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Root canal treatment – Endodontics

Root canal treatment – Endodontics

Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the dental pulp and surrounding tissues. Root canal treatment involves removing the dead or inflamed pulp from the tooth and replacing it with an appropriate material. One of the most modern methods currently used in dentistry is root canal treatment under a microscope. By using this device, the dentist gains a much better assessment of the situation, as they can see the state and course of the root canals in magnification. Our clinic is equipped with modern Carl Zeiss Opti Piko dental microscopes, which allow our doctors to easily determine the shape of the tooth canal and detect anatomical barriers.

Endodontic Treatment Process

Endodontic treatment or root canal treatment is performed in several stages. The first stage involves the thorough removal of the pulp from the tooth chamber and root canals. The dentist then moves on to the next step, which is measuring the length of each individual canal. Subsequently, the process of cleansing and shaping the canals begins, using manual and machine tools, as well as appropriate disinfectants. Finally, the last stage of root canal treatment is the tight filling of the entire root system with a biocompatible material.

Equipment used during root canal treatment

During endodontic treatment, a dentist uses a range of tools and devices that enable them to accurately measure the length of the root canals and properly prepare them. Above all, the aforementioned microscope is used, which provides the dentist with comfortable conditions for precise work, and guarantees the patient a tight filling of the canals. Another device is an endomotor, allowing the use of mechanical files for precise preparation of the root canals. An endometer is also used, which is a device used to measure the length of the root canal, as well as a dental dam. This is a thin latex gum material that separates the tooth being worked on from the oral cavity environment, and above all, saliva. Thanks to X-rays and electronic measurements of the length of the root canal using an endometer, the dentist maintains full control over the safe course of the entire treatment process. Our computerized anesthesia, The Wand, ensures comfort during the procedure, making it painless in a relaxing and stress-free atmosphere.

Thanks to the use of a dental microscope in our dental clinic, root canal treatment can be carried out quickly and effectively, usually during a single visit. To achieve the best results, we conduct thorough diagnostics before starting treatment. We use radiovisiography, a modern method of taking digital X-rays, as well as CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography), to accurately locate all tooth canals – even those that are very difficult to access – and evaluate treatment outcomes.

microscope root canal treatment
We perform on-site diagnostic imaging tests at our clinics. We have X-ray machines, radiovisiography, and CBCT computer tomography. This means our patients do not have to seek other dental facilities that have the appropriate equipment for conducting thorough diagnostics, saving them valuable time.

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%.

FAQ

  • 01

    When is endodontic treatment necessary?

    Endodontic treatment involves removing diseased tissue from the root canal system of a tooth, as well as preventing re-infection of the root canals. Therefore, root canal treatment is necessary in situations of irreversible damage or necrosis of the tooth pulp. The most common disease-related causes that require root canal treatment include dental caries that have led to irreversible pulpitis. In addition, root canal treatment is performed in cases of tooth trauma and when preparing teeth for prosthetic restorations. If a tooth is not adequately strengthened, the placement of a ceramic crown or bridge may not be possible or may lead to further tooth damage. Other indications for endodontic treatment include inflammation of the periapical tissues (e.g., periapical lesions, granulomas, cysts), as well as periodontal diseases (endoperio lesions). Teeth that have been previously improperly treated with root canal treatment may also require retreatment, which is known as reendo..
  • 02

    How long does endodontic treatment last?

    The duration of root canal treatment is difficult to determine because it can vary for each patient. The length of the procedure depends not only on the type of tooth being treated but also on its structure and the situation in the root canal system. Generally, the root canal treatment of a tooth with 3 to 4 root canals can take from an hour to even three hours. However, sometimes root canal treatment may require more visits.
  • 03

    Is endodontic treatment painful?

    Root canal treatment is performed under local anesthesia, which means that it is completely painless for the patient.
  • 04

    Can root canal treatment fail?

    The failure of treatment usually results from the structure of the tooth, specifically its roots. It happens when complicated structure of the roots and the elaborate system of root canals makes it impossible to perform treatment fully effectively. In some cases, complications may occur after endodontic treatment, even if the treatment was performed correctly, due to the patient’s weakened immune system or systemic infections.
  • 05

    Is it better to remove a tooth or have it treated with a root canal?

    Even with the risk of failure and costs associated with endodontic treatment, it is much cheaper and better to treat a tooth with a root canal than to decide to have it removed. Tooth extraction involves not only higher costs, but also greater consequences for the patient. The gap left by the extracted tooth should be filled by introducing an artificial root, i.e. an implant, and then restoring the tooth crown on it – which costs at least several thousand PLN. If the patient does not replace the resulting gap, it may lead to irreversible changes in the neighboring teeth and bone loss over the next few years, which will have adverse consequences for the health of the oral cavity.
  • 06

    What should a patient do after the procedure?

    After the procedure, the patient should limit consumption of hot or cold foods that may irritate the tooth. It is also recommended to avoid biting hard foods with the treated tooth. A soft and easily digestible diet is recommended. It is advised to quit smoking or at least limit it, as it slows down the healing process and increases the risk of infection. Additionally, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene by using toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash and monitor the condition of oral cavity. If pain persists or swelling appears in the area of the treated tooth, the patient should visit the attending doctor. If there are no symptoms, a follow-up visit is usually scheduled a few weeks after the procedure to evaluate the radiographic status of the tooth and the progress of healing of any periapical changes.

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