Everything you need to know about root canal treatment

Summary of root canal treatment:

How long does a root canal take, in this type of procedure, the dentist seeks to preserve most of the piece, as long as it is healthy. When the dentist has determined nerve damage to the tooth, through x-ray and examination, it is necessary to remove the damaged part and clean the tooth or eliminate the cause of the damage. In most cases, anesthesia is applied for this procedure, thus avoiding discomfort to the patient when the nerve is removed. With the appropriate instruments, the doctor will scrape the entire eroded part, removing the pulp, nerve, and damaged blood vessels.

The lesion can affect a single canal (uniradicular), two canals (biradicular), or multiple canals (multiradicular). In any case, the affected part is removed and the tartar will be cleaned and scraped to seal the duct or ducts without problems. A sealing mass is placed inside the gap that will prevent the reproduction of bacteria. A tooth can function perfectly without the pulp since the surrounding tissues continue to nourish it.

Once the canal is sealed, the damaged tooth can be restored. The technique or procedure used will depend on the surface that has remained healthy, the patient’s needs, and the patient’s selection of materials.

This procedure can be performed in a single session, although sometimes more visits to the dentist are necessary, especially when the tooth restoration is indirect.

On some occasions, the endodontic procedure is not enough, and endodontic surgery must be performed to better clean the canals, repair damaged roots or the bone surrounding the tooth, or locate hidden fractures in diagnostic tests.

It’s best to do it in 3 days, but some people don’t have seven days.

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a dental treatment. It consists of the extraction or total removal of the pulp of a tooth. The cavity is then filled and sealed with an inert filling material.

Its meaning comes from the word endo (interior) and odontos (tooth).

Dentists specializing in this treatment are called endodontists. Currently, dentists with other specializations, and even those who do not have one, are capable of performing it.

In many countries, endodontics is also known as root canal treatment.

It is applied only to teeth that have irreversible damage or pulp death. But there is still the possibility of restoring it to avoid total extraction of the tooth.

Although it can be applied to practically all teeth. It is more common to take place on the molars.

When should you have a root canal?

Endodontics is a procedure that is carried out in cases of irreversible pulpitis. This is an inflammatory disease that affects the dental pulp which is in a vital state but cannot recover.

There are cases where a root canal must be performed on a mandatory basis. Since the patient presents pulp necrosis.

It is important that before undergoing this procedure you receive a diagnosis from a specialist dentist.

If the infection of the pulp greatly inflames the nerve of the tooth, the intervention will most likely not be possible. In these cases, the patient feels a lot of pain and it is necessary to reduce the inflammation to administer local anesthesia.

The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connecting tissues. When a tooth is cracked, chipped, or deeply decayed, bacteria can enter the pulp. Accidents that affect the tooth can also lead to damage and inflammation in the pulp.

If these problems are left untreated, there can be a very serious infection or abscess, leading to death of the pulp, and loss of the bone and the tooth itself.

Signs and symptoms may include swelling in the face and neck, a gap in the tooth, toothache, swelling of the gums, and sensitivity to the temperature of foods and drinks.

What is a root canal and how is it performed?

Endodontics is a dental procedure carried out by a specialist and is aimed at healing root canal problems. When the cavity is deep it can damage the nerves of the tooth. This produces an infection or inflammation of the area, causes tooth sensitivity both with temperature changes and with the pressure of the tooth, and, most notably, acute and spontaneous pain occurs in the area. With these symptoms, the examination carried out by the dentist and the x-ray to confirm the injury and determine its extent, damage to the pulp cavity can be diagnosed.

The main cause of this injury is usually cavities, however, other factors can favor erosion in the area, such as blows or trauma, erosion or wear of the teeth, or some restorative treatments that have not been carried out properly.

How long does a root canal take to perform an idea?

Endodontics is a dental treatment whose fundamental objective is to avoid the extraction of a tooth with pulp pathology so that it preserves its chewing functionality. This procedure is usually performed on teeth in which, as a result of cavities or periodontal disease, inflammation or infection of the pulp tissue has occurred, affecting the nerves inside. It consists of removing the pulp sealing the canal(s) of the resulting cavity and restoring the tooth.

