Every tooth has two parts: the crown portion and the root portion. Inside the root is something called a root canal, which contains nerves and blood vessels that give life to each tooth. This anatomy is called pulp; it is what makes teeth sensitive to hot and cold, pressure, and gives sensations of pain. When there is an infection that spreads deep down into the pulp of each tooth, that is when a root canal procedure is advised.
The conventional, age-old method involves steps like cleaning and shaping of the canals by removing debris and infected pulp tissue using small instruments called hand files. Then, we use a rotary instrument and repeat the cleaning steps using special files. Each step is tedious for both the patient and the dentist, following a strict irrigation protocol after every usage of specific color-coded files for cleaning.
THE ROLE OF LASERS IN RCTS
Definitely, they can’t replace the traditional methods but can be used as an additional tool to fasten the process, improve accuracy, and prognosis of the procedure.
BENEFITS OF LASER ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?
Since root canals are not simple straight tubes, they are microscopic, inconspicuous to the human eye, contain tiny side canals, accessory extra canals, complex branches, and connections that require meticulous cleaning of each and every surface to eliminate tooth pain permanently. So, traditional methods of cleaning and irrigation may not completely be helpful. Lasers—
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Remove the debris and residual bacteria better.
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Enhanced disinfection in the root tip area as well, which is extremely difficult to reach with traditional methods.
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Powerful shock waves created by the laser beam enhance irrigation throughout the canal.
So, have you ever had a root canal treatment done, or have you heard stories of friends and family saying how time-consuming and painful these procedures are? What are your thoughts on this advanced technique of root canal treatment?
MBH/PS