TOOTH ANATOMY
- The part of the tooth visible above the gum is called the 'crown', and the part hidden in the bone is called the 'root'.
- The outermost layer of the crown is the enamel. Enamel is the hardest and most mineralized tissue in the human body.
- Below the gum line, the root surface is covered by a substance called 'cementum'.
- Under the enamel and cementum layers lies a structure called 'dentin'.
- Dentin is almost as hard as bone but, unlike enamel, contains nerve endings.
- The inner structure of dentin is called 'pulp', which consists of blood vessels, connective tissue, nerve fibers, and various cells.
- During the growth and development of a tooth, the pulp's role is to nourish it.
- Once the tooth is fully developed, the pulp’s only function is to signal damage or infection (inflammation) by transmitting pain.
WHY IS ENDODONTIC (ROOT CANAL) TREATMENT DONE?
- Root canal treatment is performed when the pulp—the innermost living part of the tooth containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue—is inflamed, infected, or irreversibly damaged. These conditions are usually caused by:
- Deep Cavities: Decay spreading from enamel to dentin and reaching the pulp.
- Trauma: Cracks or fractures in the tooth exposing or damaging the pulp.
- Repeated Procedures: Multiple fillings or procedures on the same tooth over time causing pulp trauma.
- Gum Diseases: Advanced periodontal infections reaching the root tip.
PURPOSE OF THE TREATMENT
- The main goal is to completely remove infected pulp tissue and bacteria from the canals to stop the spread of infection, relieve pain, and preserve the tooth in the mouth.
TREATMENT STEPS (HOW IS IT DONE?)
Root canal treatment is usually performed under local anesthesia. It is painless and can be completed in a single session or 2–3 sessions, depending on the condition of the tooth.
| Step | Procedure | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Diagnosis and Anesthesia | The dentist examines the tooth and takes X-rays to determine the extent of damage. The area is fully anesthetized before the procedure. | Ensure accurate diagnosis and prevent the patient from feeling pain during treatment. |
| 2. Access and Isolation | An opening (cavity) is made in the crown to access the pulp chamber. The tooth is isolated from surrounding tissues and saliva using a rubber dam. | Provide safe access to the pulp chamber and prevent bacteria in saliva from contaminating the canals. |
| 3. Pulp Removal | Infected or inflamed pulp tissue is completely removed from the pulp chamber and root canals using special hand files. | Eliminate the source of infection and damaged nerve tissue. |
| 4. Cleaning and Shaping | The root canals are gradually enlarged and shaped with files, while continuously rinsed with antibacterial and disinfecting solutions. | Remove all bacteria and debris from the canals and create a proper shape for filling material placement. |
| 5. Canal Filling | The cleaned and dried canals are filled to the root tip with a rubber-based filling material called Gutta-Percha and a sealing paste to prevent any air gaps. | Seal the canal to protect it from external factors and reinfection. |
| 6. Restoration (Filling/Crown) | After canal filling, the access opening is restored with a permanent filling or a crown to prevent fracture in weakened teeth. | Restore tooth function and prevent breakage. |
AFTER ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
- Mild sensitivity or pain for a few days after treatment is normal and usually controlled with painkillers.
- Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment lose vitality (nerve and blood supply) and may become more fragile than healthy teeth. Therefore, especially for posterior teeth, a crown is generally recommended to minimize fracture risk.
- The tooth is saved from extraction and, with proper care, can remain functional in the mouth for life.
