What is root canal treatment?
What is endodontics?
Technically, endodontics is a treatment that consists of removing the tooth pulp (the inner part of the tooth where the nerves and blood vessels are found) and the posterior filling and sealing of the pulp cavity with an inert material.
In a simple way: We clean the inside of the tooth that is infected or inflamed to eliminate pain and prevent removal. It's the last defense barrier to keep your tooth in your mouth.
How do you do endodontics?
The process is meticulous and is performed under local anesthesia, so it is painless. The general steps are:
Anesthesia and isolation: We numb the area so you don't feel anything and isolate the tooth to work sterilely.
Opening: We make a small hole in the tooth crown to access the pulp.
Cleaning (Instrumentation): With special limes, we remove the infected tissue and clean the root canals.
Shutting down: We fill those ducts with a biocompatible material (gutapercha) to seal them hermetically.
Reconstruction: Finally, we restore the shape of the tooth to become functional again.
If you have doubts about the procedure, at our clinic we will explain every step in detail to make you feel calm before you start
How long does an endodontic last?
Here we must distinguish two concepts: the duration of the quote and the duration of the result.
The quote: Usually, an endodontics is performed in a single session between 60 and 90 minutesalthough complex cases may require two visits.
The result: Well done endodontics can last a lifetime. Success depends on proper oral hygiene and regular check-ups.
What is endodontics in a tooth?
The teeth (molars) are the pieces that support the most chewing work and, anatomically, are more complex than the previous teeth. Performing an endodont in a tooth involves treating a piece that usually has various roots and multiple ducts (sometimes curved or narrow).
Because of this complexity, it is vital to have advanced technology and skilled hands. If you have toothache, do not let it pass; Come and see us to see if the nerve is affected.
How much does a root canal cost?
The cost of endodontics is not fixed, as it varies depending on the complexity of the tooth (not an incisive than a molar) and the technology used (such as the endodontic microscope).
Consider this an investment in health: It will always be more economical to save your tooth with endodontics than to remove it and place a dental implant afterwards.
Types of endodontics
Treatment is mainly classified according to the number of roots and ducts in the affected tooth:
Multiradicular endodontics
It is done in teeth with two or more roots, typically the molars These are the most laborious procedures due to the number of ducts to be cleaned.
Biradicular endodontics
It is the treatment indicated for teeth with two roots, which are usually the premolars. Requires exact accuracy to locate both channels.
Binding endodontics
It is applied to single root teeth, such as incisors and canines (front teeth) They're usually faster to treat.
Dental crown endodontics
Although not a “type” of endodontics per se, is a fundamental part of success in tooth removal. By removing the nerve, the tooth loses hydration and becomes more fragile. In most cases, We recommend placing a crown (sheath) on endodontics to protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking when eating.
Does endodontics hurt?
This is the biggest myth. Endodontics do not hurt; endodontics relieves pain. Pain is caused by previous infection, not treatment. Thanks to modern local anesthesia, the procedure is totally comfortable.
You may feel slight discomfort or tenderness on the days after treatment, but it is easily controlled with common painkillers.
Endodontics pros and cons
It is important to be transparent. Here is an honest comparison:
Endodontics Advantages
Save your natural tooth: Maintains aesthetics and chewing function.
Eliminates pain and infection: Relief immediately.
More economical: Cheaper than removal and replacement by implant.
Stop the displacement: Prevents other teeth from moving into holes.
Disadvantages
Fragility: The tooth becomes weaker (“dry”) and may fracture if it is not adequately protected (so we insist on reconstruction or crown).
Time: It requires a long session with an open mouth.
Complex anatomy: In rare cases, very curved ducts may make treatment difficult (something we detected in the previous clinical diagnosis).
How long does it take to make an endodontic?
As mentioned above, the time in the dental chair usually oscillates between an hour and an hour and a halfOur goal is not to make it quick, but to make it perfect to ensure that the infection completely disappears.
Price of endodontics
To give you a closed and honest budget, we need to see your mouth. A generic price on the internet can lead to deception. In our clinic, the price will include:
Diagnostic and control X-rays.
Anesthesia.
The entire duct treatment.
Post-treatment review.
Endodontics and reconstruction price
It is essential to understand that endodontics (cleaning the interior) and reconstruction (covering the hole or putting the crown) are two distinct but complementary phases. Often, the final budget must add both concepts. An unreconstructed endodonted tooth is a tooth at risk of reinfection or fracture. On your first visit, we will give you the price broken down from both phases so that you have no surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does a tooth hurt with endodontics after years?
Although rare, it may occur if there is a fissure in the tooth, a new cavity under reconstruction, or if some accessory duct did not clean well in the past. come and see us urgently; it can often be solved with a re-endodance.
What hurts more an endodontics or an implant?
Neither should hurt during surgery due to anesthesia. However, postoperative endodontics is usually milder and faster than implant surgery.
Is it hard to pull out a tooth with endodontics?
If endodontics fails and the tooth needs to be removed, it may be a little more laborious because the tooth is more fragile and can break when trying to remove it. However, dental surgeons have techniques to do it atraumatically.
How long does an endodontic period last without a crown?
Depends on the amount of healthy tooth remaining. However, a dented tooth without crown has a very high risk of fracture (up to 6 times higher)Don't risk losing your tooth after you've cured it; ask us about dental crown options.
Can antibiotics be taken instead of endodontics?
I'm not resounding. Antibiotics can calm infection and pain temporarily, but They don't cure the problem.. The infection is inside the tooth, where the medication barely arrives because there is no blood circulation (the nerve is necrotized). If you only take medication, the infection will return more strongly. The only definitive solution is to clean the inside of the tooth mechanically.
Does the tooth get black after a root canal?
It used to happen often because of the materials used. Nowadays, with modern materials and current techniques, very rarely the tooth gets darker noticeably. If it comes to pass over the years, there are internal whitening treatments to return its original color.
Can I make normal life when I leave the clinic?
Yes, totally. Most of our patients return to work or to their daily activities just after they leave the clinic. You should only be cautious when eating for as long as your anesthesia lasts.
What if I don't get endodontics?
If you decide to ignore the infection, it will advance. First it will cause a painful abscess (flemon), destroy the bone that holds the tooth and finally, the tooth will be lost or will have to be removed urgently. Also, a chronic infection in the mouth can affect your general health (heart, diabetes, etc.). Don't put your health at risk out of fear, come see us and we'll fix it without pain.
General oral health information. Your dentist’s assessment is needed to tailor any recommendation to your individual circumstances.
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