A root canal treatment (endodontic therapy) is a dental procedure designed to remove infected or inflamed pulp tissue from the inside of a damaged tooth. The canals are thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, shaped, and sealed with a biocompatible material (gutta-percha) to save the natural tooth and eliminate severe pain.
Why is Root Canal Treatment Necessary?
Deep tooth decay, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, faulty crowns, or physical trauma can cause the inner living tissue (pulp) to become inflamed or infected. Without RCT, an abscess can form at the root tip, destroying surrounding jawbone and leading to eventual tooth extraction.
Step-by-Step Procedure
- Local Anesthesia: The dentist numbs the affected area so the procedure is painless.
- Pulp Removal: A tiny access opening is made in the crown of the tooth, and diseased pulp tissue is carefully removed.
- Cleaning & Shaping: The microscopic root canals are sanitized and shaped to receive the filling material.
- Sealing: The empty root canal space is filled with gutta-percha and temporary or permanent sealer.
- Crown Restoration: A dental crown is placed to restore full chewing strength and protect the treated tooth from fracture.