Root Canal Treatment
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal, commonly known as endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure designed to save a tooth that is badly decayed, infected, or damaged. The treatment focuses on removing the infected pulp (soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels), cleaning the canal thoroughly, and sealing it to prevent further infection. Instead of extracting the tooth, a root canal allows patients to preserve their natural teeth, ensuring better oral health and functionality. It helps maintain proper chewing ability, natural appearance, and normal biting force, which may be lost with artificial replacements. Additionally, root canal treatment relieves severe pain, prevents the spread of infection to surrounding teeth or gums, and supports long-term dental stability. It is often followed by placing a dental crown for added strength and protection, ensuring the treated tooth lasts for many years.
When Do You Need a Root Canal?
- Severe toothache, especially while chewing or applying pressure
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
- Swelling in the gums near the affected tooth
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
- Presence of pus-filled abscess or gum boil
- Cracked or injured tooth exposing the nerves
Step-by-Step Root Canal Procedure: Detailed Guide to Treatment and Recovery
The dentist begins by examining the affected tooth and taking digital X-rays to determine the severity and exact location of the infection. This step helps in identifying the depth of decay, any abscess formation, and the condition of the surrounding bone and tissues.
Once the treatment plan is confirmed, local anesthesia is administered to numb the tooth and the surrounding gum area. This ensures the patient feels no pain or discomfort during the procedure. For patients with dental anxiety, sedation options may also be offered for a more relaxed experience.
The dentist drills a small access hole on the crown (top surface) of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber. This opening provides direct entry to the root canals, making it possible to remove the infected or dead tissue.
Using specialized endodontic instruments, the dentist carefully removes the infected or dead pulp from the chamber and canals. The canals are then shaped, cleaned, and disinfected with antibacterial solutions to eliminate any remaining bacteria and prevent reinfection.
Once the canals are thoroughly cleaned and dried, they are filled with a rubber-like, biocompatible material called gutta-percha. The filling is sealed tightly to block bacteria from entering again. This step stabilizes the tooth structure and ensures long-term protection.
Since a tooth that undergoes root canal treatment often becomes brittle, a custom-made dental crown is placed on top. The crown restores the tooth’s natural appearance, provides durability for chewing, and protects the tooth from fractures or future damage.
How Long Does Root Canal Recovery Take?
Recovery after a root canal is usually quick and smooth. Most patients return to normal activities the same day or the next day. Mild discomfort or sensitivity may last for 2–3 days, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers prescribed by the dentist. Full healing of the surrounding tissues typically takes about 1–2 weeks, but the treated tooth is restored immediately with a filling or crown to allow normal chewing. Following proper aftercare like avoiding hard foods on the treated side and maintaining oral hygiene ensures a faster and long-lasting recovery.
Aftercare Tips
Why Ace hospital for Root Canal
At Ace Hospital, we ensure the highest standard of care for root canal treatment by offering single sitting RCT whenever indicated, saving patients time and discomfort. We use the latest equipment such as endomotors and apex locators to perform precise and accurate procedures, ensuring better outcomes. Our experienced dental specialists focus on pain-free treatment with minimal intervention, prioritizing patient comfort throughout. We follow strict infection control protocols and use advanced technology for faster healing and long-lasting results. Choose Ace Hospital for root canal care where expertise, technology, and patient-centric service come together for optimal dental health.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
- Saves the natural tooth and avoids extraction.
- Stops the spread of infection to nearby teeth and gums.
- Restores chewing and biting ability
- Cost-effective compared to dental implants or bridges
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, modern root canals are almost painless because the procedure is done under local anesthesia. In fact, it relieves the pain caused by infection or decay.
Most root canals are completed in 1–2 visits. Complex cases with severe infection may require an additional sitting for proper cleaning.
Recovery is usually quick, with mild sensitivity for 2–3 days. Most patients resume normal activities the same or next day.
With good oral hygiene and a protective crown, a root canal-treated tooth can last for many years, often a lifetime.
The cost depends on the tooth’s location, infection severity, and crown type. Your dentist can give you an accurate estimate after examination.
Although uncommon, a root canal can fail if reinfection occurs. In such cases, re-treatment or advanced procedures may be needed.
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