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What are Single Sitting RCT’s?

Are you grappling with a bothersome tooth that's causing you persistent pain? Do you need an RCT but are not able to take out time for repeated sittings and multiple visits? If so, you might find solace in the quick, advanced and painless single sitting root canal treatment (RCT).

This innovative procedure can swiftly eliminate infection and salvage your tooth in just one visit to the dentist's chair.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve deeper into understanding what is single sitting RCT, the procedure, its advantages, post-treatment care, and other essential aspects before you plan to get a Single Sitting RCT done.

Key Takeaways

  •  Single Sitting Root Canal Treatment is a standard procedure for removing an infection from a damaged tooth.
  •  It is an alternative to tooth extraction and allows the doctor and patient to complete the procedure of RCT in one visit, thus giving relief from pain and sensitivity in a single sitting.
  •  The treatment can be completed in a single sitting, reducing the chances of contamination from multiple appointments.
  •  Post-treatment, patients typically have a positive, comfortable, and pain-free experience, allowing them to return to their regular activities without any hindrance.

What is Single Sitting RCT?

Single Sitting RCT, also referred to as Single Sitting Root Canal Treatment, is a dental procedure designed to clean and disinfect the infected root canal of a tooth in a single appointment. This is in contrast to traditional RCT, which is typically performed in two or more sittings.

Single Sitting vs. Multiple Sitting RCT

The main difference between single-sitting and multiple-sitting RCT is the number of appointments required. In Single Sitting Root Canal Treatment, all of the steps of the procedure are completed in one appointment. This includes cleaning and disinfecting the root canal, filling the canal with a material called gutta-percha, and placing a temporary filling.

In multiple-sitting RCT, the procedure is typically spread out over two or more appointments. During the initial appointment, the dentist will clean and disinfect the root canal and then apply a temporary filling. On the subsequent visit, the dentist will remove the temporary filling, fill the canal with gutta-percha, and finally insert a permanent filling into the tooth.

The procedure of Single Sitting Root Canal

A root canal treatment can often be completed in a single visit and is painless. The steps involved in a Single Sitting Root Canal Treatment are:

  •  X-ray imaging to assess the extent of infection
  •  Local anesthesia to make the procedure painless
  •  Cavity creation to access the pulp chamber and root canal
  •  Removal of infected tooth materials
  •  Cleaning, shaping, and filling the canals with a filling material.

Advantages of Single Visit RCT

There are several advantages to Single Sitting RCT, including:

  •  Reduced number of appointments: Single Sitting RCT’s can be completed in one appointment, which saves the patient time and hassle.
  •  Reduced risk of infection: Single Sitting RCT reduces the risk of infection between appointments, as the root canal is sealed immediately after cleaning and disinfecting.
  •  Improved patient comfort: Single-sitting RCT can be more comfortable for the patient, as they only need to have one anaesthetic injection and one dental procedure.


Duration of Single Sitting RCT

The duration of a Single Sitting RCT typically ranges from 30 to 60 minutes.

However, the specific duration of the procedure will be contingent on the complexity of the case.

How is infection cleared in just one sitting in a Single Sitting RCT?

The procedure in single-sitting RCTs is able to clear all the infections from a tooth with the help of advanced machinery and equipment. The rotary instruments used in Single Sitting RCT’s are much more efficient compared to the hand instruments used in manual multiple-sitting RCTs. In addition to these, Lasers can also be used to assist disinfection and improve post-operative comfort in cases of single-sitting RCT.

These steps make Single Sitting RCT a safe, predictable and painless treatment option for decayed, sensitive or infected teeth.

Success Rate of Single-Sitting RCT

The success rate of Single Sitting RCT is similar/better compared to that of multiple-sitting RCT. Studies have shown that the success rate of single-sitting RCT is > 90%.

Is Single Sitting RCT Right for You?

