Everyone must have undergone a root canal treatment at least once in their lifetime. Call it the negligence towards oral health or simply the consumption of processed foods that have made us suffice to this treatment now and then. No matter how aware we are of the traditional multi-seating root canal treatment, very few of us have been introduced to the new and improved method of single sitting root canal treatment.
The history of single sitting root canal treatment goes back to 100 years before.
For the ones who are yet to have an insight into this game-changing treatment, this is what you have to know about it.
What is a single sitting RCT treatment?
Dental procedures are the work of precision. Root canal treatment requires multiple sittings because, in some instances, the teeth may accumulate pus and infection, which needs to be removed thoroughly for the patient to recover. This requires time and effort and an immense amount of diligence. When there is no pus or infection accumulation, the tooth can be readily treated in a single sitting root canal treatment.
The concept of RCT in a single sitting comes down from the theory of entombing. This is based on removing an adequate amount of microorganisms by cleaning and shaping the root canals. The remnants of microorganisms are entombed by the obturation process so that they do not have any possibility of survival.
A successful root canal treatment depends upon a variety of factors. These include;
- Proper evaluation.
- Good skills in accomplishing the RCT.
- The condition of the pulp chamber.
A single sitting RCT has gained much prevalence in recent years. Although its advent was 100 years ago, today’s survey shows that the single sitting RCT gives a 90% success rate.
What happens during the procedure?
The procedure involves the same traditional method of the multiple RCT setting steps.
- It begins with getting access to the pulp chamber through the root canals.
- Files and other rotary instruments help to remove the undesired substances that cause pain to the tooth.
- Frequent washings are done to clean the canal from any residual debris or dental shavings.
- The clean and empty canals are sealed with the biocompatible material called gutta-percha.
- The primary filling is replaced with a permanent one within a few days.
- The ultimate step is to guard the tooth by the dental crown.
How long does the root canal treatment take?
The span of timing for the treatment may differ for each patient since every tooth has a different number of root canals. Thus locating them, cleaning, shaping, and evacuating them from the unnecessary germs will vary in duration. For example, anterior teeth have only one root canal, whereas the molars can possess 3-4 channels each. The period solely depends upon the tooth that has been affected and needs the RCT. In an estimation, a single root canal sitting takes 60 to 90 minutes to complete the entire procedure.
What happens after the procedure?
Sensitivity and pain are typical posts a root canal treatment. This generally happens due to the probing of the instruments in and around the tooth’s soft tissues. The condition recedes with time but if in case, the pain is unbearable, reach out to your dentist to know if there is any cause of secondary infection. Minor pain can be well treated with medications and home therapies.
Single-visit RCT advantages-
Enlisted under are the bullet marked points which you should consider before choosing the single sitting RCT. Thus, the benefits involved are;
- There is a reduced chance of flare-up and contamination.
- There is a cut down in the patient’s appointment time as the visits are not multiple.
- The treatment is feasible, especially for physically disabled patients who do not have to return to the clinic for a follow-up appointment.
- Reduced operator and patient fatigue.
Who is a perfect candidate for single sitting root canal treatment?
Oliet’s criteria give us an overview of who can opt for a single sitting RCT.
The Oliet criteria involve the following points;
- The tooth to be worked upon should be free from any exudates, blood, or pus.
- It should be free from anatomical obstacles like pulp calcifications.
- Root canals should be easily accessible so that the procedure can be carried out without hindrance.
- There should be patient acceptance.
- The time taken to complete the entire procedure should not take more than one sitting.
Single sitting RCT is an answer for people who cannot devote much time to visiting dental clinics. The pain in such treatment is minor, and the time taken is less. No wonder this procedure has evolved remarkably with time, and more and more people are vouching for its benefits. However, there are a few points you should remember before undergoing the treatment.
Listed below are the contraindications which need to be taken care of before you opt for this treatment;
- If you have significant pain or infection, do not go for a single sitting RCT.
- In case of acute periapical abscess.
- Teeth where re-RCT should be done.
- People suffering from temporomandibular joint problems.
- Teeth having anatomic anomalies.
At the end of the day, you can sit back and relax because your dentist will give you the best suitable treatment according to your needs and satisfaction. Remember that dental visits are a must; this cannot be compensated at any cost, and so is the same in the case with your oral hygiene. Maintaining these two factors can help you abstain from many oral issues.
If you are in the midst of excruciating pain, a fallen off tooth, or simply require a cosmetic teeth makeover; you can always contact the multi-purpose dental clinic Cosmodontist, which houses the answer to all your problems under the same roof. Contact now at +8368774211 to bid farewell to your oral issues and bring back a sparkling smile to your face.
