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Body Mass Index

2011-11-19T08:52:00.000-08:00

Body mass index (BMI) tells you whether your body weight is appropriate for your height. Due to its ease of measurement and calculation, it is widely used diagnostic tool to identify weight problems within a population.

Body Mass Index

Weight

Height

Height: or cms

Results

Your BMI

If your BMI is in the abnormal category (starvation,under weight,over weight,obese) for your height. Consider the benefits of achieving a healthy weight - a reduced risk of health conditions with improved lifestyle and self esteem.

BMI Chart
Under weight	< = 18.4
Normal weight	18.5 - 24.9
Overweight	25 - 29.9
Obesity	> = 30

Body fluid volume calculator

2011-11-19T08:51:00.001-08:00

Body fluid volume calculator help to find the total body fluids in a person based on gender and weight.

Body Fluid Volumes
Gender	Male	Female
Enter Body Weight		Kilogrammes(Kgs) Pounds(Lbs)

Results
Total Body Water(TBW)	Litres
Intracellular fluid(ICF)	Litres
Extracellular fluid(ECF)	Litres
Interstitial fluid volume	Litres
Plasma volume	Litres

Body Fat Percentage

2011-11-19T08:50:00.003-08:00

Body fat is produced in the body through the absorption of fats present in the food consumed. Although excess body fat content can have severe problems, the body requires a specific content of body fat for various metabolic and structural functions. This calculator demonstrates your body fat percentage.

Alcoholic Calorie Counter

2011-11-19T08:50:00.001-08:00

alcoholic calorie counter helps you to estimate the calories in alcoholic beverages. This calculator will display alcoholic content in grams and aldehyde with that particular beverage

Alcoholic Calories
Beverage

First aid for Sprain

2011-11-19T08:49:00.003-08:00

A Sprain is injury caused to the ligament. Usually swelling, redness and pain is accompanied in the area of sprain. Here are a few first aid measurements for sprain:

• Make sure the joint is well protected and is not allowed to hang.

• Give rest to the injured area. But don’t go for a bed rest.

• Try to do some activity without affecting the injured part. This will help to keep up the cardiovascular conditioning.

• Apply ice on affected area for 20 mins, for 4 times a day, for 3 days. This will decrease the swelling.

• Cover the area with elastic wrap or bandage. Elastic or neoprene wraps are best.

• To decrease the swelling keep the injured area above heart.

First aid for Animal bites

2011-11-19T08:49:00.001-08:00

Animal bites can be minor or deep. But it is best to make sure always that there is no infection. Preventing it from further spreading is also important.

• If the bite does not break the skin then there must not be any problem of infection like rabies. Just clean the area with antiseptic, apply an antibiotic lotion and put a clean bandage.

• If there is bleeding in bitten area or there is any deep cuts or swelling or redness or pain, it is best to consult doctor as there is danger of infection like rabies.

• Apply pressure on the wound and try to stop bleeding.

Rabies can be a potent danger caused usually due to dog, cat, fox or bat bites. If the animal is an immunized and domestic then the risk factor is highly reduced. But still the risk factor towards rabies also depends as to when the animal was immunized.

First aid for Chest pain

2011-11-19T08:48:00.003-08:00

Chest pain can be due to various conditions like indigestion to heart attack.

• Call hospital for immediate medical assistance. If the access to such medical assistance is not there then ask your friend or neighbor to drive you to the hospital. Try to avoid driving, keep as the last option when no one is around.

• You can chew a regular strength aspirin. Aspirin will help to slow the blood clotting, which otherwise may lead to heart attack. Consult with your doctor before hand on taking aspirin.

• If you have a heart attack and in case your doctor has previously prescribed nitroglycerin take it as directed. Do not use your friend medication or OTC medication.

• If the person becomes unconscious begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In case

First aid for Burns

2011-11-19T08:48:00.001-08:00

Minor burn:

Burns involving only the outer skin layer, in areas like hands, feet, buttocks in not more than 3 inches is considered as a First degree burn. If the area of burn exceeds 3 inches and the second layer of skin i.e., the dermis is also found affected, then it is called a Second degree burn.

