In some cases, bacteria enter the tooth’s pulp, causing an infection. As this occurs, RCT or Root Canal Treatment is carried out by an experienced Keller endodontist. During the dental treatment procedure, the infected pulp is removed along with the sealing of the tooth to prevent re-infection. For the best outcome, consulting expert Keller dentistry services from industry specialists is always recommended.
What is a Root Canal?
Root Canal Treatment is a dental procedure that helps relieve pain due to an abscessed or infected tooth. An experienced Keller endodontist can remove the inflamed pulp by treating the root canal. First, the surface inside the infected tooth is cleaned thoroughly and disinfected properly. Eventually, a filling is placed to seal the open space.
When do you need a Root Canal Treatment?
Professional root canal treatment or therapy is needed when oral bacteria make their way inside the tooth’s pulp. It usually occurs when a dental cavity is left untreated or unattended for a more extended period. It can also happen when the tooth gets damaged or cracked due to trauma.
What are the Signs Indicating the Need for a Root Canal Treatment?
Sometimes, you might not even know you have an infected tooth. However, you can still experience some symptoms to understand that you should opt for professional Keller dentistry services. Some signs to look out for are:
- Persistent Tooth Pain: Almost all dental problems are accompanied by tooth pain. If you are experiencing pain deep inside your mouth, you might require a professional root canal treatment. The pain and discomfort can also spread to the face, jaw, or other teeth.
- Swollen Gums: In case of an infected tooth, pus tends to collect in the given area. It could eventually lead to tender, swollen, or puffy gums.
- Sensitivity to Cold and Heat: Does your tooth hurt while consuming something cold or hot? It could signal the need for a root canal treatment. It is especially significant when the sensitivity pain lingers for more than a few seconds.
- Swollen Jaw: Sometimes, the pus might not drain from the area. Due to this, the jaws also become visibly swollen.
- Loose Tooth: The tooth with infection might sometimes feel loose. It is because the pus due to the infection might end up softening the bone responsible for supporting the tooth.
- Cracked or Chipped Tooth: If you have accidentally cracked your tooth while biting something hard or playing any sport, bacteria can easily reach down to the tooth pulp.
How Long Does a Root Canal Treatment Take?
Based on the level of infection in your tooth, an RCT session might require 1-2 appointments. On average, it is estimated that a root canal therapy can take around 30-60 minutes. When you are undergoing treatment on some large tooth featuring multiple roots, it could also take more than an hour to complete the process.
What to Expect in a Root Canal Treatment?
Before starting the root canal therapy, the experienced Keller endodontist will conduct a digital X-ray of the infected tooth. This helps in determining the overall extent of tooth damage while making sure that the root canal treatment is the right procedure for the condition. Some important steps to expect in a typical RCT procedure are:
- Anaesthesia: Initially, local anaesthesia is delivered to numb the infected area. In professional Keller dentistry, you can also expect other medications that help you to relax. In some cases, the experienced dentist might also consider sedation if you have dental anxiety.
- Placement of the Dental Dam: A small-sized rubber dam is placed on the area before starting the root canal treatment. This helps isolate the particular tooth and keep it dry throughout the procedure.
- Access Hole: Eventually, a small-sized opening is made in the tooth’s crown for accessing the pulp.
- Removal of the Pulp: Small-sized dental equipment or tools are used for removing the blood vessels, veins, tissues, and nerves inside the infected tooth.
- Canal Shaping: After removing the pulp, the root canals and pulp chamber are cleaned, disinfected, and given proper shaping.
- Canal Filling: The canals that have become empty are now filled with the help of a rubbery, flexible dental material -known as gutta-percha.
- Tooth Sealing: A temporary dental filling is placed to seal the tooth and prevent bacteria from entering again.
- Final Restoration: You will most commonly require a dental crown to protect the treated tooth and restore the bite.
For the best-ever, comfortable experience during a typical root canal treatment, you can consult an experienced endodontist.
