614 415 8236

make your appointment today!

Monday - Friday

9AM - 5PM

Endodontics

5
4
endodncia

Endodontics is a dental treatment performed when the pulp of the tooth is affected by infection or damage. This procedure involves removing the infected tissue inside the tooth, cleaning, and sealing the root canal. Endodontics is essential to save teeth that, if left untreated, could be extracted. It is a commonly used technique to relieve intense pain and restore the functionality of affected teeth.

Procedure:

The endodontic procedure, commonly known as a root canal treatment, is a dental treatment designed to save teeth that are severely damaged or infected. This treatment is performed when the pulp of the tooth, which is the inner part containing nerves and blood vessels, is affected by deep decay, trauma, or infection. If not treated in time, the infection can spread and cause intense pain, abscesses, and the loss of the tooth.

The first step of endodontic treatment is a thorough evaluation of the affected tooth. The dentist or endodontist will take an X-ray to examine the extent of the damage and determine the best approach. Local anesthesia is then administered to ensure the patient is comfortable and does not feel pain during the procedure. Once the area is numbed, a small opening is made in the crown of the tooth to access the damaged pulp.

Once the pulp is exposed, the dentist carefully removes the infected or damaged tissue. The root canal is then cleaned and disinfected to remove any bacteria or debris that may remain. It is essential that the canal is thoroughly cleaned to prevent future infections. After cleaning, the canal is sealed with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This material is placed to prevent bacteria from entering the canal again.

In some cases, a second appointment may be necessary to complete the treatment. After the root canal is finished, the tooth may need additional restoration, such as a crown, to ensure its functionality and appearance. The goal is to restore the strength and original shape of the tooth, allowing the patient to chew without pain.

Endodontics is an effective treatment that can save teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted. The success rate is high, and with proper care, a tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment can last a lifetime.

When should it be done?

Endodontics, also known as root canal treatment, is a dental procedure performed when the pulp of the tooth, which contains nerves and blood vessels, becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, trauma, or periodontal disease. This treatment is crucial for saving a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted. Although many people are unaware of when a root canal is necessary, there are specific signs and conditions that indicate the tooth has suffered significant damage and requires intervention.

One of the most common reasons for performing a root canal is the presence of deep cavities that have reached the dental pulp. When decay is not treated in time, it can advance to the inside of the tooth, where the pulp is located. This can cause intense pain, sensitivity to cold or heat, and discomfort when chewing or biting. If left untreated, the pulp infection can spread and affect the root of the tooth, potentially leading to a dental abscess.

Another common reason for resorting to endodontics is trauma or impact to the tooth. Even if there is no immediate pain, a strong impact can damage the pulp and affect the health of the tooth in the long term. In these cases, the tooth may become more sensitive, change color (turn gray or brown), or even develop internal infections. If a root canal is not performed to treat the infection or damage, the tooth could be lost.

It is also important to consider a root canal when there are signs of infection in the area around the tooth, such as swelling, abscesses, or persistent pain. These symptoms often indicate that the pulp of the tooth is affected and that treatment is necessary to prevent the infection from spreading and causing more damage to the teeth and surrounding tissues.

In some cases, a root canal may be recommended when a tooth shows significant wear or has undergone multiple previous treatments, such as fillings, which compromise its internal structure. By removing the damaged pulp, the tooth’s function is restored, and the need for extraction is avoided.

Ultimately, endodontics is an essential treatment to preserve natural teeth, relieve pain, and prevent serious complications in dental health. If any of the symptoms mentioned above are experienced, it is important to consult a dentist to determine if this treatment is necessary.

Aftercare:

 

After undergoing a root canal treatment, it is crucial to follow a series of post-care instructions to ensure a successful recovery, prevent complications, and guarantee the durability of the treated tooth. While the root canal procedure itself has a high success rate, proper post-operative care is essential to maximize the benefits and maintain long-term dental health.

