The crown or the outer portion of a tooth is generally made up of three different layers which are called enamel, dentin and pulp. When the patient suffers from tooth decay in till the first two layers, it is pretty much possible to treat the case using dental fillings. However, if the damage has reached the third layer, it is difficult to restore the teeth using the filling. With third layer damage and inflammation of pulp layer, the Root Canal Treatment is recommended to treat the dental condition.

Root canal treatment is also called Endodontic treatment. This procedure is done to treat a tooth decay that has reached the pulp (which is the innermost layer of the tooth) and that results into inflammation. Root canal specialist or endodontist will perform this procedure. Following are the steps that are involved with the root canal treatment:

• Removal of the infected tooth part
• Performing cleaning and disinfection
• Filling using an inert material/substance
• Restoration using crown and cap

Why would you need a root canal treatment?

As discussed above, a severely damaged or infected tooth my need root canal treatment. Reason of infection could be anything from broken tooth, deep decay or gum disease. You will need root canal treatment as it will:

• Save the tooth by stopping the decay and infection from spreading the neighboring teeth.
• It is an effective procedure to relieve pain in tooth due to inflammation.

Symptoms

• The common symptom that might be sure reason you need Root Canal Treatment is the toothache. This toothache can range from mild to severe pain and it might worsen if left untreated.
• Prolonged sensitivity is another reason to get your teeth checked for any oral health concerns that might require RCT. If you are able to feel sensitivity in your tooth/teeth when eating something cold or hot, there is a possibility that you might need root canal treatment.
• Another symptom that might mean you need to get root canal treatment is the swelling in the gums.

What could be the effect of not getting root canal treatment?

• In certain situations when you feel like the toothache/pain is subsiding without any treatment and you might miscalculate it as your teeth getting healed on its own then we better warn you that it could be that the infection has grown manifolds while damaging the nerves inside the tooth/teeth.
• Bacterial infection due to the infected teeth can infect the gums and jaw tissues and that can result into pus-filled abscess. These conditions can contribute to health conditions such as heart stroke.

The process for root canal treatment:

1. The first step will be to get the x-ray done of the infected teeth and diagnose the severity of the condition. If needed, dentist will use local anesthesia before performing the root canal treatment.
2. The second step would be the preparation of cavity. Cavity is prepared to get rid of the infected tooth material or existing filling elements. This will establish a proper approach to reach the inner part of the infected tooth.
3. Third step is to disinfect and shape the pulp canal. Job is to clear the infected pulp thoroughly and disinfected.
4. Then Gutta-Percha, which is an inert rubber like filling, is used to seal the canal.
5. The last step would include restoration and crown. Crown of the treated tooth is restored using a filling along with crown cementation or cap.