If you are experiencing severe pain in a tooth, you may need a root canal treatment. But what exactly is a root canal and how does it work? In this article, we will give you everything you need to know about this dental procedure, including its benefits and the care required after undergoing it.
This treatment, also known as endodontics, is a procedure performed when the soft tissue inside a tooth, called the dental pulp, is inflamed or infected. During the process, the endodontist will remove the damaged pulp, clean the root canal, and then seal the tooth to prevent future infections.
In addition to relieving pain, it has several benefits. Not only do they save the affected tooth, but they also prevent the spread of infection to other parts of the mouth.
After undergoing a root canal, it is important to take good care of your tooth to avoid complications. This includes practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding hard foods, and maintaining regular visits to the dentist.
In short, root canal treatment is an effective solution to relieve pain and save a damaged tooth. Read on to learn more about this important dental procedure and the care required afterward.
Table of Content
What is a Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontics or RCT, is a dental procedure performed when the soft tissue inside a tooth, called the dental pulp, is inflamed or infected.
During the process, the dentist will remove the damaged pulp, clean the root canal, and then seal the tooth to prevent future infections.
The main goal of this treatment is to save the affected tooth and relieve the pain the patient may be experiencing.
It is a commonly recommended procedure when a tooth decay has reached the pulp of the tooth or when there is an infection in the root.
It is performed under local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort during the procedure.
Once the treatment has been performed, a final restoration is made to seal the treated tooth so that it should be able to function and remain in the mouth for many years.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment offers several important benefits to patients. Some of them are listed below:
- Tooth Salvation: The main goal of root canal treatment is to save the affected tooth rather than extract it. This is especially important when it comes to back teeth, which play a crucial role in chewing and dental function.
- Pain Relief: Inflammation or infection in the dental pulp can cause severe and persistent pain. Root canal treatment removes the source of the pain, thus alleviating the patient’s discomfort.
- Infection Prevention: When the dental pulp is infected, there is a risk of the infection spreading to other parts of the mouth. By performing root canal treatment, the infection is removed and its spread is prevented.
- Restoration of Dental Function: After a successful root canal treatment, the treated tooth should be able to function normally. This means that the patient will be able to chew and speak without discomfort.
- Improving appearance: By preserving the natural tooth instead of removing it, root canal treatment also helps maintain an aesthetic appearance.
Statistics on Root Canal Treatment
Below are some relevant statistics about this treatment:
- According to the American Association of Endodontists, about 15 million RCT are performed each year in the United States. 1
- A study published in the Journal of Endodontics found that root canal treatment has a 95% to 97% success rate, meaning that the vast majority of treated cases are successful in the long term. 2
- The same research has also shown that root canal treatment may be more effective in terms of quality of life and long-term cost compared to tooth extraction followed by implant placement.
Who Performs a Root Canal Treatment?
Due to the meticulous nature of this technique, this procedure is performed by a Specialist Dentist in the area, a Endodontist
At the Asiri Dental Center in Quito we have fully trained endodontists so that your root canal treatment in Quito, Ecuador is going to be successful.
To carry them out safely and reliably, the specialist has special equipment, for example, rotary endodontic instruments, ultrasound and apex locators.
Photo: Asiri
What Happens if a Root Canal Treatment is not Performed Well?
There are many causes that can lead to the failure of a root canal treatment, which is why it is so important that it be performed by a specialist.
The main flaw that leads us to endodontic retreatment is that the “filling” does not hermetically seal the root canal (inside the root of the tooth).
This lack of sealing opens the way to the entry of bacteria that end up contaminating the interior of the tooth
This is when a endodontic retreatment or reendodontia; which is by If a somewhat more complex procedure than the first treatment.
For this reason, more than the price, it is much more important that you go to professionals who really have extensive experience in endodontics .
In addition to experience, they must have the instruments and equipment necessary for successful treatment.
Why Root Canal Matters?
Our teeth are essential for our life, they allow us to chew, they intervene in speech and in the maintenance of the bone tissue of our jaw.
Losing a tooth reduces these functions and also has adverse effects on other teeth neighboring the lost tooth.
When a tooth is lost, the chewing “companion” tooth also tends to come out in search of its antagonist.
Endodontics keeps teeth in the mouth that would otherwise have been lost and places neighboring teeth at high risk as well.
Hence the high value of this dental specialty in keeping teeth in the mouth.
When is a Root Canal Treatment Necessary?
Having a RTC is a decision that only your trusted dentist or endodontic dentist can determine.
An assessment should be carried out in the clinic evaluating your symptoms as the response of the tooth to stimuli such as cold, heat or percussion (tapping).
Similarly, a periapical X-ray is performed (a very close shot of the affected tooth) to evaluate the disease it presents
This radiograph also shows the length and shape of the roots of the tooth, allowing to define the endodontic technique to be used.
