Description

🦷 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 Treatment 1. Clinical and Radiographic Diagnosis Symptoms Noted: Toothache (spontaneous or on chewing) Sensitivity to hot/cold Swelling or pus discharge Discoloration of the tooth Examinations Performed: Clinical exam (palpation, percussion, thermal tests) Intraoral X-ray (IOPA) or CBCT to evaluate: Extent of infection Number and shape of canals Periapical pathology (e.g., abscess, cyst) 2. Anesthesia and Isolation Local 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 saliva Enhances visibility and patient safety 3. Access Opening Tooth 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 Determination Measurement: The length of the root canals is measured using: Radiographic method Electronic apex locator Accurate 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 Canals Canals 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 compaction Thermoplasticized methods (for complex cases) Objective: To seal the canals completely and prevent bacterial re-entry. 8. Restoration and Final Filling Post-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 Review Periodic X-rays: Taken at 6–12 months to check healing of periapical lesions. Success Criteria: Absence of symptoms Radiographic evidence of healing Functional tooth over time 🧾 Summary Table of RCT Steps Stage Description 1. Diagnosis Identify cause of pain/infection, take X-rays 2. Anesthesia & Isolation Numb the area and isolate tooth with a rubber dam 3. Access Opening Open tooth crown to access pulp chamber 4. Working Length Determination Measure canal length with apex locator/X-ray 5. Cleaning & Shaping Remove infected tissue and shape canals with files and irrigants 6. Drying Dry canals with paper points 7. Obturation Fill canals with gutta-percha and sealer to seal them 8. Restoration Restore the tooth with filling or crown 9. Follow-up Monitor healing and function via X-rays and check-ups 🔍 Additional Notes Single vs Multiple Visits: Uncomplicated cases: Single-visit RCT possible Infected 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.

Filter tags