Before proceeding to perform a root canal, a thorough examination of the tooth is essential, which can begin with an x-ray to evaluate the extent of the damage, the anatomy of the canals (if they are very curved it may be very difficult to extract the pulp), if The problem is reversible or not, if the infection is suppurative, or if the adjacent teeth are affected or not (as can happen when the problem originates from a cavity that is located on the side of the affected tooth.

The intensity of the pain will be taken into account and sensitivity tests will be carried out to determine the reaction to cold, heat, or very light impacts. Finally, the possibility of restoring the tooth will have to be considered, since if not, endodontics are not appropriate and it is better to extract it.

It is common that before performing endodontics, the patient must follow antibiotic treatment to eliminate the infection.

The procedure begins with the application of anesthesia, so you will not feel pain while the process lasts. The established protocol is followed below:

The outer tissue of the tooth affected by cavities is removed and a hole is made in the area to access the dental cavity.

Using special tools, the pulp is extracted, thoroughly cleaning the entire dental cavity up to the apex of the root or roots (depending on the tooth in question, there may be one, two, or four roots). Then its interior is polished, giving the root a conical shape.

The cavity resulting from extracting the pulp is filled with special materials, proceeding to close the hole that has been made to access the pulp, completing the restoration of the tooth.

Once the endodontics have been performed, the need for the patient to take preventive antibiotics will be assessed.

You may feel sore for a few days after having your root canal.

Typically, endodontics can be performed in a single session, although one or two more may be needed when complications are encountered, such as the tooth has become necrotic or the infection has reached the bone of the socket into which it is inserted.

The importance of dental check-ups

As we have already mentioned, diagnosing a cavity or tooth wear in time is essential to be able to tackle the problem before the nerve is compromised (which would require carrying out an endodontic procedure).

Normally these lesions are noticeable with the naked eye or by probing dental grooves and fissures.

In addition, the dentist, by performing complementary tests, mainly radiological, can find cavities between teeth (interproximal), and asymptomatic infections.

These sources of asymptomatic infection go unnoticed by the patient since they do not cause pain or discomfort in their daily life. However, if they are not diagnosed and endodontics are not carried out, they can lead to important pathologies, such as an infection. acute or in a cyst.

Therefore, regular visits to the dentist are the best way to prevent problems from occurring and stop them before they lead to more aggressive and more expensive dental treatments.

During dental check-ups, your dentist will examine you, inform you, and recommend, depending on your particular needs, what care and treatments you should follow to maintain your dental health.

How long does a root canal take in the molar?

After making the diagnosis, endodontic treatment will proceed. After placing the anesthesia, the pulp chamber of the tooth is accessed, eliminating the cavities around it. The infected dental pulp tissue is also removed, in addition to disinfecting the area.

The next step is to treat the tooth canals to measure their length. Once they are measured, they are instrumented, removing necrotic tissue or the neurovascular bundle as needed. 

Finally, the wall of the duct is cleaned and the ducts are closed with an inert material.

In some cases, a dental crown will be placed to replace the old one, especially if it is severely damaged. This reconstruction process is carried out in another session, to recover the initial appearance of the tooth.

It’s best to do it in 3 days, but some people don’t have seven days.

Causes that may require a root canal

The following causes can lead to endodontic treatment of the tooth, in addition to causing other pathologies, where the infection can spread in the blood and reach the bones ( osteomyelitis).

*First of all, cavities. We already know the serious oral consequences that can arise: infections, inflammations, etc. The presence of cavities causes demineralization, which represents a loss in the structure of the tooth, and, with this, the pulp is left unprotected.

*Pulpitis or inflammation of the pulp can also be caused by trauma, fractures, and sudden temperature changes.

*Wear due to abrasion of the enamel that weakens the tooth. 

*The leaked fillings: A lack of check-ups and maintenance of old fillings can lead to cavities advancing beneath them and reaching the pulp or nerve.

