Root canal treatment (RCT) saves a tooth whose inner pulp has become infected or inflamed because of deep decay, a crack or an old injury. The infected tissue is removed, the canals are cleaned and sealed, and the tooth is protected so you can keep chewing on it for years.
Dr. Swapnil Sodhiya is certified in Endodontics, the specialty that deals with root canals. At Orchid Dental Wellness on JK Road, Bhopal, every root canal is done under local anaesthesia with careful, step-by-step cleaning of the canals.
Signs you may need a root canal
- Severe or throbbing toothache, especially at night
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the food is gone
- Pain when biting or chewing
- A swelling or pimple-like bump on the gum near a tooth
- A tooth that has turned darker than the others
How root canal treatment works
- Examination and X-ray to confirm the cause of pain and check the roots.
- Local anaesthesia so the tooth is numb and the procedure is comfortable.
- Removal of infected pulp, then cleaning and shaping of the canals.
- Sealing the canals and placing a filling to close the tooth.
- A crown is usually advised for back teeth to protect them from breaking.
Aftercare
Mild soreness for a day or two is normal and settles with the advice we give you. Avoid chewing hard food on the tooth until the final filling or crown is placed.
Root Canal Treatment: frequently asked questions
Is root canal treatment painful?
The tooth is fully numbed with local anaesthesia, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain. The treatment relieves the much stronger pain caused by the infection.
How many visits does a root canal take?
Many root canals are completed in one or two visits. Teeth with a severe infection or complex roots may need an additional visit. Dr. Swapnil Sodhiya will tell you the plan after the X-ray.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Back teeth that have had a root canal are weaker and can crack, so a crown is usually recommended. Front teeth sometimes need only a filling.