Dear Reader, 

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure to save a tooth that is severely infected or damaged. Here’s a simple explanation of the process and its benefits.

What is Root Canal Treatment?

When the inner part of a tooth, known as the pulp, becomes infected or inflamed, a root canal treatment is performed to remove the pulp and save the tooth. The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels, and if left untreated, its infection can cause severe pain and lead to abscesses.

The Process:

1. Diagnosis: The dentist first takes X-rays to determine the extent of the infection and to see the shape of the root canals.
2. Anesthesia: Local anaesthesia is administered to numb the area around the affected tooth, ensuring the patient does not feel pain during the procedure.
3. Access Opening: The dentist drills an opening in the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals.
4. Pulp Removal: The infected or dead pulp is carefully removed from the pulp chamber and root canals using special dental instruments.
5. Cleaning and Shaping: The empty canals are cleaned and shaped to remove any remaining debris and to prepare them for filling.
6. Filling the Canals: The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material, usually gutta-percha. This seals the canals and prevents future infections.
7. Sealing the Tooth: A temporary filling is placed on the tooth until a permanent restoration, such as a crown, can be placed to restore the tooth’s function and appearance.

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment:

1. Pain Relief: Root canal treatment eliminates the source of infection and pain, providing significant relief to the patient.
2. Tooth Preservation: This procedure saves a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted, helping to maintain natural teeth.
3. Prevents Spread of Infection: By removing the infected pulp, root canal treatment prevents the spread of infection to surrounding tissues.
4. Restores Function: After the treatment and placement of a crown, the tooth can function normally, allowing for proper chewing and speaking.
5. Aesthetic Preservation: Retaining the natural tooth helps preserve the patient’s smile and facial structure, which can be affected by missing teeth.

Root canal treatment is a commonly performed dental procedure. Dental surgeons who specialise in RCTs are called endodontists. RCT can save you from pain and the risk of tooth loss in the future. 

I hope this helps.