What does a root canal cost?

The price of endodontics and reconstruction will depend on various factors such as the severity of the specific case, the price stipulated by the professional who performs it, and the number of pulp canals affected. We know that you are concerned about how much a root canal costs and it is one of the points that you take into account before deciding to go for a consultation.

But the most important thing is that you are clear that your dental health comes first. If we do not treat a condition of this type in time, it can become complicated and cause tooth loss or the appearance of other, much more serious diseases. Prevention is essential. Going for your dental check-ups periodically helps you check if everything is in order. In addition,  it allows us to act in time in case you need a root canal to prevent you from losing that tooth that is affected.

*The first step is to go to your trusted dental clinic and let the professionals perform a check-up and check what is happening to you and what treatment you need. After this prior analysis, if your condition has been examined and diagnosed as single-root endodontics, the average prices in this sector usually range between $100- $130. If it is a circular endodontic procedure, the average is about $140 and if more than two pulp canals have been affected, in this endodontic procedure the price would be around $190. 

However, we must keep in mind that what is at stake in this case is your health, so we will always offer you the highest possible quality to guarantee your well-being. After the initial assessment, we will offer you all the information about the procedures that will have to be carried out and the costs that will be involved. We will accompany you throughout the previous process so that you can make a decision that helps you keep your teeth and gums healthy.

How is a root canal treatment performed?

We understand that treatment may sound scary. However, it is a procedure that can save an infected tooth. Below we outline the steps dentists typically follow:

1. Preparation of the area

First of all, the endodontist will prepare the area by numbing it (with anesthesia) and placing a dental dam to isolate the tooth and keep it dry and clean.

2. Tooth opening

In this step, the dentist drills into the tooth to reach the root canals and pulp chambers. A special liquid is then introduced into the canals to remove any debris and kill bacteria within the pulp chamber.

3. Removal of the pulp and formation of the ducts

After cleaning and disinfecting the area, the pulp is removed with small instruments, and in this step, the endodontist also cleans and shapes the canals.

4. Filling the ducts

Once the canals have been cleaned and shaped, the endodontist fills and seals them with an antibacterial material.

5. Access hole closure

After filling the canals, the endodontist will place a temporary filling to close the tooth opening. This filling is temporary, so you will need to visit your dentist to get a restorative dental crown that protects the entire tooth.

6. Restorative treatment

Once the infection is controlled and the risk of tooth loss is eliminated, complete restoration of the tooth should be pursued. A dental crown is usually the most popular treatment for this step.

What is a root cavity and what treatment does it receive?

Cavities are one of the most common oral health problems among the general population. The characteristic cavities of caries are a consequence of the demineralization of the tooth, a product of the acids released by the activity of bacterial plaque. Although it can affect any tooth, the first and second molars are the teeth most frequently affected by this condition.

The most normal thing is that these “pitted teeth”, the result of the infection of bacteria that form plaque, show very obvious holes on the surface that are used for biting off the visible and enameled part of the tooth: what dentists call crowns).

Are there alternatives to endodontics?

The priority objective of a professional dentist is to preserve a tooth whenever it is possible to treat it and repair the damage successfully.

Endodontics are treatments categorized as conservative, which allow the aesthetics of the original tooth and its functionality to be preserved.  There is no similar alternative to endodontics. The alternative treatment would be the extraction of the piece that is normally replaced by a dental implant, and which is only performed when a root canal cannot be carried out successfully.

What is root caries and who does it affect?

However, cavities can also invade other areas of the tooth or the space between them. When cavities affect the root of the tooth (the part indented in the bone that supports the crown) dentists speak of root cavities.

People with some type of periodontal disease (either gingivitis or periodontitis, also commonly called “pyorrhoea”) are at greater risk of contracting this type of cavities since the destruction of periodontal tissue exposes the roots of the teeth. This puts older people, the age group most prone to gum problems, at a higher risk of root cavities.

How do you know if you need to have a root canal?

