What is root canal treatment and why is it sometimes necessary?

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontics, is a dental procedure performed to treat and preserve an infected or damaged tooth. It is necessary when the dental pulp, which is located inside the tooth and contains nerves and blood vessels, is inflamed or infected.

The causes of such inflammation or infection can be many, including deep caries, tooth damage caused by accidents or repeated dental procedures. If the inflammation is not treated, it can lead to significant pain, swelling and even loss of the tooth.

During a root canal treatment, the dentist removes the infected or inflamed dental pulp, thoroughly cleans the root canal and then fills it with a special material to prevent re-infection. This makes it possible to preserve the affected tooth, restore its function and reduce pain.

Root canal treatment is therefore an important measure to preserve the health of the tooth, reduce pain and avoid the need for tooth extraction. It is important to respond to signs of dental problems early and seek professional dental help to ensure the best chance of a successful root canal treatment.

Appropriate prevention plays a critical role in significantly reducing the risk of dental problems, including the need for root canal treatment.

A key component of effective prevention is consistent and properly performed oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth regularly, ideally three times a day, with a fluoride toothpaste to prevent the formation of cavities.

In addition to thorough dental care at home, regular preventive dental care is crucial. Regular check-ups allow the dentist to identify potential problems early and intervene before they develop into serious conditions. Professional dental cleanings at the dentist’s office help remove plaque and tartar that can promote the development of cavities and gum disease.

Choosing the right dental care products, including an appropriate toothbrush, dental floss and mouthwash, also contributes to successful prevention. A balanced diet low in sugary foods and drinks can also help reduce the risk of tooth decay.

In summary, comprehensive oral hygiene combined with regular dental check-ups and a healthy diet is crucial to minimising the risk of dental problems and avoiding the need for root canal treatment. Prevention plays a key role in maintaining long-term dental health.

Root canal treatment procedure

During root canal treatment, the dentist removes the nerve tissue from the root canals using sterile instruments and high-precision measuring devices while hygienically isolating the tooth with a rubber dam (elastic band). These cleaned canals are then either immediately sealed with a root filling paste or, in the case of inflammation, first treated with a disinfectant medication and only filled in a later session.

Risks of root canal treatment

Root canal treatments are very demanding procedures and are often associated with complications. If the roots of the teeth and the canals are very bent or narrowed, the dentist is often unable to clean and fill the root tip completely. These teeth remain at risk forever, as the inaccessible part of the root is unsterile and therefore very susceptible to new infections. In this case, only a root tip resection or root amputation (shortening or complete removal of the root) can help. Instrument fractures are further complications, as the fine spiral-shaped cleaning needles can get stuck in the canal and break off, particularly in very narrow canals. If the broken instrument cannot be removed, the prognosis is much worse.

The latest technologies such as lasers can have a positive effect on the root canal treatment procedure.

After root canal treatment

After root canal treatment, the teeth in question must be stabilized with solid dentures. Otherwise, devitalized teeth tend to break off due to the inevitable drying out and the unstable, hollowed-out interior.

With a successful, dense root filling, the devitalized teeth can last just as long as vital teeth.