Root canal treatmentontics
The root canal treatment. Endodontology deals with the disease of the endodont, i.e. the part of the tooth that is hidden under the enamel and dentin coat inside, the so-called dental pulp. This tissue consists of a multitude of fine nerve and blood vessels that run in a small canal system from the tooth crown to the root tip. Caries or an accident can cause damage to this normally intact system. Bacterial inflammation can be the result.
What happens during root canal treatment?
Since the root canal-treated tooth is usually at extreme risk of fracture due to its extensive structure and large filling surfaces, the tooth should be restored prosthetically for long-term success. Whether a partial crown or crown is indicated must be discussed and planned individually.
This type of treatment makes it possible to preserve teeth that are already crowned and are an important part of a dental prosthesis.
A frequent complication is periodontitis apicalis, which can develop into a chronic infection. This risk can be reduced by thorough cleaning of the root canal system.
If an infection has already occurred at the root tip as a result of root canal treatment, alternatives to tooth preservation must be discussed. In individual cases, a revision may make sense.
How long does root canal treatment take?
The duration of root canal treatment varies depending on the complexity of the case. For simple treatments, a session usually lasts 30 to 60 minutes, while more complex cases may require up to 120 minutes. A total of 1 to 3 sessions are usually necessary, with breaks of 1 to 2 weeks between sessions to support healing.
The treatment time is influenced by several factors, including the number of root canals, which can vary depending on the type of tooth – incisors usually have one canal, while molars have two to four canals. Other factors include the degree of difficulty of the root anatomy, the extent of inflammation and possible complications.
The treatment process begins in the first session with an x-ray, anaesthesia of the tooth and its opening. The diseased tissue is removed and the root canals are prepared for the first time. In the subsequent sessions, the canals are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, measured, filled and finally restored, for example with a crown.
Delays can occur if the root canals are severely curved, additional canals are discovered, calcifications are present or severe inflammation complicates the treatment. Once treatment is complete, regular follow-up examinations are crucial, including an X-ray check-up after about six months to monitor the healing process.
Mild pain may occur after treatment, but usually disappears on its own. If carried out correctly, root canal treatment has a very good prognosis and contributes significantly to long-term tooth preservation.
How long will I have pain after root canal treatment
Various symptoms can occur after root canal treatment, but these are usually of a temporary nature. In the first 24 to 48 hours, mild to moderate pain, sensitivity when biting down and possibly slight swelling are normal. After-effects of the anaesthetic may also be felt during this time.
The discomfort usually decreases within the first week. The sensitivity when biting down decreases and any swelling subsides. A slight feeling of pressure or pulling in the treatment area may still occur, but this will gradually subside. Normal symptoms during this phase include slight sensitivity to temperature, a feeling of pressure when chewing and occasional pulling.
However, if severe, persistent pain, increasing swelling, discomfort lasting more than a week, fever or discomfort occur, a return visit to the dentist is necessary.
Self-help can be provided by painkillers according to the dentist’s instructions, external cooling and careful chewing. Good oral hygiene should be maintained. As a preventative measure, it is advisable to avoid solid and hard foods in the first few days, to protect the affected side, to rest sufficiently and to refrain from smoking in order to promote healing.
As a rule, most patients are able to chew normally again after two to three days and are completely symptom-free after about a week. However, if the pain persists or worsens, a dentist should definitely be consulted.
Why do I have to pay extra for root canal treatment?
The co-payment for root canal treatments arises for various reasons and depends in particular on the scope and quality of the methods used. Statutory health insurance generally only covers basic care, while modern and more effective treatment methods are often not included. The principle of ‘adequate care’ focuses on necessary basic treatments, while more advanced procedures are charged additionally as optional services.
Modern treatment methods that go beyond standard care include microscope-assisted treatment, which enables a more precise view and higher success rate, as well as electronic length measurement, which impresses with more precise measurements and reduced X-ray exposure. Machine preparation ensures more even and gentle cleaning of the root canals, which saves time and increases the quality of treatment.
In addition, quality-enhancing measures such as special rinsing techniques, the use of high-quality materials, more modern filling methods and additional diagnostic procedures are applied. These contribute significantly to improving the treatment result, but are associated with higher costs.
Economic aspects also play a role: the cost of modern equipment, the specialised training of the team, longer treatment times and more expensive materials increase the financial outlay.
However, the benefits of these additional services are considerable: they lead to a higher success rate, longer treatment durability and a lower risk of complications. Overall, they improve the prognosis and help to preserve the treated tooth in the long term.