These are some of the symptoms that may indicate that you need a root canal:

*Pain: The main symptom that indicates the need to do a root canal is pain. It is the typical “toothache” that does not respond to analgesic medication and that intensifies at night when lying in bed.

*Prolonged hypersensitivity in a tooth due to contact with cold, hot, or sweet foods.

*Darkened tooth.

*Appearance of points of pus (fistula) on the gum.

In any case, if you have any suspicion, you should go to your dentist. He will be the one to issue a diagnosis and determine, after performing all the necessary tests – x-rays, vitality tests, percussion, etc. – whether endodontic treatment is indicated.

What treatment does root caries receive?

Tooth roots are especially vulnerable to plaque bacteria because they have less enamel than the crowns they support. This means that the infection can advance rapidly and affect the internal and most sensitive layers of the tooth (dentin and pulp).

Therefore, in many cases, root caries require endodontic treatment that desensitizes the piece by “killing the nerve” of its roots or, when the damage is too serious, a tooth extraction.

Unlike other types of cavities, root caries do not require treatments that restore the dental crown, such as reconstructions or prosthetic crowns, since it very often only affects the root of the tooth.

How to prevent root cavities

Brushing your teeth after every meal and using dental floss daily is essential to prevent cavities in any of their forms. Fluoride rinses may also be recommended, especially for older people, who, as we have already mentioned, are at greater risk of developing this problem.

In oral health, prevention is almost literally a cure, and by following correct prevention and hygiene habits it is possible to avoid almost any type of problem or complication. Improve your habits and enjoy a healthy mouth throughout your life.

What does a root canal consist of?

Endodontics is, as we have said, the total removal of the pulp or nerve of the tooth. This is a cleaning procedure for the root canal system in which bacteria and necrotic tissue are eliminated to leave the canal as aseptic as possible.

It is done in different phases:

Diagnosis by the healthcare professional: during the diagnosis part, an anamnesis or questions guided by the professional are carried out, during which the patient reports what the pain is like, what they feel, where it is located, how intense it is, and whether they can calm down. applying cold… All are aimed at making a good diagnosis and applying the correct treatment. In addition, x-rays are performed to verify the condition of the tooth and to see what its anatomy is like (length of the roots, condition of the roots…).

Anesthesia: the anesthesia used in this type of intervention is local, affecting only the tooth to be treated and the surrounding area. It is important that at the time of anesthesia, there is no infection or inflammation in the part so that it acts correctly. If there is an infection, the intervention must be postponed and the patient will be prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, if necessary.

Opening and isolation of the piece: a hole is made in the crown of the tooth through which the pulp is accessed for extraction and the tooth is isolated from the entire organism.

Conductometry and instrumentation: it is the procedure for cleaning the ducts to leave them aseptic or clean.

Obturation: it is the sealing phase of the tooth, through which the canals that have been cleaned are closed, leaving the piece completely desensitized.

Control: a subsequent x-ray and observation by the dentist to verify the effectiveness of the intervention. Follow-up is usually done for a few weeks or months.

How do I know if I have an infection in a root canal?

Symptoms of a poorly done root canal:

*Tooth pain after having carried out the process. …

*Sensitivity, discomfort, or pain when chewing.

*Inflammation of the gum in the area where the root canal has been performed.

*Discomfort when touching or palpating the area.

Discomfort and pain after a root canal

During the procedure and in the hours afterward, while the anesthesia lasts, you are unlikely to have pain. However, in the days after pulp removal, it is normal to feel some pain since the adjacent anatomical structures (bone, periodontal ligament, blood vessels, and nerves) suffer local inflammation as a result of the maneuvers performed by the endodontist.

It must be taken into account that the perception of pain after a root canal is not the same for all patients.

Pain and inflammation are the body’s natural response to endodontic techniques, which we can summarize in three steps:

*Instrumentation: Successive introduction of files into the root canal to eliminate pulp tissue.

*Disinfection: Application of very high alkalinity products (NaOCl) and chelators to eliminate all microorganisms and inorganic remains.