Here are a few first aid measurements for first degree burns:

• The burned area must be cooled by keeping it under cool running water for 20 mins or dip the burned area in cool water (not ice cold).

• Do not apply ice on any condition as it may further cause damage to the wounds.

• Cover the burned area with a gauze bandage loosely.

• Do not use cotton or ant fluffy material to cover the wounds as this may get into the wounds.

• Do not apply ointments in wound since it may cause infection.

• If there is too much of pain taking Aspirin or Advil will settle it. While using it for children or people who have just now recovered from chickenpox or measles or any viral disease, it is best to take doctors opinion.

Major burn:

The third degree burn is when all the skin layers are damaged. The area looks black or may look dry and white.

Here are a few first aid measurements for the third degree burns:

• Cover the burned area with sterile bandage or moist towel or cloth.

• The burned area must be placed above the heart level if possible.

• Do not apply cold water in severely burned area as this may cause a decrease in body temperature, blood pressure and circulation.

• Try to remove the burning clothes not the burnt clothes, to make sure he/she is not in contact with heat or smoke.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

2011-11-19T08:47:00.003-08:00

Hepatitis A vaccine is an inactivated virus vaccine. Hepatitis A vaccine is very effective that all adults, adolescents, and children become immune to HAV infection after getting two doses the vaccine is administered as an injection through intra muscular route of the upper arm for adults and older children and in the thigh muscle of toddlers. It is given as two doses. The second dose is given no sooner than six months after the first dose.

Recommended age of administration:

• First dose at 2yeras and second dose at 2 and half years.

Individuals with following conditions should not receive Hepatitis vaccine:

• People who already had a serious allergic reaction to hepatitis A vaccine in the past.

• People with moderate or severe acute illness should wait to receive hepatitis A vaccine until their condition has improved.

Small Pox Vaccine

2011-11-19T08:47:00.001-08:00

This vaccine helps the body develop immunity to smallpox. The vaccine is made from a virus called vaccinia which is a “pox”-type virus related to smallpox,it is a live vaccine.

The vaccine is given using a bifurcated (two-pronged) needle that is dipped into the vaccine solution. The vaccine usually is given in the upper arm and it is given for children of 1 year age.

Rabies Vaccine

2011-11-19T08:46:00.007-08:00

This vaccine is an inactivated viral vaccine. The vaccine is given in the deltoid muscle as a series of 3-5 shots. A vaccinated person should receive two more doses of rabies vaccine, one dose immediately and one three days later. This is proven very safe to be used in pregnant women.

Rabies vaccine is recommended for-

• It is recommended for veterinarians, animal handlers, certain laboratory workers and persons in high-risk occupational groups.

• Persons who are in frequent contact with rabid bats, raccoons, skunks, cats, dogs, or other species at risk for having rabies.

• International travelers who are likely to come in contact with animals in areas where dog rabies is common.

Polio Vaccine

2011-11-19T08:46:00.005-08:00

The polio vaccine reduces the infection rate towards polio in the public. There are two types of polio vaccines available, the oral polio vaccine (OPV) and the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV).

Oral polio vaccine (OPV):

Oral polio vaccine (OPV) is a live-attenuated vaccine. OPV is developed from weekend live polio germs. It is administered through oral route as drops in the mouth that are swallowed.

Recommended age of administration:

The usual schedule for infants is a series of six doses it is given at the time of birth, 6 weeks after birth, 10 weeks after birth, 14 weeks after birth, 6months, and 9 months. And first booster dose is given at 18months and second booster at 5years.

Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV):

This vaccine is prepared from dead polio germs. It is administered through intra venal route or intra muscular route. Depending on the person’s age, the shot may be given into the leg or arm. IPV is the polio vaccine recommended in most of the common wealth countries. It can be given at the same time as other vaccines. The inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) is usually given at ages 6 weeks, 10weeks and 14 weeks if opv is not given.

