Root canal treatment (endodontics) is a modern dental procedure that eliminates infection in the pulp chamber – the core inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels. With a specialized procedure performed by highly skilled dentists, this method is almost painless and provides maximum preservation of the natural tooth. As a result, patients can maintain natural chewing function, without the need for extraction or replacement with artificial teeth. Importantly, early treatment helps prevent dangerous complications such as abscesses or jawbone loss.
What is Tooth Pulp?
Tooth pulp is a special connective tissue comprising blood vessels and nerves, located within the pulp cavity and surrounded by the hard tissues of the tooth, namely enamel and dentin. Blood vessels and nerves enter the tooth pulp from the apex of the tooth root, also known as the root tip (root end).
The pulp cavity is the space located in the center of the tooth, divided into two distinct parts. The crown portion contains the pulp chamber, where the tooth pulp resides, known as coronal pulp. The root portion contains the root canals, where the tooth pulp is called radicular pulp. Each root may have one or more main root canals along with several accessory canals, forming a complex canal system that facilitates the transmission of blood vessels and nerves.
The sensory function of tooth pulp helps the tooth perceive external stimuli. Additionally, the tooth pulp nourishes the tooth tissues and participates in dentin repair when damaged, contributing to the overall health of the tooth. Understanding the structure and role of tooth pulp helps us protect our teeth more effectively and maintain comprehensive oral health.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
What is root canal treatment, also known as pulp treatment? This is the process of completely removing the tooth pulp, including both the coronal pulp and the radicular pulp. Once the pulp tissue is removed, the dentist cleans the root canals, shapes them, and finally seals the root canal system to prevent bacterial intrusion.
Previously, teeth with pulp pathology often had to be extracted due to the lack of effective treatment methods. However, with modern techniques, root canal treatment helps preserve the tooth, avoid future complications, and protect the tooth for long-term durability. Understanding the root canal treatment process not only brings peace of mind to patients but is also an important step in comprehensive oral health care.
How Long Does Root Canal Treatment Take?
How long root canal treatment takes depends on many different factors, especially the extent and condition of the tooth requiring treatment. For cases of infected pulp, patients typically require 3-4 treatment sessions to achieve optimal results. Meanwhile, for teeth with exposed but uninfected pulp, root canal treatment only takes about 1-2 sessions. Additionally, the duration of root canal treatment varies depending on the tooth area; specifically, single-rooted teeth will have a shorter treatment time compared to multi-rooted teeth, such as molars. Understanding these factors helps patients prepare better and ensures the root canal treatment process is effective and safe.
Protocol for Deciduous (Baby) Tooth Root Canal Treatment
The protocol for deciduous (baby) tooth root canal treatment at My Auris dental clinic applies advanced technology with a specific and precise treatment procedure to deliver optimal effectiveness for children.
The first step in the deciduous tooth root canal treatment protocol is a thorough general examination, including an X-ray of the tooth suspected of pulp inflammation. Through this, the dentist clearly identifies the inflammatory condition and the shape of the root canal, gaining a comprehensive overview to determine the complexity of the case, helping to plan appropriate treatment.
Before starting, a careful oral hygiene procedure is performed to ensure the child’s mouth is clean. Next, the anesthesia process is carried out in a modern sterile room, ensuring the child is comfortable, pain-free, and cooperates well with the dentist throughout the treatment.
A rubber dam will be precisely placed over the tooth requiring root canal treatment to isolate it from the gums and oral cavity. This prevents root canal treatment medications from entering the child’s digestive or respiratory tracts, ensuring absolute safety.
The root canal treatment procedure continues with the use of specialized drills to clean the root canals. Afterward, the dentist will seal the root canal system and permanently fill the cavity surface with a specialized filling material, aiming to preserve the tooth and ensure the longevity of the treatment.
Finally, My Auris dental clinic will provide detailed advice on proper oral hygiene for children and schedule regular follow-up appointments to maintain long-term and effective treatment results.
The deciduous (baby) tooth root canal treatment protocol at My Auris dental clinic is not only based on deep professional expertise but also applies advanced technology, bringing peace of mind and satisfaction to parents and child patients.
