During root canal or endodontic treatment, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Afterwards, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling for protection.
Root canal is a process to clean and restore a tooth in which the caries has extended up to the pulpal tissue and which cannot be treated with a normal filling.
It is indicated also in cases of mild abscess of the tooth, fractured tooth extending up to pulp chamber, non vital tooth due to trauma due to fall or accident, in cases of intentional RCT of vital tooth prior to fixed prosthesis etc.
Root canal procedure may be done in single sitting or multiple visits. It depends on the condition of the tooth. Also systemic condition of the patient plays an important role in success of a root canal treatment.
After the procedure is complete the tooth is restored with a restorative material. In some cases of weakened tooth structure post and core may be needed. Post is a metal pin like structure which is placed in the root canal of the endodontically treated tooth for additional support and retention of the filling material. It is then covered with a restorative material such as composite or core build up material.
Then the tooth is covered with a crown for additional support and increase the strength of the tooth.