Heart and Circulation » Heart Attack

2011-11-19T08:46:00.003-08:00

Heart attack occurs when the supply of blood and oxygen to an area on the heart muscle is blocked, usually by a clot in the coronary artery. Heart attack is the leading cause of death for both men and women worldwide. However, if the indications are recognized early and proper medications are given, the person’s life can be saved to a large extent.

The indications for a heart attack include:

• Pain or discomfort in the center of the chest that can last for more than few minutes.

• The chest discomfort may come and go and can have a feeling of uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

• Discomfort in the other areas of the upper body which may include one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or the stomach.

• Sudden weekness followed with sweating and fainting.

• Shortness of breath

• Cold

• Nausea

• Lightheadness

Digestive organs and metabolism » Acidity

2011-11-19T08:46:00.001-08:00

Acidity is a very common metabolic problem affecting the stomach. Acidity leads to the increased production of acid (hydrochloric acid) in the stomach.

The indications of acidity include:

• Heartburn, burning chest pain behind sternum for a longer period

• Gas formation and pain in the stomach

• Dyspepsia and abdominal pain

• Formation of ulcer in the esophagus and stomach

• Vomiting tendency, coughing and reluctance for food in case of children

Dermatology » Acne

2011-11-19T08:45:00.003-08:00

Acne is a common skin disease characterized affecting 90% of all people at some time of their life and is most common during the teenage years. Commonly referred to as pimples.

The indications of acne include:

• Papules

• Pustules

• Blackheads

• Whiteheads or milia

• Nodules

• Cysts

• Redness, swelling

• Irritation, itching of the skin

• Oozing or scabbing of the lesions

Central nervous system and Brain » Depression

2011-11-19T08:45:00.001-08:00

A depression is group of symptoms that reflects a sad and/or irritable mood exceeding normal sadness and grief.

The following indicators for depression count when they last for more than 2 weeks:

• Hopelessness- unrelenting sad, anxious or ‘empty’ mood

• Insomnia, interrupted sleep or sleeping too much

• Reduced appetite and/or weight loss; increased appetite or weight gain.

• Loss of interest in ones favorite activities

• Inability to find interest in new activities or hobbies/relationship.

• Edginess or irritability

• Feeling of disorientedness

• Difficulty concentrating and remembering

• Feeling of guilt and worthlessness

• Suicidal thoughts.

Dental >> Sports Dentistry

2011-10-31T09:32:00.005-07:00

Sports Dentistry

Sports dentistry is bit different from non - athlete dentistry. Method of treatment varies for athletes and people participating in contact sports. Injuries occurred in sports related to mouth or oral cavities are considered as sports dentistry.

Precautions for athletes to prevent injury to mouth:

1. Mouth guard: Mouth guard is a special type of prosthesis which protects teeth from injury. It covers all teeth and does not allow direct impact on teeth. Different types of mouth guard are:

• Stock Mouth guard

• Boil and Bite Mouth guard

• Custom fit mouth guard

Stock mouth guard offers least amount of protection and is available in all sport stores. The main disadvantage of these mouth guards are they don't fit properly in mouth either they are loose or too tight which can pinch gingiva and other soft tissues of mouth.

Boil and bite mouth guards are better as compared to stock mouth guards. These are also available in all sports stores. All you need is to put these mouth guards in hot water and then place mouth guard in mouth; it will itself adjust in mouth. Its better if you take help of dentist to get it fit properly.

Custom fit mouth guards are made by dentist in dental clinics. These are quite expensive, but provide better protection against injuries.

2. Do not ignore even minor injuries like fracture of the tip of tooth or gum injuries. Always consult dentist for needful treatment.

3. Do not leave fracture restorations or faulty restorations as it is. If you find any carious lesion in teeth, always get restored as early as possible.

4. Always prefer removable prosthesis rather than fixed prosthesis. After retirement from sports you can switch to fixed prosthesis.

