Root canal treatment or RCT is the most effective and reliable dental treatment performed to save a tooth with deep decay or infection. The procedure involves multiple steps and was previously performed over two or more dental sessions.
However, with advancements in dentistry, a time-saving and equally efficient procedure known as single sitting RCT has now been introduced to complete the entire procedure in a single sitting.
Led by Dr. Surbhi Bhatia L, Consultant Endodontist and Chief Dentist, Lifeberries Health+ Dental Clinic at Viman Nagar, Pune offers accurate and painless single sitting RCT treatments with the best treatment outcomes.
What is a Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a type of dental procedure performed to remove the infected or inflamed pulp present on the inside of a tooth, carefully cleaning and disinfecting the empty canal, and later filling and sealing it with an inert filling material.
Root canal treatment is done to eliminate the bacteria from the infected root canal, prevent the reinfection of the tooth, and save the natural tooth.
What is a Single Sitting RCT?
As the name suggests, a single sitting RCT is a dental procedure that eliminates the need for multiple dental visits to finish a root canal procedure. Instead, the whole procedure is completed in a single dental appointment, saving the patient’s time and hassle.
A single sitting rct is usually recommended in case of an acute tooth infection with no accumulation of pus in and around the tooth.
Why Single Sitting RCT?
A single sitting RCT is generally recommended to save time and avoid multiple dental visits for an RCT. However, not all patients can undergo a single sitting RCT.
A single sitting RCT procedure is generally recommended in cases where the infection or inflammation is confined to a single root canal and the overall condition of the tooth is stable.
A patient having multiple canals in a tooth, complex tooth anatomy, or the presence of health conditions like diabetes is advised a multiple sitting RCT to ensure complete elimination of infection.
Additionally, it is important to choose an experienced endodontist or root canal specialist like Dr. Surbhi Bhatia L for undergoing a successful single sitting RCT.
Single Sitting RCT Procedure
A single sitting RCT procedure is done as follows:
- An X-ray of the infected tooth is first taken to determine the extent of damage.
- The dentist gives local anesthesia near the tooth being treated to numb the treatment area and make the procedure painless and comfortable for the patient.
- A cavity is prepared through the top portion of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and the root canal.
- All the infected and decayed tooth structures are removed to create a clear access opening.
- The pulp chamber and the infected root canals are then thoroughly cleaned using endodontic files and other instruments while flushing out the canals with an antiseptic solution in between.
- Once the cleaning and shaping of the root canals is completed, the canals are dried and then filled with a biocompatible dental filling material, known as Gutta Percha Points or G.P. Points.
- The cavity is then filled with a temporary dental filling material, which is replaced by a permanent filling material like composite after a few days.
- About two weeks after the procedure, a dental crown needs to be placed over the root canal-treated tooth to add strength to the treated tooth and reduce the risk of tooth fracture.
What Are the Benefits of a Single Sitting RCT?
A single sitting RCT offers the following advantages:
- Avoids multiple dental visits
- Saves time for the patient and the dentist
- Reduced patient discomfort
- Lesser anesthesia shots required
- Lesser chances of contamination and entry of bacteria into the tooth between appointments
- Convenient treatment option for aged patients or patients having physical disabilities
- Minimizes anxiety and fear
Can Root Canal Treatment Be Done in Single Sitting Without Any Pain?
A root canal treatment can be performed in a single sitting without any pain as the entire procedure is done under the effect of local anesthesia and the effect of anesthesia will usually stay for two to four hours, while the root canal treatment is usually completed in 30 to 60 minutes.
After the effect of anesthesia wears off, the patient may take prescribed painkillers to relieve any discomfort. The discomfort should disappear in a few days after the procedure.
Which is Better for Root Canal Treatment: Single Sitting RCT or Multiple Sitting RCT?
Whether single sitting RCT or multiple sitting RCT is better for you will be determined by several factors, like:
- If there is pus discharge near the infected tooth or sinus opening due to an infection, a multiple sitting RCT is recommended. In case of an acute infection with no pus accumulation, a single sitting RCT is recommended.
- In cases of tooth trauma and the presence of a lesion below the tooth as seen on a dental X-ray, a multiple sitting RCT is advised.
- Single sitting RCT is not suggested in complex tooth structures or the presence of multiple canals
- Patients with temporomandibular joint problems who cannot keep their mouth for a long time will require multiple sittings of RCT, with each session lasting for a short duration.
- Patients who have a physical disability or at an advanced age who are unable to come for multiple dental appointments can undergo a single sitting RCT.
What Are the Disadvantages of Single Sitting RCT?
The disadvantages of single sitting RCT are as follows:
- Tiring procedure as patients need to keep their mouth open for a long time
- Endodontic flare-ups (severe pain and swelling immediately after root canal treatment)
- Inexperienced dentists may lack the skill to do the procedure properly
- Not recommended in difficult cases like severe curvatures, calcified canals, complex tooth anatomy, multiple root canals, etc.
What is the Cost of Single Sitting RCT in Viman Nagar?
The single sitting RCT cost in Viman Nagar generally varies between INR 3,000 to INR 15,000. However, this cost will vary depending on several factors, like:
- Type of tooth treated (RCT cost of a back tooth is generally more than a front tooth)
- Tooth condition and extent of infection present
- Expertise and skills of the dentist
- Reputation and geographic location of the dental clinic
- Cost of restoration following root canal treatment
Why Choose Lifeberries Health+ for Single Sitting Root Canal Treatment?
You should choose Lifeberries Health+ Dental Clinic for undergoing a single sitting RCT as we offer the following facilities and services for an excellent treatment experience:
- Experienced dentists
- Trained and polite dental staff
- High rate of success
- Latest dental technology and equipment
- Strict sterilization standards
- Dental products of the best quality
- Comfortable and painless root canal treatments
Conclusion
A single sitting RCT is an advanced root canal technique that can help relieve the symptoms associated with an infected tooth in a much shorter period of time compared to conventional multiple sitting RCT without compromising on treatment efficacy.
For accurate treatment results and post-treatment support, choose Lifeberries Health+ Dental Clinic for the best single sitting RCT in Viman Nagar.
