RCT Visits – how many sittings for root canal
Root canal treatment, or RCT, is a common dental procedure to save the natural tooth from extraction. It involves cleaning the infected tooth and preventing the spread of infection to the surrounding areas. The most common question asked about RCT by our experts at Advanced Dental Clinic Delhi is regarding the number of visits. If you are also interested in knowing how many sittings for a root canal, then hold on as we answer it in the information provided below- brought to you by Advanced Dental Clinic Delhi
Types of Root Canal Treatment
Before diving into the details, let’s categorise root canal treatment into two types. The two main types of RCT based on the number of sittings are single visit and multiple sitting root canal treatment.
Single Sitting Root Canal Treatment:
Single-sitting root canal treatment, or one-visit RCT, is a procedure where the entire process is completed in a single appointment. It is usually indicated in cases with no infection, and the root canal is done in acute cases.
Multiple Sitting Root Canal Treatment:
In contrast, multiple-sitting root canal treatment involves completing the whole process in two to three sittings. It involves dividing the whole procedure into parts and finalising each in one sitting. It is mainly indicated in the case of severe infection, where we need time to completely clean the tooth and ensure that it is free of any infection before finalising the root canal treatment.
Factors affecting the number of sittings- how many sittings for root canal
Complexity of the Case
Complex cases with deep infection or root canal systems with multiple anatomic variations are usually done in multiple sittings. The choice between single visit and multiple visit RCT is made by our experts after clinically and radiologically analysing your case.
Extent of Tooth Damage
The extent of damage to the tooth also affects the treatment plan. A single sitting may be sufficient if the decay is limited and the infection is localised. If there is extensive damage, multiple sittings are preferred for complete cleaning and sealing of the tooth.
Presence of Infection
In severe infection cases, multiple sittings may be recommended to ensure thorough cleaning and disinfection of the root canals.
When is a sitting Root Canal Advised?
- Aesthetic concerns, such as a cracked front tooth or chipped-off fragment.
- Extreme teeth sensitivity not managed by other means.
- Acute infection without pus accumulation.
- Teeth requiring over-denture abutments or crowns.
- No swelling or pus discharge around the teeth.
When is Multiple Sitting Root Canal Recommended?
- Complex root canal anatomy.
- Extensive tooth damage and decay.
- Severe infection with pus
- Cases involving the need for additional dental procedures.
Conclusion
The bottom line of the whole discussion is that the choice between single and multiple-visit RCT is decided after examining your case. Each procedure is customised per your dental requirement to ensure optimal treatment outcomes. Regardless of the procedure planned, our aim is to provide you with immediate pain relief and successful root canal treatment that ensures the longevity of the tooth.