One of the first steps to take after a root canal is managing pain. It is common to experience some discomfort or soreness in the treated area once the anesthesia wears off. The dentist will usually recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to alleviate discomfort. In more severe cases, stronger medications may be prescribed if necessary. It is important not to self-medicate without consulting the dentist.

During the first 24 hours after the procedure, it is advisable to avoid chewing hard or sticky foods on the treated tooth. This will help prevent any pressure or damage to the area while it heals. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid consuming extremely hot or cold foods, as the treated tooth may temporarily become sensitive to extreme temperatures. Sensitivity will decrease over time, but during the first few weeks, it is important to be cautious when eating.

Another crucial aspect is maintaining proper oral hygiene. Even though the treated area is sealed, it is essential to continue brushing and flossing, but carefully around the treated area to avoid discomfort or potential infection. The dentist may recommend using antiseptic mouthwashes to prevent further infections and keep the area clean.

In some cases, the tooth treated with a root canal may require restoration, such as a crown, to protect it and restore its full functionality. If this is necessary, the dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment to place the appropriate restoration, which will help reinforce the tooth and prevent it from fracturing in the future.

It is important to attend scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure that the tooth is healing properly and that there are no complications. Additionally, if you experience persistent pain, swelling, or fever, it is essential to contact the dentist immediately, as these may be signs of an infection or complication that requires urgent attention.

By following these post-care instructions, the root canal treatment has a high success rate and can extend the lifespan of the treated tooth, ensuring a healthy and functional smile.

 
 

Benefits of Dental Implants

Root canal treatment offers benefits such as pain relief, saving damaged teeth, avoiding extractions, and preserving chewing function. It also prevents infections and improves dental aesthetics, allowing patients to keep their natural teeth longer and more comfortably.

  • Pain relief.
  • Salvation of the natural tooth.
  • Infection prevention.
  • Dental aesthetic improvement.
  • Quick recovery.
Is root canal treatment painful?

Most people experience little to no pain during root canal treatment, as we use local anesthesia to numb the area. The procedure is generally comfortable, and while some people experience mild discomfort afterward, it is usually easily manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. In many cases, the pain from the infection disappears immediately after the root canal.

Root canal treatment can take between one and three sessions, depending on the complexity of the case. For teeth with a single root canal, it can be performed in a single visit. In teeth with multiple canals, or when there is a severe infection, we may need more time and perhaps one or two additional sessions to ensure the infection is completely eliminated.

After the treatment, it’s normal to experience some sensitivity, but this should subside after a few days. It’s advisable to avoid chewing directly on the treated tooth until it is fully restored with a crown or filling. It’s also important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing gently around the treated area. If you experience more intense pain or discomfort, or if you have any swelling, don’t hesitate to contact me to make sure everything is fine.

After a root canal, the tooth may become slightly more fragile than before due to the removal of the nerve, but with proper restoration (such as a crown), it can function perfectly well for many years. In many cases, the treated tooth remains functional and aesthetically pleasing, especially if proper care is taken and an appropriate restoration is done after the treatment.

Root canal treatment is generally safe and effective, but like any medical procedure, there are some risks. In rare cases, the infection may persist or return after treatment, which may require an additional procedure. It is also possible for the tooth to fracture over time due to its increased fragility after the nerve is removed. To prevent this, it is important to place a crown or appropriate restoration as soon as possible. Overall, if the recommended care is followed and proper follow-up is done, a tooth treated with endodontics can last many years without issues.

Dental implants
Surgery
Endodontics
Pediatric Dentistry
Orthodontics
Periodontics
Prosthesis

We always take care of your smile.

614 415 8236
Call us and schedule your appointment

Send us a WhatsApp

At Digital Dental Group, we are committed to your oral health. In addition to providing the necessary expertise to offer you highly successful service, we also have cutting-edge equipment to make your treatment easier, more professional, and more precise.

Patient Care Quality Standards Manual

Main Menu

Our Specialties

Follow Us

Quality Policies / Good Collection Policies

Copyright © 2025. All rights reserved. Web Design & Hosting: tuempresaenlared.NET