Name: Texan Smile
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About Root Canal Treatment (RCT)

A cavity is normally treated with a dental filling. However, if the decay is left untreated and allowed to progress, a filling might not be enough to treat it any longer. At this stage, a root canal treatment might be required. Though a root canal can sound like an intimidating treatment, its purpose is to alleviate pain and save the tooth.

There are many clinical reasons for needing root canal treatment, but there are also countless practical reasons why saving the natural tooth is a wise choice. For instance, if the tooth is completely removed, this may create complications for the surrounding teeth, as they shift and realign to fill the now empty space. In situations such as these, it may be best to schedule a root canal treatment at Texan Smile. A dental crown is usually recommended to protect the tooth after the root canal treatment. The crown will cover the treated tooth completely so that it holds together and avoids any further issues or problems.

When is Treatment (RCT ) needed?

If you have a badly decayed, broken, traumatized or abscessed tooth, Root canal treatment could be one of the treatment options recommended for you. With the advancement in dentistry this procedure is painless, comfortable and more predictable. During this procedure inside of your tooth is cleaned and sealed.

Root canal treatment is required when innermost layer of tooth, called pulp is infected. Cavity or fracture often left untreated will lead to this condition. Severe trauma to the tooth can cause the vital structures inside the tooth to die and leading to abscess. When you have a deep cavity or fracture line extending to pulp this will bring bacteria, causing infection and patients get symptoms. If not treated on time this infection can spread to bone causing abscess, swelling and complications with the decay extending to the nerve of the tooth.

Root Canal Treatment (RCT) Procedure

Root canal treatment usually completed in 2 visits. Duration of the treatment depends on if it’s a front tooth or back tooth and complexity of the root structure. Typically 1-2 hrs required to finish a Root Canal Treatment. Before starting the treatment x-rays are evaluated to ensure tooth is restorable and there is no root decay or fracture extending to the roots. This step is important for a long term success of the treatment.

The first step in the treatment is to numb the tooth to have the procedure comfortable for the patient. Area is isolated using a rubber dam as it’s important to prevent any contamination to the root canals that being treated.

All the decay from the tooth is removed and small access opening created for instrumentation of the canals. Root canals are flushed with special irrigating solution and all the infected parts of the root canals are cleaned thoroughly.

Procedure and Post-Operative Care

Next step is to dry the canals and prepare them for to fill. A sealer and filler material gutta-percha is used to fill the root canal system . Core build up is paced after the root canal treatment and the crown to protect the tooth from fracture. Root canal treated tooth has no vital structure to keep them alive, so the tooth is brittle after the treatment. Crown is always recommended after Root canal treatment especially for the back teeth where chewing forces are high.

Post operative instructions are provided to the patient after the procedure. Normal brushing flossing required. Chewing with the root canal treated should be avoided for 2 weeks . It is common to have discomfort or soreness for 2-3 days . If you have any concerns about the root canal treated tooth contact our office.

A dental crown is recommended to prevent fracture of a root canal treated tooth. If it is a front tooth, a dental crown also helps to maintain the smile aesthetics as a root canal treated tooth tend to get discolored overtime.

How many visits are required to finish a Root Canal Treatment (RCT)?

Root Canal treatment is a multi-step process. Dr.Xavier will explain the procedure before treatment starts and answer any questions. The area surrounding the affected teeth is numbed to avoid pain or discomfort. Then the infected pulp tissues is removed and the tooth is disinfected. Then the tooth is prepared for crown and an impression is taken for the crown. Patient is provided a temporary crown and a final impression is taken. A follow up visit is scheduled for the patient to return to finish finish root canal and place the permanent crown.