What is RCT?

 Root Canal Treatment (RCT) — also called endodontic treatment — is a dental procedure used to save a tooth that is badly decayed, infected, or damaged.

Here’s a simple breakdown 👇

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🦷 What Happens in Root Canal Treatment

Inside every tooth, there’s a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels.

If bacteria from deep decay or trauma reach this pulp, it becomes infected or inflamed, causing pain or swelling.

To treat this:

1. Access opening: The dentist makes a small hole on the top of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber.

2. Cleaning: The infected pulp and bacteria are removed from the root canals.

3. Shaping: The canals are cleaned and shaped with small instruments.

4. Filling: The cleaned canals are filled with a special material (called gutta-percha) to seal them.

5. Restoration: Finally, the tooth is sealed with a filling or a crown to protect it and restore function.

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💡 Why RCT Is Done

Deep decay or cavity near the pulp

Cracked or fractured tooth

Injury causing pulp death

Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth

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⚙️ Benefits

Saves the natural tooth (instead of extracting it)

Relieves pain and infection

Restores chewing and normal appearance

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⚠️ After Treatment

You might feel mild soreness for a few days, but it usually goes away.

Most root canal–treated teeth last for many years if properly restored and cared for.

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Would you like me to explain it for patients (in simple everyday words)

or for dental students (with technical details and canal anatomy)?