Why do we need Root Canals? 

First, to dispel a common myth - Root Canals (RCT) do not cause pain (despite the bad reputation); they relieve it. If you are having a root canal, chances are the tooth is already infected and, most likely, painful. A tooth is composed of hard Enamel (the part we see in our mouth, the crown) covering a softer layer called Dentin. Inside the dentin is a soft tissue called the Pulp, which is composed of blood vessels and nerves.

Cavities take some time to decay through the tough outer enamel layer; but once it reaches the dentin, it is an easier and quicker path for bacteria to enter the pulp of the tooth. Besides deep decay, entry to the pulp of the tooth can have a variety of causes such as repeated restorative procedures on the same tooth (recurrent decay), gum disease, faulty crowns, cracks or trauma. Any of these issues can result in acute inflammation of the pulp, which causes pressure inside the tooth that has no outlet, so it results in pain. Once bacteria reach the center of the tooth, there is irreversible damage to the pulp making a root canal necessary to remove the diseased tissue. Once the pulp dies, the pain may initially subside, but don't think the infection is gone; from there, if left untreated, it can exit out the end of the tooth (apex) and spread into surrounding tissue (this is the classic case of someone who wakes up with a swollen side of the face) causing severe pain, leading to an abscess or becoming a chronic (long-standing) infection with symptoms ranging from mild to very severe. Root canal treatments help by eliminating the source of the pain, removing the diseased or dead tissue, preserving your natural smile and saving your own tooth. With proper care, most teeth that have had a root canal can last a lifetime.

Root Canal Procedure : How it helps

During a root canal treatment, the pulp chamber is accessed through the top of the tooth and the inflamed, diseased or dead pulp is removed using Endodontic files. The inside of the tooth is shaped and then carefully cleaned, disinfected, dried and sealed with cement and gutta-percha (a rubber-like material). Lastly, a cotton pellet and a temporary filling material is placed to seal off access until a permanent restorative solution is done. A root canal can usually be completed in one or two appointments. A badly infected tooth will require two visits: instead of sealing the tooth, a medicine is placed inside the canal until the infection has subsided. It will be sealed on the following appointment. 

Restoration of tooth: 

Once a root canal is complete, in most cases, the tooth will need to be reinforced, since it is now hollow. A post and core material is placed inside the canal and tooth, this increases strength. The tooth is then restored with a crown or filling for protection. After the restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.

Symptoms indicating need for Root Canal Treatment : 

• Sometimes there are no symptoms and infection is only visible via X-ray. 
• Prolonged sensitivity or pain to temperature changes (Cold or Hot) 
• Visible discoloration of the tooth (Tooth appears darkened) 
• Swelling and soreness in the gums near the tooth
• Recurring pimple like bump on the gums (abscess) 
• Severe pain on chewing or applying pressure to tooth (cracked)

              Dental Abscess                                         Darkened Tooth                                        Cracked Tooth