Root canal Treatment is also referred to as an endodontic treatment. It is usually performed by an Endodontist or a root canal specialist. Root canal involves removal of decayed, infected part of tooth and filling it with permanent cement followed by placement of suitable prosthesis.

Root Canal treatment is indicated in tooth infected secondary to caries or trauma and this is best diagnosed on patient history, Symptoms, clinical examination, pulp testing tests and dental x-rays.

In root canal treatment the endodontist removes the infected pulp and fills it up with an artificial filling material. The procedure usually starts with a local anaesthesis injection followed by rubber dam isolation. Then your dentist will drill your teeth to gain access to your root canals, followed by filing of the root canals to remove the infected part (also referred to as biomechanical preparation).

Suitable irrigation with saline, Betadine, sodium hypochlorite or chlorhexidine is done to resolve the infection and aid in biomechanical preparation. Following biomechanical preparation the root canals are usually filled with gutta purcha and the crown portion is filled with a suitable post obturative filling material. Thus the permanent filling is done.

A suitable prosthesis is usually recommended on root canal treated tooth so that the tooth is strong enough to sustain the masticatory forces.

Root canal is usually carried out under a suitable antibiotic coverage and patient is also advised pain killers / anti inflammatory drugs post treatment. There may be slight discomfort, swelling and pain for 3 days post root canal. Precautions taken during treatment are with respect to diet and oral hygiene. Patient needs to avoid eating anything hard & sticky. Patient should avoid chewing from that tooth till prosthesis is placed. Also needs to use proper oral hygiene aids for maintenance.