Endodontics
(root canal treatment)
The main purpose of endodontic treatment is to preserve and treat a tooth that has inflammation process inside or under the tooth. This procedure is performed when, for example, a large cavity has formed as a result of tooth decay, which has led to inflammation. The need for root canal treatment can be indicated by sharp toothache (especially at night) and increased, sharp reaction of the tooth to temperature changes and during chewing.
About the procedure
After evaluating the condition of the patient’s teeth, the specialist decides on the appropriate course of treatment and, accordingly, on the need for cleaning and filling the root canals. We use some of the best materials and equipment currently available: Dentsply Pro Taper Gold instruments for cleaning, Dentsply Gutta Smart vertical condensation equipment for filling, and Carl Zeiss Extaro dental microscope for accuracy (there is no extra charge for microscope usage).
During the procedure, the dentist removes the damaged parts of the tooth to access the root canal of the tooth. Next, the specialist cleans and treats the canal to destroy bacteria. Depending on the extent of the inflammation, the procedure can be performed in one or multiple visits. If more visits are needed, medication is placed in the canals to help reduce inflammation.
Although the cleaning of the root canals is a complicated and time-consuming manipulation, in most cases it is possible to save even badly damaged teeth. After successful treatment, the roots of the tooth continue to perform their functions – they are firmly attached to the jaw bone and hold the tooth in place. In terms of cost, endodontics is a more cost-effective procedure than, for example, tooth replacement with an implant.
The patient is informed that the prognosis of a successful result depends on various factors (extent of inflammation, previous treatment, patient’s age, tooth anatomy, etc.), but average prognosis is around 90%.
There are situations when the inflammation is too severe and, although high quality root canal treatment has been performed, the human body cannot cope with the inflammation, healing does not occur and the tooth still needs to be extracted. Also, there is a possibility that the inflammation may recur after a longer period of time, so we should be clear that there is no guarantee for endodontic treatment.
We also offer repeated treatment or endodontic retreatment of root canals. During the process, the old root filling is removed from the tooth that has already undergone root canal treatment previously, the canals are disinfected again and filled with a new filling. Treatment is performed in situations when inflammation has recurred in root canals.