Root canal treatment, also known as endodontics, is a procedure to remove dead or diseased pulp from the root canals of a tooth. The pulp plays an important role in the tooth, containing nerve cells, blood and lymphatic vessels, responsible for sensation, nutrition and blood supply to the tooth.
Reasons for needing root canal treatment
Root canal treatment becomes necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. Factors such as cavities, dental injuries or incorrectly performed dental treatment can lead to inflammation of the pulp.
Stages of root canal treatment
Diagnosis and treatment plan:
The dentist performs a thorough examination and diagnosis, including taking an x-ray of the tooth. Based on this data, he develops a treatment plan, deciding whether root canal treatment is necessary.
Anesthesia
To ensure the patient’s comfort, the dentist administers local anesthesia, eliminating pain during the procedure.
Pulp removal
The doctor opens the tooth and precisely removes the dead or diseased pulp from the root canals, ensuring that the inside of the tooth is cleaned.
Mechanical preparation of root canals
The root canals are mechanically cleaned and enlarged, removing all pulp debris and bacteria.
Rinsing of root canals
Special chemical preparations are used to rinse the canals, disinfect them and eliminate potential sources of infection.
Root canal filling
The root canals are filled with gutta-percha or other material to prevent reinfection.
Reconstruction of the dental crown
If the tooth is significantly damaged, it may be necessary to reconstruct its crown, restoring the chewing function.
The duration of the treatment depends on the individual conditions of the tooth and the complexity of the procedure. The treatment can be performed in one or more sessions.
Proper maintenance after treatment
After completing root canal treatment, the patient must visit the dentist regularly for check-ups, ensuring the long-term health of the tooth and avoiding possible complications.