Endodontics is a type of treatment performed in dentistry that serves to preserve damaged teeth without resorting to extraction, and is the last resort to preserve those teeth that have some condition in the dental nerve and / or its periphery.
It is a treatment that is carried out inside the roots of the tooth, where the dental pulp is located (popularly known as “the nerve”). We access by opening a cavity inside the tooth through the enamel and dentin until we reach the chamber containing the pulp (pulp chamber). This allows us to visualize the entrance of the canals in each of the roots. Inside the root there is a duct through which the dental pulp runs.
The procedure consists of the total removal of the diseased dental pulp from the chamber and the canals, the disinfection of these and the subsequent filling of this space with an inert filling material that will seal the cavity leaving it impenetrable.
The main causes for requiring root canal treatment are: fracture of the tooth (close to the pulp), infection of the pulp caused by deep caries and pulpitis (inflammation of the pulp).
Although not in all cases, pain is generally notorious, this is the most common symptom when a root canal is needed, since the pulp, being the innermost part of the tooth and containing the nerves and blood vessels, is also the most sensitive, so the pain experienced by the patient can become unbearable. Surely we have all heard it referred to with the blunt expression “kill the nerve” or the discomfort with “nothing like a toothache”.
When the pulp of our teeth is affected, some of these symptoms start to appear:
- Hypersensitivity to cold or heat.
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Discomfort when chewing.
- Discoloration of the tooth may appear, acquiring darker tones.
- The appearance of a fistula at the gum level.
- Exudate of pus
There are three types of endodontics, depending on the tooth that has been affected. The procedure itself is the same in each of the 3 types, but as there are teeth with more than one root, the duration may be longer or shorter, we have unirradicular, biradicular and polyradicular teeth.
In general, an endodontics can be done in a visit of 1 to 2 hours. In some cases 2 to 3 visits are necessary due to various factors such as inflammation or severe infection.
Can a root canal tooth become infected again?
Contrary to the belief of many patients, yes, a treated tooth can decay or even become infected again. If this happens, most of the time the indicated treatment is an endodontic re-treatment, which is to re-treat the root canals of the tooth.
It is important to keep in mind that, even if the endodontic treatment has been well performed, in a very small percentage of cases, it is necessary to re-clean the canals in order to remove all the living matter in accessory or very narrow canals that may have remained in another endodontic treatment.
Despite the high success rate of root canals, close to 90%, there are cases of poorly performed root canals, if the bacteria present in the canals are not properly removed, the infection can reappear.
The prognosis of an endodontic re-treatment, despite the effort involved and the expertise required for the professional specialized in performing this treatment, is usually not good. But in our opinion, everything reasonably possible should be done to save the patient’s own teeth. In cases of failure, you can opt for apicoectomy or replacement of the piece with a dental implant.
How to prevent a root canal?
The most important factor to prevent a root canal is to treat decayed teeth early, although root canals may be necessary for several factors, caries is the main one, so, stop the decay in time, when it has not yet advanced enough to infect the pulp is the best prevention. A correct oral hygiene is basic, as well as a healthy diet.
The best thing you can do is:
Brush your teeth after every meal.
Floss your teeth at least once a day.
Visit your dentist for a check-up every 6 months and pay attention to the suggested treatments.
Avoid sugary drinks as much as possible. If you eat any product with sugar, brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with plenty of water.
If you notice pain in a tooth, sensitivity to cold or heat, inflammation, suppuration… go to your dentist.
In Makeover Dental Studio we can help you to assess your dental situation and talk about what treatment is best suited to your situation, we have the attention of our specialist and certified endodontic doctor who performs accurate and effective endodontic treatments, retreatments and apicoectomies. If you need a consultation, do not hesitate to call us and get in touch with us, we will be happy to advise you at makeoverdentalstudio@hotmail.com or at our phone numbers MX (664)634-2023 / EU (619) 202-0423.