Single Sitting RCT is a good option for many patients, including those who:

  •  Have busy schedules and cannot afford to take multiple days off work for dental appointments
  •  Are anxious about dental procedures and prefer to have the procedure completed in one sitting
  •  Have a high risk of infection, such as patients with diabetes or weakened immune systems

However, Single Sitting RCT is not suitable for all patients. For example, patients with complex cases, such as those with multiple root canals or curved root canals, may require multiple appointments. Patients with severe infections may also need multiple appointments to allow the infection to clear up before the root canal can be filled.

If you are considering Single Sitting RCT, it is important to talk to your dentist to determine if it is the right option for you.

Post-Treatment Care for Single Sitting RCT

After Single Sitting RCT, it is important to follow your dentist's instructions for post-treatment care. This may include:

  •  Ensure you follow your dentist's instructions and take any prescribed pain medication as directed.
  •  Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the RCT was performed.
  •  Eat soft foods and avoid chewing hard or sticky foods.
  •  Regularly brush and floss your teeth, but exercise caution when caring for a tooth that has had a root canal treatment (RCT).
  •  Get the RCT-treated tooth protected with a crown/cap as advised by your dentist.
  •  See your dentist for a follow-up appointment in a few weeks.

If you experience any severe pain, swelling, or other problems after a single sitting RCT, be sure to contact your dentist immediately.

FAQ’s

In the case of single-sitting root canal treatment, the doctor will perform all the steps involved in a Root canal procedure in one single day. It will take about 45-60 minutes, and you will not feel any pain as the procedures will be done under local anaesthesia, which lasts for 2-4 hours.
Single-visit RCT involves cleaning ( removing infected pulp tissue), shaping (cleaning the walls of the root canal), and obturation ( filling the root canal with an inert material) during a single treatment session. Alternatively, multiple-visit treatment includes placement of a short-term medicament, such as calcium hydroxide, for the time between the cleaning and shaping appointment and the obturation appointment.
The entire root canal procedure is finished in one visit, typically lasting between 30 to 60 minutes, completing all necessary steps in a single sitting.
At Hope Dental and Esthetic Clinic, Noida, the price starts from Rs.4000 onwards.
The utilization of automation enables the completion of treatments in significantly less time compared to manual root canal therapy (RCT), resulting in excellent outcomes and reduced post-operative discomfort. The process involves using specially designed Nickel Titanium instruments instead of traditional hand instruments crafted from stainless steel.
A dentist can perform multiple root canal treatments on a single tooth. Although teeth undergoing root canal procedures can potentially last a lifetime, certain cases may not result in proper healing, often due to factors such as salivary contamination and other reasons.
The pain commonly associated with root canal treatments originates from the tooth before treatment. It's important to recognize that removing infection during the root canal procedure effectively eliminates the source of pain. Contrary to common belief, painful root canals are a misconception. Even without the use of painkillers, patients generally do not experience significant pain after the root canal treatment process.

In conclusion, Single Sitting RCT at Hope Dental & Esthetic Clinic, Noida, offers a swift and effective solution for dental issues. Its efficiency, reduced infection risk, and patient-friendly approach make it an appealing choice.

However, its suitability depends on individual circumstances and complexity, so consult with us for personalized guidance. With proper post-treatment care, a smooth recovery is expected, allowing you to regain oral health and resume your daily life!

Dr. Mimansa Bhoj

BDS, MDS (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon)

University Gold medalist

About the Author

Dr. Mimansa is a highly accomplished oral and maxillofacial surgeon with a wealth of experience in her field. With a strong academic background and numerous gold medals, she has treated over 5000 patients for various oral and maxillofacial problems. Dr. Mimansa has practiced in different parts of India and has learned from the best in the field, making her an expert in OMFS and Dentistry. Known for her friendly and empathetic approach, she believes in providing treatments with care and compassion to heal her patients. With academic achievements, multiple scientific publications, and her current role as an Associate Professor, Dr. Mimansa is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care. She has also established a safe space, Hope Dental and Esthetic Clinic, during the pandemic, ensuring the utmost safety for patients while providing dental and medical treatments.