Endodontics
Endodontics (known as root canal treatment) consists in extracting the infected nerve tissue which is in the interior of the tooth and filling the pulp duct to prevent the entry of germs avoiding having to extract the tooth which is the last resort. In Hola Chelo we do this with the help of modern techniques, such as the use of rotary instruments, which allow us to carry out the treatment more rapidly, more comfortably and to a higher standard than using a manual method.
A nerve lesion may have many diverse origins: infection caused by decay, trauma and wear and tear on the teeth from daily abrasion against one another when eating, or even pathologically by overuse as occurs with a bruxism.
Frequently asked questions
Is root canal treatment painful?
The treatment is done using a local anaesthetic. There is no pain at all during the procedure. Maybe, the only discomfort for the patient is that the treatment takes quite a long time and they have to keep their mouth open for quite a while. Only sometimes when the effect of the anaesthetic has worn off, there is an ache, some pain or even more severe pain over a period of between 24 and 48 hours approximately. Medication is always prescribed for the patient so that, should this occur, it will quickly improve. We also supply helpful information to our patients.
Can root canal treatment be used in the case of an abscess?
It not only can, but in the majority of occasions it is the perfect solution, to resolve the problem. An abscess is produced by an infection in the tissue that surrounds the tooth, often as a result of nerve disease. With root canal treatment we eliminate the diseased nerve and then disinfect the tooth canal.
When is a root canal treatment required?
When the nerve is irreversibly affected by serious decay, trauma or endo-periodontal lesions. In these cases the tooth can become sensitive to cold, heat or mastication. The pain may be intermittent or constant. The tooth can even change colour or an abscess or fistula could appear. Root canal treatment can also be recommended when a tooth will need a lot of work done on it for a crown or bridge to be fitted at a later date.
How many appointments are necessary?
In most cases, the root canal treatment can be carried out in one session. However, on some occasions the health of the patient, or the technical difficulties of the case or other parameters can make it necessary to have two or more appointments, as decided by the specialist at the time.
Are teeth more fragile after root canal treatment?
There is no reason why they should be more fragile than the rest, if they have been correctly treated. In the case of back teeth it might be a good idea to protect the cusps by any necessary reconstruction, inlay or crowns for better durability.
It is important to visit the dentist periodically ( at least once a year) to avoid the formation of caries or other factors which might influence the prognosis of a tooth which has had root canal treatment. It is essential that there should not be any unnecessary delay in restoring the root canal tooth thus avoiding possible complication or fractures to the tooth.
Is there any alternative to root canal treatment?
Our first priority is to maintain the natural tooth. When this is not possible the alternative is extraction and replacement but it must be realised that no form of substitution, not even an implant, can compete with a natural tooth aesthetically or proprioceptively.
There are three reasons for not keeping the tooth by means of root canal treatment and these are: the presence of a vertical fracture, an unfavourable proportion between the crown and the root or insufficient periodontal support. These are the only cases where an alternative solution should be considered