Dental >> Health Care for Children

2011-10-31T09:32:00.003-07:00

Dental or oral health care of children starts from the day when baby is born. Few simple steps which can contribute to healthy teeth are:

Always wipe off gums after feeding the baby.
Try to avoid bottle feeding as far s possible.
Never allow baby to sleep with milk bottle in his mouth.
Once your child starts going to play school, teach him how to brush. Brushing regularly with fluoride toothpaste avoid caries.
Teach him good oral habits. For example, rinsing after every meal and brushing twice a day.
Avoid thumb sucking habit. Teeth start protruding outside if this continues for a long time.
Avoid sweets and sugary snacks in between the meal, this can lead to cavities.
Young children tend to swallow toothpaste, so take proper care and do not allow them to swallow as toothpaste contains fluoride.
Regular dental checkups are useful to have a proper record of baby’s teeth.
During teething always take care of dental hygiene. Tethers or gum soothers used should be properly washed and clean.

Dental >> Anxiety and Phobia

2011-10-31T09:32:00.001-07:00

What is Dental Phobia?

Dental phobia is basically a fear from dental treatment or from injection in mouth. Many people do not make Dentist appointment only because of phobia and keep on delaying the problem until it becomes worse.

What are the symptoms of Dental anxiety?

Symptoms of Dental anxiety are as follows:

• Tingling sensation in hands and feet

• Trembling

• Nausea

• Sweating

• Tightness in chest

• Shortness of breath

• Slipping of tongue

• Difficulty in speech

What are the preventive measures to overcome Dental anxiety?

Some of the different ways to control anxiety are:

• Try to communicate with patient as much as you can and explore the reason of anxiety.

• Try to cover short treatment procedures in first visit if possible.

• Always use simple words in speech.

• Music plays very important role in controlling anxiety. Always play some soothing or soft music in Dental clinic.

• Sterilization room should not be visible from treatment room, there should be some partition in between two rooms.

Dental >> Treatment during Pregnancy

2011-10-31T09:31:00.003-07:00

Pregnancy is the phase in women life, when extensive care is taken by her family and dear ones. During this phase excessive medicines and treatments are avoided if not necessary. But, anyhow if sudden toothache starts during pregnancy then 2nd Trimester is the ideal time. Regular dental checkups during pregnancy are advisable as some women develop swollen gums or gums infection due to rise in hormone level during pregnancy. X- Rays taken in dental treatment can be avoided till birth because they can cause negative effect on baby. General care of teeth to be taken during pregnancy is as follows:

• Always brush twice a day to keep your teeth healthy.

• Avoid too long dental visits.

• Baby first teeth develop during first three months of pregnancy. Try to avoid sugary food during this period.

• Whenever you visit Dentist, do not forget to tell that you are pregnant.

• Use dental floss, twice a day as shown in figure.

• Teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures can be postpones until the birth.

Above are list of common dental care during pregnancy. Follow thumb rule that only 2nd trimester is safe for Dental treatment.

Dental >> Home Remedies

2011-10-31T09:31:00.001-07:00

Home remedies for Teeth whitening:

• Strawberry paste is known for its teeth whitening effect. It has enzymes, which makes teeth bright and shiny. Crush some strawberries and make paste out of it, then apply this paste on toothbrush and brush your teeth. But after brushing with strawberry paste, brush your teeth with normal toothpaste. Continuous use of strawberries makes teeth look white and bright.

• Soda bicarbonate is another whitening agent which is known for its bleaching properties. It is easily available in every kitchen; apply it on the toothbrush to remove stains. Prolonged use of soda bicarbonate makes teeth white.

• Lemon is also used for teeth whitening. Rubbing lemon peel on teeth removes stain ,but prolonged used can even makes teeth sensitive because of citric acid.

• Eating apple regularly removes yellow satins from teeth.

Home remedies for tooth ache:

• Ice pack is an excellent remedy for suppressing pain. Pack ice cube in some cotton cloth and then apply on affected tooth, it will take few minutes to calm down.

• Clove has analgesic properties. Apply clove oil or place clove near the affected tooth to reduce pain.

• Oregano has antibiotic properties. Apply oregano oil on the affected tooth to drain abscess. Hence after it will reduce pain.

