Root canal treatment

Tooth preservation through modern endodontics

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontics, is a dental procedure that is necessary when the dental pulp becomes inflamed or has already died. The pulp is located inside the tooth and consists of nerves and blood vessels. If it is damaged by caries, deep fillings, fractures or other irritants, this can lead to severe toothache, inflammation or even abscesses. The aim of treatment is to preserve the natural tooth and avoid its removal (extraction). Thanks to modern technologies and precise procedures, root canal treatment is now virtually painless, minimally invasive and has a very high success rate.

When is root canal treatment necessary?

Typical signs of inflammation of the tooth root are severe, persistent toothache, increased sensitivity to heat or cold, pressure pain when chewing or swelling of the gums. A darkening tooth or an unpleasant taste in the mouth can also be indications. In many cases, however, only a dentist is able to make an accurate assessment with the help of x-rays and diagnostic tests.

Root canal treatment procedure

Root canal treatment is carried out in several steps in compliance with the highest hygiene standards:

1. Diagnosis:
   X-rays and a clinical examination are used to determine whether root canal treatment is necessary. This involves checking how advanced the inflammation is and how many root canals the affected tooth has.

2. Local anesthesia:
   The tooth is anesthetized with a local anesthetic to ensure pain-free treatment. The anesthetic works quickly and reliably.

3. Opening the tooth:
   To reach the inflamed tissue inside the tooth, the tooth is carefully opened. The dentist creates access to the root canal system.

4. Cleaning and disinfection:
   The infected or dead tissue is completely removed. The root canals are then mechanically dilated with fine, flexible instruments, cleaned and thoroughly disinfected with special rinsing solutions to eliminate bacteria.

5. Filling the root canals:
   After complete cleaning and drying, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material, usually gutta-percha, and sealed airtight. The aim is to prevent renewed bacterial colonization.

6. Filling:
   The tooth is sealed with a filling or a temporary material. The tooth is then usually stabilized with a crown to maintain its function in the long term.

7. Crown (after approx. 3-6 months):
   As root canal-treated teeth become more brittle, therefore a crown is usually recommended. This protects the tooth from fractures and increases its lifespan.
   

Advantages of mechanical root canal treatment

Compared to traditional manual treatment, modern mechanical root canal treatment offers numerous advantages:

• Greater precision:
  The root canals are prepared more evenly and precisely thanks to the use of rotating, mechanical files. This enables complete cleaning even of canals that are difficult to access.

• More effective cleaning:
  The mechanical instruments remove infected tissue and bacteria more efficiently than conventional manual instruments.

• Faster treatment:
  Automated reprocessing shortens the treatment time and makes the procedure more comfortable for patients.

• Less X-rays
  Working with mechanical files usually leads to less X-rays being necessary, therefore being able to have less radioactive exposure.

• Better success rate:
  The more precise preparation and denser root filling significantly reduce the risk of re-infection.
  

After the treatment

After a root canal treatment, the tooth may be sensitive to pressure for a few days. However, this discomfort usually subsides quickly. Regular check-ups at the dentist are important to ensure long-term success. With careful aftercare and, if necessary, a crowning, a root canal-treated tooth can be preserved for many years, often even for a lifetime.

Conclusion

Root canal treatment is a proven and effective method of tooth preservation. Thanks to modern procedures such as mechanical root canals, treatment is more safe, more precise and more comfortable for the patient. If carried out at an early stage, it can relieve pain, prevent the inflammation from spreading and preserve the natural tooth in the long term. Endodontics is the right decision for anyone who wants to preserve their teeth.