Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Root canal treatment?
My sister had a tooth filling done about 4 years back. Now it is discoloured (turned black) and she was experiencing pain and her jaw had swelled. A doctor said that the filled tooth had cracked and leaked, leading to an infection. The medicines that were prescribed had reduced the pain and swelling.
The doctor said my sister needed a root canal treatment. Is root canal necessary or is it enough if the filling alone is changed? What is root canal?
Answers (4)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
Hello
In simple words, Root canal is a procedure to treat the infection that has progressed to the root(nerve) of the tooth.
If she is experiencing pain and swelling, that means the infection has leaked to the nerve of the tooth and just by changing the filling, the infection will not subside. Rather, by filling the tooth n closing it without removing the infection will worsen the pain and swelling. The prescribed medicines will reduce the symptoms only temporarily.
Considering her symptoms, Root Canal wil be necessary.
Next Steps
Consult your dentist as soon as possible for the necessary treatment.
Health Tips
DO NOT take the medication more than what is prescribed.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced dentist online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+191
Dr. Bagmi Mahapatra
Dentist
9 yrs exp
Bangalore
Hi
From the above complaints it seems the tooth has a secondary caries beneath the older filling or crack or fracture. All this leads to micro leakage of bacteria into the affected site and infection.
Root canal treatment is done when a tooth can't be saved by normal external filling.
A tooth has 3 layers. Enamel, dentin and pulp. When the cavity/infection affects the third layer which contains the nerve supply and blood supply of a tooth it leads to pain.
RCT is a procedure where the dentist cleans and shapes the innermost layer of the tooth followed by an external filling and a crown(cap) over it.
Next Steps
visit a dentist for proper xray and further diagnosis and treatment planning.
Health Tips
if pain is still there avoid placing any hot pack externally over the jaw.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Arvind Mittal
Dentist
14 yrs exp
Jaipur
Hello
Yes if doctor suggest rct ,Thn rct is necessary.in root canal treatment we clean the canals and fill it .
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Zoya Rasheed
Cosmetic/Aesthetic Dentist
12 yrs exp
Bangalore
Hi
Could u plz attach x ray .
If the tooth is discolored ,infected and swelling is present Root canal treatment "followed by crown" is must..
If u go for a filling, the patient will have unbearable pain and it is not advisable to go for filling when there is infection discoloration n swelling..
RCT is the best option.
Next Steps
Get root canal treatment done followed by crown
Health Tips
*Avoid food like chickpeas, Brinja, banana, potato,fish in cases patient is non vegetarian till the infection and swelling is completely subsidised...
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.