As a dentist, we are often asked a lot of questions about RCT, and we are trying to answer the most common ones here in this blog post today.
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What is a Root Canal?
A root canal treatment is a common dental procedure used to repair a damaged or diseased root canal inside a tooth. RCT dental treatment aims to repair teeth by removing infection within the soft tissues of the tooth (dental pulp). A dentist will remove infected or inflamed pulp from a tooth and clean the canals before filling them with a replacement agent that works to prevent further infection and sealing the tooth with a filling agent.
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Why Would I Need a Root Canal Treatment in the First Place?
Root canal therapy is required when the dental pulp or root canal of a tooth becomes infected or decayed beyond repair. As you avoid root canal treatment, the tooth may also fall out, weakening the entire jaw line. This usually happens when teeth are not kept clean and bacteria from the mouth enter the tooth and infect the pulp, or when cavities go untreated.
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Is it painful to undergo a Root canal?
With today’s high-tech technology and anaesthesia options, no dental treatment is painful. A skilled clinic using a variety of anaesthetics and pain-
relieving agents can often make this a painless procedure.
At Partha Dental, we make every effort to keep you as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure.
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How Will I Know If I Need a Root Canal Treatment (RCT)?
Only a dentist can truly advise you on whether or not a root canal is required to save a tooth. Although each patient is unique, the following are some generic symptoms that necessitate RCT. These symptoms indicate that the tooth pulp is infected :
- Consistent tooth, gum, or jaw pain
- Hypersensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages
- Loose teeth, as well as swollen or inflamed gums
- Pus around the teeth or gums
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment right away because the longer you wait, the more you will have to pay to save the tooth.
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What is a crown?
A crown is a cap or cover that fits over the top of a tooth to protect it from breaking, cracking, chipping, or splitting. In many cases, a tooth that has had a root canal treatment will also require a crown. Because the tooth will be weaker without the root, it will require a crown to remain strong and durable.
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What if I decide not to have a root canal?
If a tooth root infection is not treated, it can lead to more serious problems with the tooth, gums, and jaw bone. If this occurs, a tooth extraction, as well as other surgical treatments, may be required, resulting in the problems with the entire mouth. A root canal procedure is used to essentially save a tooth.
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Won’t Extracting the Tooth Be Easier?
If a root canal treatment is not possible, tooth extraction is considered a last resort. In most cases, a tooth will be extracted only if it is irreparable. RCT is a much less expensive and simpler treatment than having a tooth extracted and then replaced with an artificial one.
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How long will the treated RCT tooth last?
Root canal therapy is widely regarded as one of the most effective ways to save infected teeth. If you practice good oral hygiene, a treated tooth or teeth should last a long time, and many can last for the rest of your life. Most people only have an RCT done once, and it is permanent.
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What will my Tooth be like after a RCT?
Following a root canal treatment (and, if necessary, a crown fitting), your teeth and gums should function normally, and you should notice no differences in the feeling or performance of an RCT treated tooth versus your natural teeth.
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How Can I Avoid Having a Root Canal?
To reduce your risk, brush and floss your teeth twice a day, use a daily mouthwash, and see your dentist at least once every 6 months for a regular dental checkup.
If you are experiencing any issues with your teeth, our friendly dentists are always available at Partha Dental, with quick appointments available for patients with severe tooth pain or problems.
