Root Canal Treatment
🦷 What Is Root Canal Treatment?Root canal treatment involves removing the infected or inflamed pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels), cleaning and disinfecting the canals, and then filling and sealing them to prevent reinfection.✅ Step-by-Step Stages of Root Canal Treatment1. Clinical and Radiographic DiagnosisSymptoms Noted:Toothache (spontaneous or on chewing)Sensitivity to hot/coldSwelling or pus dischargeDiscoloration of the toothExaminations Performed:Clinical exam (palpation, percussion, thermal tests)Intraoral X-ray (IOPA) or CBCT to evaluate:Extent of infectionNumber and shape of canalsPeriapical pathology (e.g., abscess, cyst)2. Anesthesia and IsolationLocal Anesthesia:Administered to numb the affected tooth and surrounding area to ensure a pain-free procedure.Rubber Dam Isolation:A rubber sheet is used to isolate the tooth:Prevents contamination with salivaEnhances visibility and patient safety3. Access OpeningTooth Preparation:A small opening is made in the crown to access the pulp chamber using a high-speed handpiece and bur.Pulp Removal:The infected or necrotic pulp tissue is removed using endodontic files.4. Working Length DeterminationMeasurement:The length of the root canals is measured using:Radiographic methodElectronic apex locatorAccurate length is critical to avoid under- or over-instrumentation.5. Cleaning and Shaping (Biomechanical Preparation)Mechanical Cleaning:Canals are shaped with endodontic files (manual or rotary NiTi systems) to remove debris and infected dentin.Chemical Disinfection:Irrigants like Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl), EDTA, and Chlorhexidine are used to disinfect the canal system and dissolve tissue remnants.Goal:To make the canals clean, smooth, and tapered for proper obturation.6. Drying the CanalsCanals are dried using sterile paper points to remove all moisture before filling.7. Obturation (Filling the Canals)Materials Used:Gutta-percha (biocompatible rubber-like material)Root canal sealer (ZOE-based or resin-based)Techniques:Lateral condensation (common)Vertical compactionThermoplasticized methods (for complex cases)Objective:To seal the canals completely and prevent bacterial re-entry.8. Restoration and Final FillingPost-Endo Restoration:Temporary filling is placed if a crown is not done immediately.Permanent composite restoration or core build-up is done to restore structure.Full Crown:In posterior teeth or structurally compromised anterior teeth, a crown (cap) is recommended to protect against fracture.9. Follow-Up and ReviewPeriodic X-rays:Taken at 6–12 months to check healing of periapical lesions.Success Criteria:Absence of symptomsRadiographic evidence of healingFunctional tooth over time🧾 Summary Table of RCT StepsStage Description1. Diagnosis Identify cause of pain/infection, take X-rays2. Anesthesia & Isolation Numb the area and isolate tooth with a rubber dam3. Access Opening Open tooth crown to access pulp chamber4. Working Length Determination Measure canal length with apex locator/X-ray5. Cleaning & Shaping Remove infected tissue and shape canals with files and irrigants6. Drying Dry canals with paper points7. Obturation Fill canals with gutta-percha and sealer to seal them8. Restoration Restore the tooth with filling or crown9. Follow-up Monitor healing and function via X-rays and check-ups🔍 Additional NotesSingle vs Multiple Visits:Uncomplicated cases: Single-visit RCT possibleInfected or complex cases: Multiple appointments with intracanal medicaments (e.g., calcium hydroxide)Success Rate:RCT has a high success rate (~90–95%) when done properly with proper follow-up.Alternatives:If RCT fails or the tooth is non-restorable, tooth extraction is the alternative.
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