*Obturation: It consists of filling the canals with material (gutta-percha) to completely seal the interior of the endodontic tooth and prevent microorganisms from reproducing again.

The level of inflammation is higher or lower depending on many factors, including the patient’s age, previous health condition, the duration of the endodontic treatment, or the existence of complications during it.

The pain after root canal treatment usually subsides after several days, between 3 and 7, without the need to take medication.

If necessary, anti-inflammatories and analgesics are prescribed to control immediate postoperative pain and inflammation.

If, despite taking the medication, the pain persists after 5-7 days, you should call the dental clinic and make an appointment.

Your dentist will evaluate the cause of this pain and, if deemed appropriate, will modify the medication or take other measures.

What does a tooth that needs a root canal look like?

Generally, the main symptoms that show that it is necessary to perform this dental treatment are:

*Tooth discoloration.

*Dental hypersensitivity to stimuli that are too cold or too hot.

*Pain or discomfort when biting or chewing.

*Swelling of the gums in the area adjacent to the tooth with cavities.

Causes of failure of a root canal

The main reasons why a root canal can fail are:

*Not having located a duct: Although anatomically a molar usually has three canals, there are cases in which they can have four or even five. Leaving a canal unlocated will leave the bacteria present there unremoved, so a poorly done endodontic treatment will end up failing.

*Drilling a duct: If when cleaning a canal, we create a false path with the files, in the same way, we will not be able to remove all the pulp tissue correctly and the endodontics will fail.

*Do not take X-rays during endodontics: Traditionally, five X-rays must be performed during a root canal procedure. Not performing any of them can lead us to make mistakes and carry out a poorly done endodontic treatment.

*Not properly disinfecting the ducts: For this, sodium hypochlorite is used. Not using this product will allow inflamed and/or infected pulp remains to remain in the canal with the medium-term risk that this entails.

*Miscalculate the working length: We must meticulously measure the length of each duct. To do this we use a device called an apex locator. Furthermore, despite what the locator tells us, it is important to do a check x-ray to make sure that the locator is not wrong. A root canal that is too short or too long will be poorly done and will end up causing problems.

*Not filling the root canals correctly: Once all the pulp has been removed from the canals, we will plug them with a product we call gutta-percha. It is very important that the gutta-percha is well condensed and fills the canals perfectly in a three-dimensional manner. Not having properly filled the ducts will allow bacteria to colonize them again.*Presence of a crack or vertical fracture of the tooth: Even if the endodontics is well performed, the presence of a fissure or a vertical fracture, sometimes very complicated to diagnose, will mean that the endodontics does not solve the problem. The tooth in this case will have to be extracted.

Symptoms of a poorly done root canal

Certain symptoms can alert us that endodontics has not solved the problem:

*Intense pain that does not subside over time.

*Sensitivity or pain when chewing that does not subside over time.

*Sensitivity when palpating the area or lightly tapping the treated tooth.

*Inflammation of the gum around the treated tooth.

What to do when faced with a poorly done root canal?

In most cases, we can try to solve the problem by performing re-endodontics on the affected tooth. All filling material will be removed from the ducts, the ducts will be thoroughly cleaned and resealed.

In the latter case, when there is a vertical fracture of the tooth, the problem has no solution. We must proceed to extract the tooth and subsequently place a dental implant.

What is multi-root endodontics?

Endodontics is a dental procedure aimed at treating problems originating in the pulp of the tooth. The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth and contains the nerves and blood vessels. The part of the canal that is inside the crown is called the pulp cavity, while the part corresponding to the root is called the reticular canal and is the one that connects with the maxillary bone.

Pulp lesions can range in different degrees of severity and depending on this, one technique or another will be applied:

Pulp protection: when pulp damage is believed to be non-irreversible and a temporary filling is used to try to preserve the pulp.

Pulpotomy: when pulp damage only affects part of the tissues and these are removed.

Pulpectomy: when the pulp damage affects all the tissues – nerves and blood vessels – and these must be removed.

