Treatment usually does not cause discomfort, as endodontic treatment is performed under local anesthesia. In most cases, the tooth may be sensitive for a few days following the treatment. If necessary, anti-inflammatory pain relievers can help alleviate the pain.
When is root canal treatment necessary?
Root canal treatment (endodontic therapy) is performed when the pulp – the network of nerves, blood vessels, and lymphatics inside the tooth – becomes damaged. The tooth’s canal becomes infected when microorganisms enter, which can occur for various reasons: untreated tooth decay, fractures, trauma, etc. Once bacteria penetrate the tooth’s soft tissues, they cause inflammation within the pulp chamber, a condition known as pulpitis. This leads to tooth pain and sensitivity. If untreated, the infection spreads as bacteria move through the root apex to surrounding tissues, causing a condition known as periodontitis. Delaying treatment can result in bone loss around the root apex and the formation of abscesses. Further neglect may lead to more severe complications.
What are the symptoms of a root canal infection?
Depending on the extent of pulp damage, the patient may experience various sensations, but the most important symptoms to look for include:
- Sharp, spontaneous pain, especially at night. Often, it is difficult to localize which tooth is hurting, and the pain may radiate to the ear.
- Tooth discoloration, gum swelling, or abscess formation.
- Increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
- The tooth may feel “raised” and become painful when chewing, with a constant aching sensation.
If the condition is chronic, symptoms may be mild or unnoticeable. In some cases, there are no symptoms at all, and the need for endodontic treatment can only be confirmed after an examination and X-rays.
What is root canal retreatment?
Retreatment involves performing the procedure again. It is usually necessary when the patient experiences pain, swelling, or if an abscess forms near the tooth, and an X-ray reveals unresolved inflammation around the root apex. Retreatment may also be required before fitting a dental prosthesis.
The aim of the treatment is to remove the old filling material, to instrument the root canals if possible, often to correct complications from previous treatments and to disinfect and seal the root canals.
Endodontic Whitening
Teeth that have undergone endodontic treatment, especially if not done properly, may change color, becoming grey, yellowish, or even black. Non-vital teeth are whitened from the inside by inserting a special material into the tooth canal. Teeth treated with endodontics and that have changed color tend to whiten more slowly. In the case of front teeth, such discoloration is particularly undesirable. Internal whitening can restore the tooth’s brightness. Before performing internal whitening, the quality of the canal fillings is assessed. A small portion of the filling is removed, and the area is isolated with a special material. The whitening agent is then placed inside the tooth crown and sealed with a temporary filling. This material remains in the tooth for about a week and is replaced as needed. Once the desired result is achieved, the tooth can be restored with a permanent filling.
Why is a fiberglass post often necessary after endodontic treatment?
A fiberglass post is a special reinforcement element used to strengthen a tooth that has become weak or brittle after root canal treatment. This post is placed into the cleaned root canal and provides a stable foundation for a crown or filling. The crown or filling restores the tooth’s shape, function, and aesthetics, while also protecting it from further damage, ensuring its durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
01
Is endodontic treatment painful? Is there pain after endodontic treatment?
-
02
What is the duration of endodontic treatment?
The duration of the treatment usually depends on the clinical condition of the patient. The length and number of visits depend on the complexity of the treatment. A single visit typically lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Pay in installments 0%
We offer our patients the possibility of financing their treatment in a quick and simple way, in the form of convenient installments 0%.
Still have questions?
Whether you have questions about procedure, waiting time or compatibility with your insurance - call us and we will help you!
Root Canal Treatment is performed at these clinics:
-
Vilnius ClinicMindaugo g. 14 , Vilnius -
Kaunas clinicSavanorių pr. 314 A
-
Klaipėda ClinicH.Manto g.3 / Vytauto g. 28
-
Šiauliai ClinicRūdės g. 17
-
Mažeikiai ClinicNaftininkų g. 5-22A
-
Alytus ClinicPulko g. 5
-
Utena ClinicAušros g. 14
-
Anykščiai ClinicŠaltupio g. 1
-
Jurbarkas ClinicVytauto Didžiojo g. 5B
-
Raseiniai ClinicVaižganto g. 1-3
-
Panevėžys ClinicAukštaičių g. 80-5
-
Kėdainiai ClinicJ. Basanavičiaus g. 55A
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is performed when the inner part of the tooth (the pulp) is damaged or infected due to deep decay, trauma, or other causes. The pulp consists of nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissues, which can become inflamed or infected, leading to pain or an abscess. The goal of root canal treatment is to clean out the damaged or infected tissue from the root canals, disinfect them, and fill them with a special material to protect the tooth from further infection.