Root Canal Treatment Procedure
The RTC procedure is usually carried out in several stages. The step-by-step process is outlined below:
- Evaluation and Diagnosis: The dentist will perform a complete evaluation of the patient’s dental condition, which will include x-rays to identify the location and severity of the infection. An accurate diagnosis will be made before treatment begins.
- Local Anesthesia: Before treatment begins, local anesthesia will be administered to numb the area and ensure that the patient is comfortable during the procedure.
- Root Canal Access: The dentist will make a small opening in the affected tooth to access the root canal. This is done using specialized dental instruments.
- Removing Damaged Pulp: Once the root canal has been accessed, the dentist will carefully remove the damaged or infected pulp. This is done using files and other dental instruments.
- Root Canal Cleaning and Disinfection: After removing the damaged pulp, the dentist will clean and disinfect the root canal using antimicrobial solutions. This will help remove any remaining bacteria or debris.
- Root Canal Filling: Once the root canal is clean and disinfected, it will be filled with a filling material to seal the tooth and prevent future infection. Gutta-percha, a biocompatible material, is commonly used.
- Dental Restoration: After root canal treatment is completed, additional dental restoration, such as a crown, inlay/onlay or filling, may be needed to strengthen the treated tooth and restore its appearance and function.
- Follow-Up and Postoperative Care: Your dentist will provide detailed instructions on root canal treatment post-care. This may include guidelines on oral hygiene, diet, and the use of pain medications.
Post-endodontic Restoration
After performing a root canal, the rehabilitation specialist must evaluate the condition in which the outer part of the tooth (crown) was left.
After this evaluation, the type of restoration that is needed to be able to rehabilitate the tooth in its entirety is determined.
There are several options for dental rehabilitation or restorations that can be performed:
The decision is made based on the amount of remaining walls of the tooth that underwent endodontics
The simplest possible restore has the highest priority. Thus, more options are available ahead of time when the chosen option already expires.
This restoration must be carried out in a period not exceeding 15 days to avoid the risk of failure due to reinfections.
In this case, the root canal treatment is lost and a re-endodontia is required, which is a more delicate process than the same normal treatment.
General Indications After Root Canal Treatment
For a period of no more than 15 days after the root canal treatment is finished, it is necessary to carry out a definitive restoration (amalgam, resin, inlay or crown), which are additional procedures with other risks and costs, otherwise there is a risk of coronary leakage and therefore symptomatic apical periodontitis with frequent discomfort and subsequent persistence of apical lesions that could lead to the failure of endodontic treatment and in more severe cases, root fracture and loss of the dental unit.
The treatment must be completed in the sessions indicated by the physician, although the initial procedures eliminate the symptoms, such as pain and inflammation, otherwise the symptoms and lesions may reappear or advance, compromising the prognosis.
In general terms, the medication indicated by your dentist should be followed to the letter, which is focused on reducing pain, inflammation and in some cases infection:
- Practice good oral hygiene: Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly is essential to maintaining good oral health. This will help prevent plaque buildup and cavities from forming on the treated tooth.
- Avoid hard and sticky foods: For the first few days after treatment, it is advisable to avoid hard and sticky foods that can damage the treated tooth. Opt for soft, easy-to-chew foods such as soups, purees, and cooked foods.
- Avoid hot foods and drinks: The treated tooth may be sensitive after treatment, so it is advisable to avoid hot foods and drinks for a while. Opt for room temperature or cold foods and drinks.
- Schedule regular visits to the dentist: It is important to schedule regular visits to the dentist for dental checkups and cleanings. This will help monitor the health of the treated tooth and prevent any future problems.
- Take medications as directed: If you are prescribed medications for pain or to prevent infection, be sure to follow the dentist’s directions and take the medications as prescribed.
- Watch for any signs of complications: If you experience severe pain, swelling, or any other signs of complications after root canal treatment, you should contact your dentist immediately.
Risks and Discomforts
Although with very low probabilities and as in any medical / dental procedure, there are certain risks that are run when performing a root canal treatment. Here is a list of them:
- Postoperative discomfort can last a few hours to several days and for which medication is indicated, if necessary
- Fractures of the tooth or an instrument within the canal
- Perforation of the root canal
- Worsening of the existing pathology
- Changes in tooth color.
- Inflammation of surrounding tissues
- Temporary limitation in the opening of the mouth.
- Depending on the infection situation in which the tooth is located and although the correct technique is carried out, the treatment may not be successful, and it may be necessary to carry out another treatment such as retreatment or apical surgery or extraction.
- The substances used can cause bruising, pain and inflammation
Alternatives to Root Canals
In some situations, root canal treatment may not be the best option or may not be possible to perform. In such cases, alternatives may be considered to address the dental problem. Some common alternatives to root canal treatment include:
- Tooth Extraction: In cases where the tooth is severely damaged or infected and cannot be saved, tooth extraction may be the only viable option. However, it is important to consider tooth replacement options, such as dental implants or dentures, to maintain function and aesthetics.
