What is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment or devitalization, is a treatment that involves removing the nerve (pulp) of the tooth, which is contained in small canals on the inside of the tooth, and cleaning, disinfecting and sealing the canals. The aim is to remove bacteria and prevent the growth of new ones. Once the treatment has been carried out, the dentist will reconstruct the tooth, which is necessary to protect it and restore its full function.
When is root canal treatment necessary? When the nerve is inflamed due to a very large and deep dental caries or when the nerve has died due to trauma or a caries that has not been fully treated. Basically, in all those cases where bacteria manage to penetrate into the pulp and canals of the tooth.
How is root canal treatment performed?
In order to get to the innermost part of the tooth where the nerve attacked by bacteria resides, a hole must be made in the occlusal surface of the tooth.
Through this opening, the pulp is removed and the root canal is cleaned, disinfected and sealed with a special material to prevent the build-up of new bacteria. The dentist will then reconstruct the tooth.
Advantages and disadvantages of root canal treatment
Advantages:
Through root canal treatment it is possible to:
– eliminate pain
– remove bacteria and inflamed and infected tissue from inside the tooth
– save the tooth permanently, avoiding extraction
Disadvantages:
– slight discomfort may occur after treatment
– in some cases it is necessary to encapsulate the tooth
– if the bacteria are very aggressive and the infection is extensive, it is sometimes necessary to perform a dental apicoectomy.