RCT treatment is the commonly used term for a root canal procedure. It is recommended by a dentist when the patient complains of a toothache, sensitivity, and inflammation of the gums. The process involves digging a small hole in the enamel and dentin that make up the hard exterior of the tooth to access and remove the inflamed pulp that is concealed just beneath.
This pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connecting tissue -- all the ingredients for a tooth growth potion. However, fully grown adults are in no need of the tissue any longer if infected. A root canal treatment does away with this infected, now unnecessary soft tissue within your tooth, in order to remove the inflammation and thus provide a reprieve from the pain and sensitivity.
So, does the RCT treatment solve hot and/or cold tooth sensitivity problems? Yes, but only if the root canal infection was the primary cause of your teeth sensitivity in the first place. However, some people just have sensitive teeth.
Let us differentiate between the painful experiences that both types of dental situations would result in.
Ask yourself: How long have you had this pain?
If you have sensitive teeth, you have probably experienced brain-freezes multiple times in the past, or sharp pain in the teeth, where the consumption of anything cold (like ice-cream, but not necessarily chilled water) gives you a terrible headache.
You might have experienced sharp pain even while sipping on a hot beverage. Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate are a pain-pleasure cocktail: while you enjoy the warmth, the taste, and the feeling of these beverages waking you up, your teeth experience a searing pain every time they get lashed by the hot liquid. You might even have felt a weird sensitivity in your teeth when you were in a nice hot sauna, or in a very cold place.
On the other hand, if you have a root canal infection, then you would have recently begun feeling discomfort and sensitivity.
Ask yourself: How long does the pain typically last?
Observe this carefully whenever the pain and sensitivity wash over your teeth and gums. Does the pain (specifically in your teeth) last for the duration of that big intake of breath in a hot or cold place? Or the duration of the ice-cream? Does the pain reappear with every sip of your cappuccino, only to disappear between sips? That sounds like a long-term tooth sensitivity problem, which can't be eliminated by RCT treatment.
However, if the pain rears its ugly head every time you chew (just about anything) and lingers for hours thereafter, then it is likely that your sensitivity comes from a root canal inflammation.
Ask yourself: Where does the pain occur?
Is the pain a blanket sensation across all your teeth or is it localized? The former is a sign of straight-up sensitivity while the latter is usually seen as an indication that you might need a root canal (or at least a filling or a new crown).
Ask yourself: Did you recently get some type of teeth braces?
Some types of teeth braces might cause pain and sensitivity. If the braces are too tight or the realignment speed too ambitious, you might experience intense pain.
Do not fret if you have just discovered that even after enduring the pain of a root canal procedure, your hot/cold tooth sensitivity hasn’t gone away. You can control your teeth sensitivity by following a few simple practices:
Avoid brushing too aggressively. Be mindful when brushing your teeth.
Cut down on the daily intake of acidic food and beverages. This includes sodas, colas, tea, coffee, energy drinks, and wine.
Reduce or avoid dependence on whitening agents.
Some cosmetic dentistry brands argue that teeth bonding can aid teeth sensitivity but others argue that it adds to sensitivity in the short run.
Toothpaste brands insist that toothpaste designed specifically for sensitive teeth is the solution. It might not be a bad idea to identify if this pain management measure works for you. Buy a small tube, to begin with.
Some types of teeth braces might also be the cause of your teeth sensitivity. Visit your dentist and make adjustments, and see if you get any reprieve.
A root canal treatment usually calls for multiple visits to the dentist and at least one X-Ray, if not more. Sometimes, depending on the complexity of the inflammation, your dentist might bring in or direct you to an endodontist (a root canal specialist). All of this clearly adds up, making root canal treatments rather expensive propositions.
However, you need not fret because you can use your Bajaj Finserv Digital Health EMI Network Card, which allows you to pay for your procedure in comfortable monthly installments. The Digital Health EMI Network Card from Bajaj Finserv comes with a pre-approved limit of up to Rs. 4 lakh, and flexible tenors up to 24 months, and lets you get the best treatment possible without worrying about the costs involved.
