection requires a root canal and hence it is essential to know the indication of a root canal. But exactly a root canal procedure is and why is it required?

A root canal means that the pulp or soft tissue inside a tooth has been damaged by bacterial infection. A root canal involves removing the damaged pulp, cleaning the infection and filling in the emptied space.

So, how do you know that you need a root canal. Here are some telltale signs:

• Gum tenderness: Swelling that indicates the need of root canal treatment can range from being slightly red and inflamed to pronounced lumps on the gums. In some extreme cases, this swelling may extend out of the gums into the face and neck region. Sometimes, a pus filled boil with a pimple like head may also form on the gums. If this head bursts, the patient may notice a foul taste in the mouth. This swelling can come and go as the tooth decay deteriorates and may or may not be accompanied by pain. Teeth may also feel like they have been pushed out of their sockets and are taller than usual.
• Pain: Discomfort ranging from a dull ache to a sharp pain can be a sign that you need root canal treatment. This type of pain is usually characterized by throbbing and may change as you switch positions. It is usually triggered by chewing, applying pressure on the tooth or eating something cold or hot. In some cases, the patient may not be able to indicate the exact tooth that is hurting but can only identify the painful area.
• Exposure of the dental nerves: At times during regular dental work, the nerves in the tooth may be exposed. This indicates an exposure of pulp tissue and can trigger pulp degeneration if left untreated. However, all of the above symptoms can be symptoms of other types of dental problems as well and do not necessarily individually indicate the need for a root canal. Only a dentist can properly diagnose a need for root canal treatment after a physical examination and testing.
• Tooth discolouration: Discolouring of teeth can be a sign of internal tooth damage. This is especially noted if the teeth take on a dark yellow, grey or blackish tint. Tooth discolouration is fairly common in cases where the tooth has undergone trauma such as an accident etc.

Is dentistry expensive? 

One word answer to this will be a No!

Dentistry is not expensive, delay is.

Usually we dentist recommend to come for check up every 6 months, but we all are lazy especially for our own health. Going for a picnic or going to mall is all right but going for health check up is a big no.
As a result the small cavities which were possible to treat in 1 sitting, half an hour & less expense turns into a deeper cavity, reaching pulp & causing painc  & that is when we run to our dentist. We do get calls at midnight or early morning when we are not out of bed! pain is there since 2-3 days but now it has become severe! most of the time tooth requires root canal treatment or extraction.Patients do complain very time I come to you, you suggest root canal to which my reply is only time you come to me when you have pain. 
Now the same tooth which was possible to treat in 1 sitting becomes 6-8 sittings, half an hour becomes 5 hours & expense becomes 8-15 times.

When the pulp of the tooth becomes inflamed, septic or lifeless, one needs to go through the root canal treatment.

Taking a good meal before the rtc is advised as the process can take as long as three hours in some cases.

A root canal is a treatment to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth. The procedure involves removing the damaged area of the tooth (the pulp), cleaning and disinfecting it and then filling and sealing it. The common causes affecting the pulp are a cracked tooth, a deep cavity, repeated dental treatment to the tooth or trauma. The term "root canal" comes from cleaning of the canals inside the tooth's root.

Millions of teeth are treated and saved each year with root canal, or endodontic, treatment. Learn more about root canal treatment and how it can relieve your tooth pain and save your smile.

The Procedure-

1. A root canal procedure begins with an X-ray to determine the shape of the root canals and whether the infection has spread to the adjoining bone.

2. Local anesthesia is then administered to numb the affected area.

3. A rubber sheet is then placed around the tooth to keep the area and prevent it from the saliva.

4. A hole is then drilled in the affected tooth, following which the decayed pulp and nerve tissues are removed.

5. The removal is done by using root canal files which are inserted into the hole and then used to scrape and scrub the insides of the tooth.

6. After the scraping, water is used to clean and flush out the debris.

7. After the tooth is cleaned, it is sealed after administering medications to prevent infection.

8. The sealing process involves filling the inner portion of the teeth by a rubber based compound and a sealer paste.

Modern endodontic treatment is very similar to having a routine filling and usually can be completed in one or two appointments, depending on the condition of your tooth and your personal circumstances. You can expect a comfortable experience during and after your appointment.

• Saving the natural tooth with root canal treatment has many advantages:

• Efficient chewing

• Normal biting force and sensation

• Natural appearance

• Protects other teeth from excessive wear or strain

Post-obturation:

1. Once the surgery is done, the tooth may become sensitive due to inflammation of the tissues for the first few days.

2. This pain and inflammation can be limited by pain medications such as ibuprofen.

3. It is advised to avoid any chewing by the affected teeth as it can slow down the repair process. You can brush and floss your teeth regularly.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

A root canal is a treatment to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth. The procedure involves removing the damaged area of the tooth (the pulp), cleaning and disinfecting it and then filling and sealing it. The common causes affecting the pulp are a cracked tooth, a deep cavity, repeated dental treatment to the tooth or trauma. The term "root canal" comes from cleaning of the canals inside the tooth's root. Millions of teeth are treated and saved each year with root canal, or endodontic, treatment. Learn more about root canal treatment and how it can relieve your tooth pain and save your smile. 

The Procedure- 

1. A root canal procedure begins with an X-ray to determine the shape of the root canals and whether the infection has spread to the adjoining bone. 
2. Local anesthesia is then administered to numb the affected area. 
3. A rubber sheet is then placed around the tooth to keep the area and prevent it from the saliva. 
4. A hole is then drilled in the affected tooth, following which the decayed pulp and nerve tissues are removed. 
5. The removal is done by using root canal files which are inserted into the hole and then used to scrape and scrub the insides of the tooth. 
6. After the scraping, water is used to clean and flush out the debris. 
7. After the tooth is cleaned, it is sealed after administering medications to prevent infection. 
8. The sealing process involves filling the inner portion of the teeth by a rubber based compound and a sealer paste. 

Modern endodontic treatment is very similar to having a routine filling and usually can be completed in one or two appointments, depending on the condition of your tooth and your personal circumstances. You can expect a comfortable experience during and after your appointment. Saving the natural tooth with root canal treatment has many advantages: 

1. Efficient chewing 
2. Normal biting force and sensation 
3. Natural appearance 
4. Protects other teeth from excessive wear or strain 

Post-treatment: 

1. Once the surgery is done, the tooth may become sensitive due to inflammation of the tissues for the first few days. 
2. This pain and inflammation can be limited by pain medications such as ibuprofen. 
3. It is advised to avoid any chewing by the affected teeth as it can slow down the repair process. You can brush and floss your teeth regularly.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions! 

Getting a good night sleep before the root canal treatment is the best way to go as it would reduce anxiety and maintain the overall well being.

While preparing for rct, get to know from a dentist if consuming an antibiotic medicine is advisable, as it can help in reducing the infection and swelling.  

Brush twice a day, keep tooth problems away:

Brushing twice a day removes the tiny left out food particles from the mouth and keeps it fresher and cleaner. 

Filling your stomach full before the rct is surely a good idea because the process sometimes takes as long as 3 hours.