'Root canal treatment' reduces inflammation and helps restore oral health

     Join us in strengthening your tooth's foundation with root canal treatment at the Dentistry Department of Ramkhamhaeng Hospital, ensuring healthy oral hygiene and fresh breath through the process of removing tissue from the pulp and root canals that are inflamed and infected. We also emphasize post-treatment care, which contributes to long-term benefits.

What is Root Canal Treatment?

     Root canal treatment is the process of removing the infected and inflamed tissue from the pulp and root canals, cleaning the area thoroughly to eliminate bacteria, and sealing the root canals with a special filling material.

What Types of Teeth Require Root Canal Treatment?

     Teeth that need root canal treatment are usually those with deep decay, which leads to infections in the tooth pulp or around the root tips. Other causes can include cracked teeth, trauma from accidents, or abnormal bite patterns. Teeth requiring root canal treatment often experience pain, which may come and go or be constant and severe. Sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink, or pain when chewing, is common. In some cases, the tooth may change color, and there could be swelling or an abscess in the gums.

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

• Relieves pain and restores the tooth to normal function.
• Preserves the natural tooth, avoiding the need for extraction.

Potential Risks

• Pain and/or swelling
• Instrument breakage in the root canal
• Perforation of the root
• Narrow or blocked canals, making the treatment incomplete
• Tooth fracture

Root Canal Treatment Procedure

• Clinical examination and X-rays are taken to assess whether the tooth can be preserved and restored to normal function.
• Local anesthesia is applied, and a rubber dam is placed to isolate the tooth from saliva. The decayed part of the tooth is removed, and access to the pulp is created.
• Infected tissue is removed, and the root canals are cleaned with small instruments. A disinfecting solution is used, and the canals are filled with antibacterial medication.
• After the initial treatment, a temporary filling is placed. Once the tooth has healed and is symptom-free, a permanent seal is applied to close the root canal and prevent infection.

Typically, root canal treatment requires 2-3 visits, depending on the complexity of the case and the level of infection. Afterward, the tooth may be restored with a permanent filling or a crown, depending on the situation.

Post-Treatment Care

     After each root canal session, you may experience some discomfort for 2-3 days, which can be managed with pain relievers. If pain or swelling increases, it’s important to return to the dentist.

Ongoing Care

     A tooth that has undergone root canal treatment should be treated like any other tooth. Brushing, flossing, and regular visits to the dentist for follow-up appointments are important to ensure the health of the treated tooth.

During the course of root canal treatment, it is advised not to chew hard foods on the treated tooth until a permanent filling or crown is placed.