Endodontics involves treating the root canals of the tooth. At our clinic, you will receive high-quality care. Call us to schedule an appointment.
Endodontics is the professional term for the procedure of treating the tooth, specifically extracting the tooth nerve. At Dr. Bede’s dental clinic, you can schedule an appointment for an examination and an X-ray to determine the condition of the tooth.
What is Endodontics?
It involves cleaning the root canals of the tooth from infection, filling these canals, and reconstructing the tooth in its entirety. This type of dental treatment is very important because properly conducted treatment will save the tooth from extraction. Additionally, bacteria causing tooth and surrounding tissue infection can affect the health of the entire body.
Symptoms of Nerve Inflammation in the Tooth
Nerve inflammation most commonly occurs as a consequence of deep tooth decay or injury. In such cases, the only solution is nerve extraction, or endodontics. Certain symptoms indicate nerve inflammation in the tooth, including:
● Spontaneous and severe pain that does not subside on its own
● Pulsating sensation in the tooth
● Feeling of relief when cooling the tooth
● Gum swelling around the tooth
● Swelling that spreads to other parts of the face
● Presence of a fistula (pimple) on the gums next to the tooth
In addition, it is important to mention tooth gangrene. Gangrene is the process when bacteria penetrate through the root tip into the jawbone.
What Does Root Canal Treatment Look Like?
Examination and Diagnosis
If any of the mentioned symptoms are present, it is necessary to undergo an examination. An X-ray of the tooth is also taken during the examination.
Tooth Preparation for Treatment
Nerve extraction involves the use of local anesthesia to ensure the entire procedure is painless and comfortable.
Removal of Infected Tissue
The most common cause of nerve inflammation is bacteria from tooth decay reaching the nerve. First, all decay must be cleaned, and then access to the root canals, where the nerve is located, is established.
Cleaning and Shaping the Canals
To successfully conduct endodontics, it is necessary to find each root canal and clean it of bacteria along its entire length. The success of the treatment depends on this phase. Therefore, the procedure requires several visits to the dentist.
Filling the Root Canals and Sealing the Tooth
After processing the canals, they are filled with a permanent filling. A control X-ray is then taken. The tooth is reconstructed with a filling or a crown.
Post-Treatment Procedures for Root Canal Treatment
After a control X-ray confirms that the treatment was well-performed, another X-ray should be taken after 6 months to a year. This time is necessary for the surrounding tissue around the tooth to fully regenerate, ensuring the treatment was successful.
What Does a Pre-Treatment Tooth Examination Look Like?
Dr. Bede’s dental practice conducts certain tests before the treatment to get a better insight into the condition of the tooth pulp. This way, patients are aware of the pulp treatment procedure.
● Based on the examination, it is possible to determine whether there is decay or a fracture in the tooth.
● An X-ray allows us to assess the condition of the root and surrounding bone and to see if there is a process (pus pocket) at the root.
● Thermal testing checks whether the tooth reacts to hot or cold, helping to determine the type of inflammation.
● Electrical testing, using a device to measure tooth vitality, helps determine whether the tooth is alive. This is often needed after a tooth injury, where external damage is not visible, but nerve fibers may have been severed, causing nerve death.
● The percussion test involves gently tapping the tooth with an instrument to check for sensitivity. When it is unclear which tooth is causing pain, the percussion test helps identify it.
What Can I Expect After an Endodontic Procedure?
After the procedure, the tooth might still be sensitive to biting for some time. This sensation will gradually decrease and eventually stop on its own. The tooth should not be spared during chewing.
Teeth that have had their nerves extracted may be more prone to breaking in the future. If the destruction was extensive, we recommend making a crown to protect the tooth from potential fracture.
If spontaneous pain persists and does not decrease, you should revisit your dentist. This could happen if not all root canals were found during the treatment.
When Should I Visit the Dentist?
If you experience any of the mentioned symptoms, such as severe pain, swelling, pulsation, or a broken tooth, you should visit your dentist as soon as possible. Pain relief medication or cold compresses can help in situations where you cannot immediately visit the dentist.
Cost of Endodontics (Tooth Treatment)
The cost of the entire procedure depends on many factors. Firstly, it depends on which tooth is being treated. Front teeth usually have only one canal (one nerve), while molars can have 3 to 5 canals. This changes the procedure’s cost, making it more expensive.
Additionally, the cost is influenced by how the tooth will be reconstructed. Depending on the damage to the tooth, only a filling, a build-up, or a crown may be used.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does recovery take after endodontics?
Some patients have no symptoms after the procedure, so no recovery is needed. If sensitivity to biting occurs, it may last for several weeks.
Is root canal treatment the same as endodontics?
Yes. Nerve extraction, root canal treatment, and tooth treatment are different terms for the same procedure – endodontics.
Does the tooth need special care after an endodontic treatment?
No. After a successful treatment, the tooth is maintained and used just like the other teeth.
What causes the need for additional root canal treatment?
If not all canals were found or filled during the first treatment, the procedure needs to be repeated. This is called a revision.
When is it too late for tooth treatment?
When the destruction of the tooth tissue is so extensive that a filling or build-up cannot be done after the treatment, it is too late, and the tooth needs to be extracted.
Can you eat before the treatment?
Yes. We recommend not coming to any dental procedure hungry.
Is it better to extract a tooth or have an endodontic treatment?
It is always better to save the tooth from extraction. We only deviate from this stance for wisdom teeth, which we more often extract than treat.
Is the procedure painful?
The treatment would be painful, but anesthesia is used to prevent this.
Can you brush your teeth after the treatment?
Yes. You can brush your teeth normally after endodontics. While the procedure is ongoing and a temporary filling is in place, be careful not to dislodge the temporary filling with vigorous brushing or flossing.
How many visits are needed for endodontic treatment?
On average, around 3, but it varies depending on the severity of the infection and the tooth’s anatomy.
Can you be sedated during tooth treatment?
In our country, this is not routinely practiced.
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