The most common cause of infection, inflammation, and/or necrosis of the pulp is the existence of cavities, although other factors can generate pulpitis or injury to the pulp such as trauma, erosion, and wear of the teeth or even some treatments. restorers who can be very aggressive.

How do you know that a root canal is needed?

Endodontics is a procedure that is carried out when there is damage to the pulp, either to the nerves, blood vessels, or both. If the patient notices any of these symptoms:

Tooth sensitivity to cold, heat, or chewing.

Intermittent or constant pain in the damaged area.

Swelling or appearance of phlegmon in the area, redness of the gum and, sometimes, change in tooth color.

It is necessary to go to the dentist so that an examination of the area and an x-ray can be performed. This way you can evaluate the damage and decide the most appropriate treatment.

What endodontic treatment step-by-step

In most cases, endodontic treatments can be completed in a single session; however, on some occasions, the clinical condition of the patient, the technical difficulty of the case, the experience of the professional, or other circumstances may make two sessions necessary. or more sessions. The standard process for endodontic treatment is as follows:

General review: Evaluative exploration of the degrees of affection:

*Location of the affected area.

*An x-ray is performed to focus on the damage and make a complete outline of the shape and extent of the problem on the teeth and nerve.

Anesthesia, cleaning, and creation of ducts:

*It begins with the application of local anesthesia, to be able to work comfortably without causing unnecessary pain to the patient.

*Isolation of the area to be treated from the rest of the teeth

*During this part of the process, it is used to eliminate accumulated cavities, disinfect the area, and create access to the pulp chamber and root canals.

*Finally, a total disinfection of the treated area is carried out.

Duct closure and finishing:

*The canals are filled with gutta-percha points (a small elastic band that expands with heat) and sealed with cement. We place the permanent crown directly on the tooth, returning the tooth to a healthy and natural appearance.

How to prevent root canals

Most of the time the need for root canals is caused by:

*Existence of deep caries that reach the dental pulp.

*Erosion or severe wear of the tooth that affects the nerve.

*Trauma or blow that causes necrosis of the tooth (loss of vitality of the pulp).

If we prevent and treat any of the three previous causes, we can avoid having a root canal.

The best way to prevent cavities is to maintain correct dental hygiene, use toothpaste with fluoride, and follow a balanced diet low in sugar. If cavities appear despite everything, it must be addressed early, so that the treatment is as minimally invasive as possible and does not reach the nerve.

Tooth wear or erosion can also be prevented or alleviated in some cases. For example, with discharge splints in bruxist or clenching patients, or limiting the consumption of acidic and carbonated drinks.

To avoid trauma, especially to the front teeth, custom-made mouthguards, widely used in contact sports, are very useful.

Tips to avoid a root canal

*Keep regular oral check-up appointments to treat possible cavities and their serious consequences. 

*Ask if you need professional dental cleaning to eliminate bacterial plaque and thus avoid periodontal diseases.

*Make an appointment at our clinic at the slightest symptom of gum inflammation or bleeding because there is a greater chance of having cavities under the gums.

Dental hygiene after a root canal

The same cleaning care should be carried out on endodontically treated teeth as on the rest of the mouth. It is worth highlighting that teeth with root canals are still vulnerable to cavities and that the negative consequences are greater if regular check-ups are not carried out, since this tooth, not having sensitivity, will not send pain messages as an alert that something is going to happen. wrong, causing deeper problems due to a lack of prevention.

The most frequent cause of infection and consequent inflammation and necrosis of the pulp, and therefore the need to perform a root canal, is the existence of cavities, although other factors can generate pulpitis or injury to the pulp.

Frequently asked questions about a root canal

Endodontics is a specialization within Dentistry that deals with the pathology of the dental pulp (dental nerve) and the tissues that surround the root of the tooth.

The pulp is a soft connective tissue with a nerve, lymphatic vessel, and blood vessels whose mission is to provide sensitivity, defensive response, and cellular supply to the tooth, from when it is forming until the end of the tooth’s life. It is located inside the tooth, under the enamel and dentin, and communicates with the jaw bone through the apex at the end of the tooth root. 

