Root canal treatment, also known as endodontics, is a dental procedure aimed at treating infections inside the tooth. It is often necessary when the pulp—the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue—is infected or damaged.
Specialist Performing Root Canal Treatment
| Endodontics Specialization | Specialist |
|---|---|
| Endodontics Specialist | Agnieszka Barańska |
Root Canal Treatment Procedure
Root canal treatment requires at least two visits. During the first visit, decay or old filling material is removed. The tooth chamber is then opened to clean the interior and canals of any diseased pulp remnants. A rubber dam is used to isolate the area from saliva containing bacteria.
After cleaning, a disinfecting medication is often placed for 14-21 days.
In the meantime, a temporary filling is used to protect the tooth.
Then, the canal is filled with gutta-percha, a rubbery material that replaces damaged tissues. Finally, the tooth is restored with a traditional filling or, if extensively damaged, a ceramic crown.
Microscopic Root Canal Treatment
With microscopic root canal treatment, fewer cases require tooth extraction. This treatment is beneficial when nerve canals aren’t visible to the naked eye. Thanks to the microscope, many teeth that once required removal can now be saved.
Preparing for Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment typically occurs over two visits, each lasting around two hours. In more complex cases, additional time may be needed to thoroughly clean the canals. Patients are usually referred for treatment after an internal consultation and are typically well-prepared. Retreatment of previously treated teeth may also be necessary; this decision is based on radiological images, particularly if inflammatory changes are observed. During the procedure, 2 to 3 x-rays are taken. The radiation dose is minimal and comparable to natural exposure, such as from consuming 6 to 9 Brazil nuts (due to their selenium content, which is naturally radioactive).
For pregnant women, root canal treatment is conducted without x-rays unless severe pain is present. In such cases, the procedure minimizes risks to the pregnancy, and permanent restoration is scheduled after childbirth.