• Pour few drops of vanilla extract on the tooth, in few minutes pain will reduce.

• Take pinch of turmeric powder and mix it with mustard oil, it acts as excellent remedy for toothache. This paste you can apply twice a week to reduce caries and other teeth problems.

Home remedies for Gum diseases:

• Vitamin C is effective in curing gum disease. Include oranges and Amla in your diet to get rid of Gingivitis. If condition is severe then take vitamin C tablets after the prescription of doctor.

• Gum massage with gum paints or gum oil increase the blood flow and helps in curing gum diseases.

• Warm saline rinses twice a day is effective in removing bacteria present in mouth.

Dental >> Scaling

2011-10-31T09:30:00.003-07:00

Scaling is a procedure of cleaning teeth with specialized instruments. Most of us have misconception that scaling weakens the teeth which is incorrect. Scaling in fact removes plaque from teeth and gums and makes them healthy. Plaque deposition leads to infection and results in loosening of teeth.

Continuous tartar and plaque deposition leads to halitosis (bad smell from mouth). Many patients keep on using mouthwash and chewing mint gums to get rid of bad smell, but the actual treatment is scaling. Scaling is of two types:

• Manual

• Ultrasonic

Indications of manual scaling are:

1. In patients having pacemakers manual scaling is recommended as ultrasonic scaler can alter their heart beat

2. Apprehensive patients who are afraid of ultrasonic machine.

3. In Children below 13 years of age manual scaling is preferred.

4. In mentally retarded patients manual scaling is advisable

5. If sensitivity is present in teeth then manual scaling is good for patient

Indications of Ultrasonic scaling are:

1. In Patients with heavy calculus and tartar deposits.

2. If deep scaling is required, then ultrasonic scaler is the only option.

Post Scaling Instructions:

• Use sensitive toothpaste for 1 week after scaling as in some case sensitivity persists.

• Do warm saline rinses for 2 days to get relief from heaviness in gums.

• In case of deep scaling avoid vigorous brushing till gums come to normal.

• Use gum pain as prescribed by dentist to tighten your gums and prevent pockets formation.

• Avoid excessive intake of tea and coffee as it stains teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many times at least scaling is advisable in a year?

There is no such rule; it depends upon the oral care and habits. If patients is having bad oral hygiene or taking some medicines which stains teeth then frequent cleaning of teeth is preferable. But if patient is maintaining good oral hygiene then at least once a year he should consult dentist for scaling.

Is scaling expensive?

No, scaling is not an expensive treatment.

Is there any pain during scaling?

No, scaling does not pain and if deep scaling beneath the gums is required then dentist always anesthetize that area to make the procedure painless.

Why tea and coffee stains teeth?

Tea and coffee contains nicotine which stains teeth and makes them look brown in color. Due to excessive intake, these stains turns into hard covering on teeth known as calculus which is difficult to get remove by toothbrush. Only scaling can remove calculus and make teeth healthy.

Dental >> Tooth Whitening

2011-10-31T09:30:00.001-07:00

Smile is the outlook of inner beauty. Bright smile comes from Shinning and brighter teeth. Everyone nowadays is crazy about teeth whitening also known as bleaching and why not its simple as well. Teeth turns yellow due to many reasons such as

• Smoking

• Tobacco chewing

• Harsh brushing technique

• Age

• Bad oral hygiene

• Tetracycline staining

Due to above mentioned reasons, deposits keep on accumulating on our teeth and make them look yellow. Then comes the reason of Teeth Whitening which oxidizes the organic deposits present on teeth and makes them look brighter. Tetracycline staining can be removed to less extent but not fully.

Contraindications of Teeth Whitening:

• Sensitive teeth

• Receding gums ( when gums are not upto their normal level)

• Heavy tartar deposition

• Carious teeth

• Fractured restorations(fillings)

• Allergic to hydrogen peroxide

Teeth whitening is of two types:

1. Home based Teeth Whitening: This type of teeth whitening should never be done without expert advice.

Procedure:

Advantages:

• Home based technique is cheaper

• Level of whitening depends on your choice

• You can choose time according to your convenience

• It's safe as you gums and oral tissues does not get exposed to rays

Disadvantages:

• Uneven whitening is noticed, if tray does not fully adapt on teeth

• Makes Teeth sensitive to some extent

2. Laser Teeth whitening: This type of teeth whitening is done under the doctor's supervision. It can be completed in single visit.