The contribution of technological advances means that, through endodontics, we avoid the loss of very damaged teeth.

In short, endodontic procedures solve the internal problems of the tooth so that it is not extracted, recovering the full functionality and aesthetics of the dentition, the gum, and the regeneration of the bone lost in some processes. Likewise, endodontics is essential to prevent and eliminate infectious processes.

What is a root canal for?

Endodontics is used to avoid tooth extraction and maintain its functionality.

Does a root canal hurt?

When using anesthesia in the area, it is normal that it does not hurt. In other cases, anesthesia is not even necessary, since the tissue is necrotic, although it is advisable to use it. Of course, it is normal to have a little discomfort when biting, since this area has been manipulated.

When is it necessary to perform a root canal?

Essentially when the infection that affects the tooth has caused a cavity that perforates the enamel and dentin, exposing the pulp tissue, which is also infected. It can also be performed in case of breakage due to trauma or in the presence of periodontal disease.

What symptoms may indicate the need for a root canal?

Each case is different, but the most common symptoms may be severe pain or hypersensitivity to cold or heat. Sometimes no symptoms occur and the problem is detected in the dentist’s office when a review of the general condition of the teeth is performed.

Is endodontics painful?

No, since it is performed under local anesthesia, although sometimes you may feel some pain for a few days after performing it.  

Once the root canal has been performed, are the teeth more fragile than before?

Only the restoration of the tooth will ensure that it is not fragile and there is a risk of breakage, for example, if you suffer from bruxism. The restoration is usually carried out in a second session, after evaluating the condition of the tooth. For this, you can use covers or crowns.

How many sessions are needed to do it?

Generally, a single session is enough, although sometimes two or more may be necessary depending on the existence of complications that make it difficult to perform.

Does the tooth on which the root canal has been performed need any special care?

As long as a definitive restoration of the tooth has been carried out, it will only need the same oral hygiene care, prevention, and periodic check-ups as the rest of the teeth.

Is there an alternative to endodontics?

Endodontics allows you to maintain the natural tooth with all its functionality. But when it is not possible to do so, the only option is to remove it and replace it with a prosthesis. The need to extract it may be determined by the existence of a vertical fracture, deficiencies in periodontal support, or when reconstruction is not possible.

How do you know when the nerve in a tooth dies?

The acute pain commonly known as “toothache” is the confirmation of the death of the nerve. On the other hand, in a physical trauma to the tooth, such as a fall or a sports injury, the blood vessels can burst, suddenly cutting off the supply to the pulp, with the consequent death of the dental nerve.

How long does it take for a tooth nerve to die?

If dental cleanings are carried out correctly and routine check-ups are attended at the dental clinic, root canals can last more than 10 years, even permanently.

How to relieve pain from a tooth nerve?

However, you can try the following methods to relieve pain:

*Oral analgesics. …

*Cold compresses. …

*Elevation. …

*Medicated ointments. …

*Salt water rinse. …

*Rinse with hydrogen peroxide (hydrogen peroxide)…

*Mint tea. …

*Cloves.

How long does it take for a dental nerve to deflate?

The pain after root canal treatment usually subsides after several days, between 3 and 7, without the need to take medication. If necessary, anti-inflammatories and analgesics are prescribed to control immediate postoperative pain and inflammation.

What part of the body to touch for a toothache?

The main objective is to work on the stimulation of the He Gu point, that is, the one corresponding to the large intestine 4, which is responsible for pain. If you’re wondering where to find this point, the answer is simple: between the thumb and index finger of the hand.

What makes toothache worse?

Excessively cold, hot, or hard foods should be avoided. Sweets and sugar also make dental pain worse, so they should be avoided.

How long can a tooth last without a nerve?

In this sense, endodontics can last a lifetime, as long as thorough oral hygiene is carried out and periodic check-ups scheduled by the dentist are attended.

What is better to do a root canal or remove the tooth?

Endodontics aims to maintain the tooth, and extraction is done when it can no longer be saved. The best option depends on the condition of your tooth in your particular case and the previous infection it presents. As well as its anatomical characteristics and guarantees that it will have a good prognosis.

