10 common questions asked about RCT

1. What is RCT?

RCT or root canal treatment is a treatment done to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth instead of removing it.

2. Why do I need a RCT?

Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have variety of causes like deep dental caries, cracked tooth or an injury to the tooth.

3. What is the procedure of RCT?

in INFECTED TOOTH DURING the process of root canal the inflamed or infected dental pulp is removed and the canals are cleaned and disinfected and sealed with inert material like gutta-percha points and it is restored with crown or filling as needed.

4. Is RCT painful?

A root canal treatment is done to eliminate pain. The procedure itself is painless. A local anesthetic numbs the surrounding area. However there may be slight discomfort after the rct due to inflammation of the tissues surrounding the tooth’s root.

5. What happens if I don’t get an RCT done?

If a root canal treatment has been indicated it has to be done. If the treatment is delayed then it may lead to serious infection and may lead to tooth extraction.

6. How long will an RCT treated tooth last?

With proper care like brushing, flossing, avoiding chewing on ice, hard foods, etc, and root canal last the rest of one’s life. However there may be certain exceptions like advanced periodontal diseases etc.

7. Is placement of crown compulsory after RCT?

Root canal treatment saves teeth from decay but they can also weaken them. The removal of infected pulp, enamel, and dentin may involve the removal of tooth structure which weakens them. so RCT treated tooth may require fitted crowns because of high risk of fracture.

8. What will my tooth look like after RCT?

MOST OF THE RCT treated tooth requires a cap or crown. That strengthens the tooth and is extremely cosmetic so that it will blend with the other teeth.

9. What maintenance is required for RCT treated tooth?

Maintaining proper oral hygiene, like brushing twice daily flossing and visiting the dentists for regular checkups and cleaning is necessary.

10. What should I do to prevent RCT?

Root canals are needed only when there is decay or crack into the pulp chamber of the tooth, so visiting a dentist regularly and checking for cavities at an early stage may prevent RCT.