RTC teeth refer to teeth that have undergone a Root Canal Treatment (RTC), which is essentially a special type of dental filling. Instead of just repairing the outer layers of a tooth, as with normal fillings, an RTC addresses issues within the tooth’s inner core.
Understanding Root Canal Treatment (RTC)
Here's a more detailed breakdown of RTC:
What is a Root Canal?
- A root canal is the hollow space inside a tooth that contains the pulp, which consists of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
- When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed, a root canal treatment is required.
Why is RTC needed?
- Normal fillings are used to fix damage to the enamel and dentin layers.
- However, when decay or infection reaches the pulp within the tooth, a regular filling cannot address the problem.
- Root canal treatment is required to clean and seal the infected inner tooth structure.
How does an RTC work?
- The infected or damaged pulp is removed.
- The root canal is cleaned and shaped.
- The space is filled and sealed with a biocompatible material.
- A crown may be placed on the tooth to protect it and restore its function.
RTC vs. Normal Fillings
| Feature | Normal Filling | Root Canal Treatment (RTC) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Fills cavities in enamel and dentin | Treats infected or damaged pulp within the tooth |
| Depth | Superficial repair | Deep repair to the tooth’s inner core |
| Complexity | Less complex | More complex |
| Infection | Doesn't address pulp infection | Addresses pulp infection |
| Material | Tooth-coloured filling material | Special filling material, may require a crown |
Why is it Important?
- An RTC helps to save a tooth that would otherwise need extraction.
- It alleviates pain and discomfort caused by infection.
- It restores the tooth’s function.
In summary, teeth that have received RTC are teeth where the inner pulp has been treated, rather than just the surface layer, as would be the case with a normal filling.