When is a root canal no longer recommended?

When is a root canal inadvisable? Although endodontics can save a diseased tooth to avoid its extraction, sometimes it cannot be carried out: When the tooth has a vertical fracture. When the root has a minimum length that makes it impossible to attach the crown to it.

What happens if the nerve in a tooth is not killed?

When the tooth has cavities and has not been treated, it can progress until it reaches the dental pulp, and this is why sensitivity and pain occur. When the above happens, it is necessary to remove the nerve since the infection has affected it and can continue to spread causing serious consequences.

What happens if I need a root canal and I don’t get one?

If endodontics is not performed in the presence of pulpitis, the infection can spread to the surrounding tissues, forming an abscess. And this complication can lead to more serious ones, and may even cause the death of the patient: Loss of the tooth by forcing its extraction.

How to make home anesthesia for toothache?

Clove oil works because it contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic. This acts as a temporary pain reliever. Pour a few drops of clove oil on a piece of cotton and use it to gently rub the gums and affected teeth.

How long does toothache due to infection last?

The time varies depending on the severity of the infection, being noticeable after 48 hours. The average duration ranges from four days.

How many times can a root canal be done on the same tooth?

The truth is that there is no limit as such to the number of root canals in the same tooth since it depends a lot on each case. However, the most common thing is to do, at most, two.

What happens if a root canal is done with infection?

If there is an infection, the root canal cannot be performed and the patient must take anti-inflammatories and antibiotics prescribed by the dentist. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the specialist proceeds to make a small hole in the tooth to access the pulp and extract it.

How long can a root canal tooth last without a crown?

Endodontically treated teeth can last a lifetime if the procedure is successful, without generating complications when removing the nerve and reconstructing the tooth.

Why doesn’t my toothache go away?

A toothache may be a sign of infection or a more serious problem that needs professional treatment. If you have a fever, or difficulty swallowing, or the pain is very severe, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. The dentist will evaluate the causes of the pain and recommend the appropriate treatment.

When is a tooth infection serious?

Dental diseases can cause serious complications if they spread to the potential fascia layers of the head and neck. There are several ways to transmit the virus. They can spread adjacent to the jaw and cause osteomyelitis.

How do you know if a tooth infection is serious?

Symptoms:

*Bitter taste in the mouth.

*Bad breath.

*Discomfort, restlessness, general feeling of illness.

*Fever.

*Pain when chewing.

*Sensitivity of teeth to heat or cold.

*Swelling of the gum over the infected tooth, which may look like a pimple.

*Swollen glands in the neck.

What is the best antibiotic for toothache?

For acute or chronic toothache, depending on the pathology, the following are recommended: amoxicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, and metronidazole.

What is the best antibiotic for teeth?

According to the Merck Manuals, the most common antibiotics prescribed for dental infections are penicillin and amoxicillin. Clindamycin is an alternative that is frequently prescribed for patients with a penicillin allergy.

How long does it take for amoxicillin to take effect against toothache?

Amoxicillin is adequately absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and has peak serum levels within 60 to 90 minutes.

Conclusion:

The main symptoms after a root canal are inflammation, pain, and, sometimes, limitation in mouth opening.

Post-endodontic pain is a common symptom that some patients experience after root canal treatment.

This pain is due to inflammation (the body’s natural response) to the techniques performed by the dentist while performing the endodontics.

More information: How long does a root canal take

*Endodontics will keep your natural teeth.

*There is no alternative to endodontics to maintain the original tooth; That is, if you delay treating the diseased tooth, the only solution would be extraction and replacing it with an implant.

*In any case, there are a series of circumstances that make root canal treatment impossible and will require other types of solutions:

*Duct calcifications

*Disproportion between crown and root of the tooth.

*Lack of sufficient bone base, and dental mobility.

*Severe trauma to the tooth and not being able to guarantee the restoration of the tooth.

Read more: Gum disease receding gums treatment