The Root Canal Treatment Process is Often Performed Over Multiple Sessions
Preparing for Root Canal Treatment
Before starting the root canal treatment process, the dentist will take an X-ray of the inflamed tooth to accurately assess the root canal system and the extent of damage. This provides the dentist with a comprehensive view to plan appropriate treatment.
The treatment process usually involves local anesthesia to minimize pain for the patient, especially in the area of the infected tooth and surrounding gums. However, in cases where the patient has already lost sensation in the affected tooth, local anesthesia may not be necessary.
Removing the Necrotic Pulp Tissue
The dentist will place absorbent gauze around the affected tooth to ensure dryness throughout the treatment and prevent the patient from swallowing any chemicals used during the procedure. Next, the dentist drills an access opening into the pulp chamber at the center of the tooth, then uses specialized instruments to remove the necrotic pulp tissue. If there is swelling, pus, or an abscess, the pus will also be thoroughly aspirated.
Cleaning and Filling the Root Canals
After removing the dead pulp, the dentist proceeds to clean and fill the root canals. Because root canals are very narrow and difficult to seal, small files are used to widen the canal pathways and reshape them to their normal form, preparing them for obturation (sealing). This process often takes several hours and is divided into multiple sessions.
Incisors and canines typically have only one root canal per root, while premolars and molars have 2 to 3 roots, each containing 1 or 2 canals, making the treatment process for these teeth more time-consuming. During prolonged treatment sessions, the dentist may place medication into the cleaned root canals to eliminate bacteria and apply a temporary filling. If the patient develops symptoms of infection such as fever or gum swelling, antibiotics will be prescribed.
Filling and Restoring the Tooth
At the next appointment, the temporary filling and medication will be removed and replaced with a permanent filling to seal and encapsulate the root canals, preventing re-infection. However, a filled tooth is often more susceptible to damage than an untreated natural tooth. Therefore, the dentist often recommends that patients get a dental crown to protect the tooth.
Some filled teeth may darken due to the dead pulp or strong forces acting upon them. To remedy this, teeth whitening methods using specialized chemical agents can be applied.
Crowning the Tooth
A dental crown is a cap that covers the tooth structure, protecting a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment and preventing the risk of fracture. Crowns are typically made from metal, porcelain, ceramic materials, or glass powder. Before placing the crown, the dentist will reduce the tooth’s size and take a precise impression to ensure the crown fits perfectly. An adhesive is used to strengthen the bond between the crown and the tooth. If the tooth has been significantly reshaped after treatment, a post may be affixed into the root to hold the crown in place, ensuring long-term protective effectiveness.
Success Rate of Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment has a high success rate in preserving natural teeth and thoroughly cleaning all infected parts within the root canal. Statistics show that approximately 9 out of 10 teeth maintain stability for 8 to 10 years after undergoing root canal treatment. Notably, for teeth that receive a crown after treatment, the likelihood of stable maintenance and tooth longevity is significantly increased.
Teeth will become stronger if patients practice proper oral hygiene and maintain thorough care habits. Additionally, the longevity of a tooth after root canal treatment also depends on factors such as the remaining natural tooth structure after the procedure (as the tooth is often drilled during treatment), the level of oral hygiene, and the patient’s daily chewing intensity.
In cases where infection recurs, repeating the root canal treatment may still be considered to preserve the tooth. If the tooth remains infected after treatment, the dentist may recommend a minor surgical procedure, namely an apicoectomy, to definitively resolve the infection and comprehensively protect oral health.
Recovery After Root Canal Treatment
Post-root canal treatment care is a crucial step to ensure a smooth recovery process. During this period, patients should avoid hard foods until the treatment process is complete, to prevent further damage to the tooth. A tooth after root canal treatment typically no longer causes pain, but it may still feel slightly elevated or sensitive for the first few days.
To alleviate post-treatment discomfort, patients can use painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs like paracetamol and ibuprofen as directed by the dentist. If, after using painkillers, the patient still experiences prolonged pain or swelling, they should return to the dental clinic for a thorough check-up and timely intervention.
Additionally, to prevent recurrent oral infections in the future, proper oral hygiene is essential. Limiting excessive sugary foods and quitting smoking also contribute to maintaining stable oral health after treatment.