Procedure:

Advantages:

• It saves time

• Teeth becomes white and bright without your efforts

Disadvantages:

• It is very costly

• Special blue colored used can be harmful for oral tissues

• Makes teeth sensitive to some extent

• Level of whitening is not under our control

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a tooth whitening permanent if done once?

Tooth whitening is not a permanent procedure to keep your teeth bright. Excessive intake of tea and coffee, smoking and poor oral hygiene can make them again look yellow. You have to apply gels or visit dentist after regular intervals.

Is there any cheap method apart from home based and laser Teeth Whitening?

You can apply hydrogen peroxide or soda bicarbonate which is easily available in every kitchen. Make paste of soda bicarbonate with water and apply for 2 to 3 minutes. If you are using hydrogen peroxide , then dilute it and apply on teeth.

Why Teeth whitening is so expensive?

Teeth whitening is in demand nowadays, only laser teeth whitening is expensive. Some cheap methods are also available in market.

Is Teeth whitening safe?

Answer to this question varies on the interest and priority of a patient who is undergoing the whitening treatment.

Dental >> Dentures

2011-10-31T09:29:00.001-07:00

What are Dentures?

Dentures are the artificial prosthesis which is the substitute of missing teeth. Dentures take support of surrounding soft tissues and teeth to stabilize in oral cavity.

How many types of dentures are there?

There are two types of dentures:

• Partial dentures

• Complete dentures

What are partial Dentures?

When some teeth are present and few are missing then Partial denture is fabricated.

How many types of partial dentures are present?

Partial dentures are of two types:

• Removable partial denture(RPD)

• Fixed Partial Denture(FPD)

What are the advantages of Removable partial denture?

1. Removable partial denture can be easily removed by patient and can easily be cleaned.

2. It is less expensive

3. Removable partial dentures are fully tooth supported and helps in normal chewing.

What are the disadvantages of Removable partial denture?

1. Since removable partial denture are fully tooth supported, sometimes cause injury to tooth supported gums.

2. If patient does not maintain proper oral hygiene, RPD can be harmful for other remaining natural teeth.

3. Due to removing RPD again and again it sometimes becomes loose.

What are the advantages of fixed partial denture?

1. These dentures are attached to natural teeth, roots or implants and cannot be removed by patient.

2. FPD has high retention as compared to removable partial denture.

3. Patient feels FPD like his natural teeth. Hence less compliance factor.

What are the disadvantages of FPD?

1. It is expensive procedure.

2. More time consuming and regular checkups are advisable.

3. If patient’s supportive teeth are not strong enough to bear forces offered by FPD, then it has poor prognosis.

4. If RCT of supportive teeth fails and patient come back with pain in supporting tooth then whole FPD has to be removed and placed again.

5. If FPD is not fixed properly or some space is left while fitting then food lodgment continues and results in bad smell from mouth.

What are the steps to be taken care of after placing partial denture in mouth?

• Patient should maintain proper oral hygiene.

• Regular flossing is advisable.

• Patient should not bite hard from artificial teeth.

• Regular follow up checkups are recommended.

• Always put RPD in water after removing from mouth.

• Do not wash RPD with bleaching agent or detergent. Special cleansing agents are available to wash RPD.

What is complete denture?

When all the teeth are missing (edentulous) then complete denture is fabricated. Below are images of maxillary complete denture and mandibular complete denture. They vary in shape according to the shape of oral cavity.

How many teeth are present in complete denture?

Normally 28 teeth are present in Complete Denture, but sometimes we have to miss second premolar in case of small jaw size.

How much time is required to fabricate complete denture?

At least 1 week time is optimum for complete denture

Why dentist ask to carry old photo while adjusting teeth in Denture?

