Overview

Root Canal Treatment is an endodontic procedure used to treat infected or inflamed dental pulp by removing the pulp and filling the canal space.

Root canal treatment is crucial for saving teeth that would otherwise need extraction. It relieves pain and preserves natural tooth structure.

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Indications

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Pulpitis

Inflamed dental pulp

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Pulp Necrosis

Dead pulp tissue

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Apical Abscess

Infection at root tip

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Trauma

Tooth injury

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Deep Caries

Cavity reaching pulp

Contraindications

Absolute Contraindications

✗ Patient refusal
✗ Unrestorable tooth

Relative Contraindications

✗ Pregnancy
✗ Systemic conditions
✗ Poor oral hygiene

📋 Equipment Checklist

Check off items as you gather them:

Pre-procedure Preparation

Preparation includes patient assessment, radiographs, anesthesia planning, and understanding the tooth anatomy.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Access Preparation

Create access cavity to pulp chamber.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Inadequate access
  • Perforation

💡 Pro Tip:

Follow tooth anatomy.

Step 2: Canal Location

Locate all root canals.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Missed canals
  • Wrong direction

💡 Pro Tip:

Use magnification and lighting.

Step 3: Working Length

Determine canal length.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Over-instrumentation
  • Short length

💡 Pro Tip:

Use apex locator and radiographs.

Step 4: Canal Preparation

Clean and shape canals.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Inadequate preparation
  • Canal transportation

💡 Pro Tip:

Use proper technique.

Step 5: Irrigation

Clean canals thoroughly.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Inadequate irrigation
  • Solution extrusion

💡 Pro Tip:

Use sufficient volume.

Step 6: Obturation

Fill canals completely.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Incomplete filling
  • Overfilling

💡 Pro Tip:

Use proper technique.

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Post-procedure Care

Post-procedure care involves monitoring for pain, follow-up appointments, and eventual crown placement.

Complications & Management

Complication Incidence Signs Management Prevention
Instrument fracture 2-5% Broken file in canal Retrieval or bypass Proper technique
Perforation 1-3% Bleeding, pain Repair with MTA Careful technique
Overfilling 3-8% Post-op pain Surgical correction Proper length
Infection 5-10% Pain, swelling Antibiotics Sterile technique

Clinical Pearls

💡

Always use rubber dam for isolation.

🎯

Take multiple radiographs for assessment.

⚡

Use apex locator for accurate length.

🔍

Irrigate thoroughly between files.

📊

Document all steps carefully.

🎨

Ensure complete obturation.

⚠️

Monitor for post-op complications.