- Antibiotics and Pain Medications: In cases where the patient cannot undergo root canal treatment right away, antibiotics and pain medications may be prescribed to control the infection and relieve discomfort until proper treatment can be performed.
It is important to discuss with your dentist the alternatives available in your specific case and make an informed decision about the appropriate treatment.
Common Myths About Root Canal Treatment
Despite being a common dental procedure, there are several myths and misconceptions about root canal treatment. Below are some of the most common myths debunked:
- It is painful: Root canal treatment is actually performed under local anesthesia, which means that the patient should not feel pain during the procedure. Additionally, the treatment relieves pain caused by infection in the dental pulp.
- Extracting the tooth is better than a root canal treatment: In most cases, it is preferable to save the natural tooth rather than extract it. Root canal treatment is an effective way to preserve the tooth and restore its function, avoiding the need for dentures or implants in many cases.
- It causes disease: There is a common misconception that root canal treatment can cause disease in other parts of the body. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. In fact, root canal treatment helps prevent the spread of dental infections to other areas of the mouth.
- It is a long procedure: Although the time it takes to complete a root canal treatment can vary depending on the complexity of the case, in most cases it can be done in one or two visits to the dentist. The process is generally quick and effective.
- RTC is not successful in the long term: Contrary to this myth, studies have shown that root canal treatment has a high long-term success rate. With proper care and regular dental follow-up, the treated tooth can last for many years and even a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Treatment
Below are some FAQs about RTC:
How long a root canal treatment take?
The time required can vary depending on the complexity of the case. In general, it may take one to two visits to the dentist to complete the procedure.
Is root canal treatment painful?
RTC is performed under local anesthesia, which means that the patient should not feel any pain during the procedure. However, you may experience some tenderness or mild discomfort after the treatment, but this should subside over time.
What happens if I don’t have a root canal treatment done?
If a root canal infection is left untreated, the infection can spread to other areas of your mouth and cause more serious complications. Additionally, you are likely to experience severe and persistent pain due to inflammation in the dental pulp.
Can I eat normally after a root canal treatment?
After a root canal treatment, it is advisable to avoid hard and sticky foods for the first few days to allow the treated tooth to recover. However, once the area has healed, you can eat normally.
Is root canal treatment permanent?
In most cases, root canal treatment is permanent. However, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and schedule regular visits to the dentist to ensure that the treated tooth remains in good condition.
Price of a Root Canal Treatment in Ecuador
The cost of depends on several factors such as the number of roots of the tooth to be treated and the level of difficulty of the treatment , below we list the most important
Amount of Tooth Roots to be Treated:
It follows that the price is different for a treatment on single root teeth such as front teeth or teeth with several roots such as premolars or molars .
Level of Treatment Difficulty:
At this point there are many variables, but the most important are:
Patient’s Medical History:
- Existence or not of Pregnancy
- Cardiovascular disease
- Infectious contagious disease
- Mental disorders
- Congenital diseases
Problems With Local Anesthesia:
- Depth of analgesia
- Need for anesthesia without vasoconstrictor
General Factors:
- Patient susceptible to nausea
- Patient has difficulty opening the mouth
- Difficulty taking oral X-rays
Presence of Calcifications:
- Inside the chamber
- Inside the canal
Anatomy of the Canals or Ducts
- Number of canals
- Regular bends
- Angulations / dilacerations
- Apical bends
- Bifurcations
- State of the apex (closed, open …)
In general terms, the price of a root canal in Ecuador, when performed by a certified endodontist is around $ 180 for front teeth, $ 200 for premolars and $ 240 for molars
These prices do not include the final restoration
Conclusions
Saving your teeth through root canal treatment is a decision that goes far beyond its price.
The experience of the endodontist who is going to perform the treatment is a key factor in ensuring the success of the procedure.
Making a mistake in this choice can lead to the permanent loss of your tooth or in the best of cases, spending much more money having to have a root canal retreatment.
References
- American Association of Endodontists, Root Canal Explained disponible en: https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/what-is-a-root-canal/root-canal-explained/ ↩︎
- Elemam RF, Pretty I. Comparison of the success rate of endodontic treatment and implant treatment. ISRN Dent. 2011;2011:640509. doi: 10.5402/2011/640509. Epub 2011 Jun 15. PMID: 21991484; PMCID: PMC3168915. ↩︎
- Chrepa, V, Konstantinidis, I, Kotsakis, GA, Mitsias, ME. The survival of indirect composite resin onlays for the restoration of root filled teeth: a retrospective medium-term study. International Endodontic Journal, 47, 967– 973, 2014.. Disponible en: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/iej.12242 ↩︎
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