After having a look of old photograph Dentist gets an idea of the shape and setting of teeth. To minimize the patient compliance and to have a natural look old photograph is mandatory.

Can patient start immediately eating with complete denture?

First patient should start with liquids and then with soft food and then finally with normal daily routine food items. Surrounding soft tissues and tongue takes time to adjust with new thing in mouth. May be for few days patient find some speech problem as well. Once you oral cavity get use to denture then everything gets fine.

Can patient brush complete denture?

Yes, patient should daily brush the teeth of denture in a same way like his natural teeth. After every meal cleaning is mandatory. Special cleaning tablets are available which are used to remove satins from the denture.

Dental >> Root Canal Treatment (RCT)

2011-10-31T09:28:00.003-07:00

Root canal treatment is a method to clean roots by gaining access from the tooth with the help of Dental instruments and specific equipments. When the carious lesion reaches pulp (where all blood vessels are present), then the only option left is RCT. Sometimes carious lesion even extend from root to apex (where root ends), then extraction is advisable as RCT will have poor prognosis in this case.

Time taken or sittings involved during RCT depends upon the extent of infection in tooth.

Steps involved in RCT are as follows:

Gaining Access to Root canals: Access from the surface of the tooth(crown) is gained with the help of Drilling instrument . Normally there are 3 canals in molars, 2 canals in premolars and 1 canal in Incisors and canine. Number of root canals can vary in tooth from person to person, it is never fixed.

Cleaning and Shaping of Root canals: Once the access is gained, then with the help of instrument known as files as shown in figure, Canals are cleaned. To avoid friction and proper cleaning disinfectant solution known as sodium hypochlorite is used. It removes all the debris and infection from the canals and makes them sterile. It usually takes 2 sittings, but if infection is less than it can be completed in 1 sitting also. After the thorough cleaning, temporary filling is placed in tooth and patient is asked to come after 2 days.

Filling of Root canals: Once the canals are cleaned, and then canals are properly dried with the help of paper points and filled. Canals are filled tightly with Gutta percha points (GP points). After filling of root canals, Permanent filling is placed in tooth; normally permanent filling does not last long. Always Crown is mandatory after RCT as tooth becomes weak from inside. To avoid further fracture of tooth, crown is mandatory.

Some frequently asked questions regarding RCT:

Is RCT Painful ?

No, RCT is not painful. Before starting the procedure dentist always anaesthetize the tooth to make it convenient for patient and as well as for Doctor.

Is RCT Safe ?

Yes, RCT is safe. When carious lesion reaches deep inside the tooth then RCT is only option to save the toth.

How many sittings are normally involved in RCT ?

If tooth is not infected then RCT can even be completed in single sitting. But, if infection is more then it normally takes 3 sittings and even more depends on the extent of infection.

Can Pregnant Women Undergo RCT ?

No, It is not at all recommended. RCT should be postponed until the birth of baby.

Is Crown Mandatory after RCT ?

Yes, Crown is mandatory after RCT to make tooth stronger and last longer. Without crown tooth can fracture anytime and after fracture, Extraction is the only option.

Does Pain Exists After RCT ?

If through cleaning and infection is removed during procedure then pain vanishes. But, if cleaning and filling of root canal is not done properly by the Dentist then surely patient will complain of pain again and again.

How Many X-Rays Are Involved In RCT ?

Normally one X-Ray before starting the procedure and one at the end of the procedure. It depends upon the Dentist, as he is a better judge of the condition involved during the procedure.

Do All Carious Tooth Need RCT ?

No, only the tooth in which carious lesion extends deep inside the pulp need RCT. Otherwise, fillings can be done to save the tooth.

Why Root Canal Treated Tooth Is Known As Dead Tooth ?

In Root canal procedure, Pulp(where blood supply of tooth is present) is removed and canals are cleaned properly. Main indication of RCT is when carious lesion reaches pulp and infects that area, then to relieve patient from pain it is removed. Tooth will no doubt remain in its position only the difference comes is it becomes non - sensitive, for this reason it is known as dead tooth.