How to save a tooth without extraction - a guide to endodontics

Endodontics 

If you experience intense pain in your tooth, especially at night or while chewing, it is possible that there's an inflammation of the tooth pulp - the soft tissue located in the center of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels. In such cases, it is important to react promptly to prevent complications. The solution is not extraction, but preservation of the tooth - and this is where endodontics comes into play, also known as root canal treatment.

Endodontics is a part of dental medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the dental pulp and surrounding tissues.

Unless the inflamation is treated it could expand into the jaw bone which could cause abscess or a cist and in turn lead to a total loss of teeth. Therefore, prompt endodontic treatment is crucial for the long term oral health.

How does the endodontic treatment procedure look like?

Endodontic treatment most commonly occurs through one or two visits, and each visit is carefully planned in order to protect the patient to the highest degree and without pain:

  • Examination and X-ray of the teeth The first step includes a meticulous clinical review and X-ray of the teeth (most commonly RVG or CBCT). With that, the dental professional gains a clear understanding of the anatomy and condition of root canals and can accurately evaluate the scope of the infection.
  • Anesthesia To make sure the treatement is utterly pain free, a local anesthesia is used. The patient during the proceedure does not sense any pain, and the sensation of pressure is reduced to the bare minimum.
  • Pulp extraction Through the opening on the crown of the tooth, the dentist carefully removes the infected or necrotic pulp of all root canals. This step facilitates the elimination of the source of infection and pain.
  • Disenfecting and cleaning the canals The canals are cleaned mechanically with sets of machine instruments, but also chemically with disinfecting liquids to clear out the canals. The aim is to eliminate all the bacteria and desinfect the root all the way to the apex.
  • Root canal filling After cleaning, the canals are filled with biocompatibile materials. Most commonly with bioactive cement and gutterpercha which seals off the inner core of the teeth to prevent re-infection.
  • Final teeth reconstruction Depending on the ammount of original teeth tissue left, the teeth will be sealed with a composit filling or prepared for a prostetic restoration (crown). The dentist will mostly recommend a crown, because it ensures that the tooth is protected from fracture in the long run.

Why is endodontic treatment important?

  • Preservation of natural teeth The best implant is your own natural tooth. Endodontic treatment provides the means to preserve your teeth for the years to come.
  • Infection prevention The treatement stops the infection from spreading into the jaw bone, surrounding teeth or soft tissues.
  • Pain and disconfort relief After the treatment the paitents immideately feel relief, this leads to daily funcion improvement.
  • Longterm teeth stability Properly healed and reconstrucated teeth can last for years and be as functional as the healthy teeth.

Following the procedure

A short term senstivity to occlusal pressure might be present, but most patients get back to the normal every day activities fairly quickly. It is crucial to stick to the dentists reccomendations and regular check up appointments.

Lastly, endodtic treatment is precise, modern and an effective way for teeth to resume long-term normal function, in spite of the serious infections of the pulp. By taking a timely approach one can avoid serious complications and save what is most worthwild - their health!

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