What is Root Canal Treatment?

Root Canal Treatment, or RCT, is a dental procedure used to treat and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. Instead of removing the tooth, the infected area inside the tooth is cleaned, treated, and sealed—so you can keep your natural smile.

Why Would You Need a Root Canal?

You may need a root canal if the pulp (the soft tissue inside your tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels) becomes:

  • Infected or inflamed due to deep decay
  • Cracked or broken tooth
  • Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth
  • Injury or trauma to the tooth

Symptoms That Might Indicate You Need a Root Canal

  • Persistent tooth pain
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold
  • Swelling or tenderness in gums
  • Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
  • A pimple or bump on the gums (may indicate an abscess)

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

  • Saves your natural tooth
  • Eliminates pain and infection
  • Restores chewing and biting ability
  • Prevents neighbouring teeth from shifting

Frequently Asked Questions

Root Canal Treatment is a procedure where the infected or damaged pulp inside a tooth is removed, the area is cleaned and disinfected, and then sealed to save the natural tooth.

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Thanks to modern techniques and anesthesia, a root canal is usually no more painful than getting a filling. It actually helps relieve the pain caused by infection or inflammation.

Common signs include severe tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, swollen gums, tooth discoloration, or a pimple-like bump on the gums.

A root canal usually takes one or two visits, depending on the condition of the tooth. Each session typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes.

After treatment, the tooth may need a crown to restore its strength and appearance. You might experience minor soreness for a few days, which is manageable with medication.