A root canal is one of the most common treatments in dental clinics, so today we are going to tell you what a root canal is, what it consists of and when you should have one.
What is endodontics?
As we have said on several occasions, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to preserve dental health and prevent the accumulation of food residues and oral plaque.
Our director already said it in his interview and our oral hygienist, Estefanía Martín, who talked to us about the flossing technique as a complement to tooth brushing.
Because when bacterial plaque accumulates in the oral cavity, it is very likely that the bacteria present in them will gradually wear away the dental enamel or penetrate the tooth through the interdental line causing caries formation.
And, when the cavities advance to the pulp or nerve, it will be necessary to perform an endodontic treatment in order to save the tooth.
Teeth are formed by a protective layer in the crown called enamel, behind it we find dentin and then the pulp, which is the center of the tooth and is located in the deepest area of the tooth.
The pulp is a kind of soft tissue in which all the nerve endings of the tooth are located. And, although the pulp is protected by enamel and dentin, caries are so abrasive that, if not intervened in time, they can reach the pulp and affect the nerves, causing a lot of pain.
Therefore, endodontics is the necessary treatment when the pulp or nerve becomes inflamed or infected, and it is performed to save the tooth.
It is an intervention that is performed in order to preserve the tooth so that it does not have to be extracted, since it is the alternative to save the dental bone.
What does endodontics consist of?
Endodontics, or root canal treatment, consists of removing all or part of the pulp to prevent inflammation of the periodontal ligament, clean the damaged structure and prepare the inside of the tooth, to finally fill the cavity and seal the space in a three-dimensional way.
This is carried out in different phases consisting of:
1. Previous study and diagnosis by the dentist: First of all, a personalized study of the case is carried out where the dentist will ask the patient a series of questions about the pain he/she feels, where it is located, the intensity, etc. All this in order to achieve a good diagnosis that leads us to apply the correct treatment. X-rays will also be taken to observe the condition of the tooth and its anatomy.
2. Anesthesia: The anesthesia applied is local, affecting only the tooth and the area to be treated. It is very important that there is no infection or inflammation in the dental piece at the moment of applying the anesthesia, so that it can act correctly. If infection is present, treatment should be postponed.
3. Opening and isolation of the tooth: A hole is made in the crown of the tooth through which to access the pulp for its extraction, as well as isolating the tooth from the whole organism.
4. Conductometry and instrumentation: This is the procedure consisting of cleaning the ducts to leave them clean.
5. Filling: This is the sealing phase of the tooth, closing the canals that have been previously cleaned and leaving the tooth fully desensitized.
6. Follow-up and control: After the treatment, an X-ray will be taken to observe the effectiveness of the treatment. A follow-up will be done for a few weeks or months, depending on the case.
When should I have a root canal?
There are several causes that can lead to dental infection or inflammation such as trauma, fractures, dental caries or common causes such as:
– Periodontal disease: This usually affects the health of the gums. Gingivitis causes swollen gums, bad breath, bleeding and sore tooth tissue. And, when the gums are inflamed and receded, bacteria easily penetrate the tooth through the interdental line, reaching the pulp.
– Dental infection: Oral infections can penetrate into the teeth reaching the deepest part of the teeth.
Therefore, it is very important to visit the dentist regularly and, if your dentist recommends a root canal, do not hesitate because if it is not done in time, the nerve can cause severe pain and even a severe infection of the tissues surrounding the tooth.
Do you need a dental root canal?
In Cervantes Dental Clinic in Granada we care about your dental health, so we advise you properly to treat your specific case.
As we have said, each of us is different, so our case is different. For this reason, personalized and attentive service is our daily routine.
If you need a dental endodontic treatment, just call or write us, we will be happy to assist you.
What do you think about endodontics? Have you had any of these treatments? Tell us in the comments.
Smile is a universal language. Come to our dental clinic in Granada and we will advise you. First appointment free of charge!
