Endodontics or root canal treatment
There are times when a person may experience discomfort in a tooth when chewing, either due to pain or increased tooth sensitivity. They may also notice a darkening of the tooth or the appearance of a phlegmon, and may even experience a bad taste in their mouth.
These are some of the symptoms that indicate that a tooth may be damaged on the inside, generally due to untreated caries or severe trauma, and that endodontics or endodontic treatment is necessary.
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What is endodontics?
Endodontics or root canal treatment is the conservative dentistry technique that deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the nerve tissue inside the tooth, with the aim of preserving the tooth.
The tooth consists of three areas (enamel, dentine and pulp), the last one being the one inside where there is tissue containing nerves and blood vessels. When the interior is affected by an infection, it is necessary to remove the damaged part in order to keep the tooth in place.
Since the technique of endodontics involves removing the deepest part of the tooth when it is infected (from decay) or injured (from a blow) many people have begun to use the concept of “killing the nerve”, although this is technically incorrect.
It is worth mentioning that this way of calling endodontic treatment, in the worst cases, can generate some rejection for some patients. However, it is important to know that thanks to the latest technology and the 3D scanners we use, root canal treatment is highly accurate and safe, with very positive and long-lasting results. In other words, thanks to endodontics it is possible to guarantee the preservation of the tooth and that it will not be in trouble again under optimum conditions.
Phases of endodontics
Root canal treatment is a surgical technique within conservative dentistry that removes infected tissue (pulpitis) from the dental pulp, i.e. the innermost part of the tooth. When the dentist, by carrying out various tests, has diagnosed that the cause of the symptoms mentioned at the beginning is this pulpitis, he or she will prescribe endodontics as a preventive measure against the advance of the infection that could affect the surrounding tissues. The steps of the endodontic procedure are as follows.
At this stage local anaesthesia or conscious sedation is applied depending on the stress the operation may cause the patient.
To isolate and treat the tooth it will also be necessary to remove nearby caries and defective fillings if there are any.
In this phase, known as trepanation, communication with the pulp chamber and canals is carried out to eliminate the infection.
Irrigation with solutions that clean and disinfect the ducts of the bacteria causing the infection.
It consists of filling the canal and replacing the pulp tissues to avoid a new infectious process in the future.
In the last phase of endodontics, the canals are hermetically sealed and reconstruction is carried out either by inlays or crowns depending on the case.
Endodontic maintenance
As this is surgery, it is essential to follow the specialist’s recommendations regarding recovery. Approximately one week later, a radiographic and clinical evaluation of the state of the treated tooth should be carried out. After this, to guarantee the success of the treatment, it is essential to maintain the health of the mouth in good condition by means of correct oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist, both for check-ups and professional dental cleanings.
Frequently asked questions related to endodontics
While hearing about “removing the dental pulp” sounds worrying, the reality is that this treatment is completely painless. The application of anaesthesia and, in cases where the patient is feeling increased stress or anxiety, conscious sedation, makes the process completely painless. The patient experiences no pain during the removal of the damaged tissue and, in addition, painkillers are administered during the procedure so that no pain is felt once the anaesthetic or sedative has worn off.
On the one hand, in terms of treatment durability, generally, a root canal usually consists of four sessions, but it all depends on each case and its level of complexity. On the other hand, in terms of the durability of root canal treatment, it is worth mentioning that it is a procedure with long-term results as long as the dental hygiene conditions and habits recommended by the specialist are maintained. It should not be forgotten that infection is caused by the accumulation of bacteria in the first place.
Our specialists in endodontics in Palma de Mallorca
Dr. Emilio Martínez-Almoyna Rifá
Periodontics and postgraduate degree in Implantology.
Bachelor's degree in Medicine and Dentistry and Master's degree in Aesthetic Medicine. University expert in Periodontology and postgraduate degree in Implantology.
Dra. Cristina Martínez-Almoyna Rifá
Certified specialist in Invisalign and straight arch.
Bachelor's degree in Dentistry, Master's degree in Orthodontics and postgraduate degree in Paediatric Dentistry. Certified specialist in Invisalign and straight arch.
Dra. Patricia Jorro
Specialist in Cosmetic Dentistry and Teeth Whitening.
Bachelor's degree in Dentistry. Specialist in Cosmetic Dentistry and Teeth Whitening. Member of the American Dental Association with extensive experience.
Dr. Jose Antonio Gramallés
Postgraduate degree in Dental Prosthetics.
Bachelor's degree in Dentistry and Special Award in Conservative Dentistry. Postgraduate degree in Dental Aesthetics and Dental Prosthetics with extensive experience.
Dra. Maria Morro
Specialist in dental prosthetics.
Bachelor's degree in Dentistry and Master's degree in Paediatric Dentistry and Dentofacial Orthopaedics. Specialist in Cosmetic Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics.
Dr. Alfonso Bonnín
Surgery, periodontics, and implant rehabilitation.
Bachelor's degree in Dentistry, advanced degree in dental prosthetics, currently pursuing a master's degree in surgery, periodontics, and implant rehabilitation.
Dra. Cristina Mateu
Specialist in Conservative Dentistry
Bachelor's degree in Dentistry from ADEMA University. Specialist in Conservative Dentistry and University Expert in Endodontics with extensive experience.