Endodontic treatment is needed when, in the case of untreated caries or trauma, micro-organisms enter the tooth pulp through dentin tubules. This is followed by inflammation of the pulp – pulpitis (commonly known as “nerve” inflammation). It usually manifests itself as pain or sensitivity to cold/hot stimuli. If left untreated, pulp inflammation spreads beyond the root of the tooth to the surrounding bone. This is followed by apical periodontitis – inflammation of the tissues around the root. The patient feels pain when chewing or touching the tooth, and the tooth feels “lifted”. An abscess can be grasped next to the tooth, and an “abscess” (fistula) can be seen through which the pus is separated. If left untreated, such a tooth may have to be removed due to inflammation in the bone.

If the inflammation of the pulp is chronic and the patient does not feel pain, the lesion can be diagnosed during the examination and radiological examination. A discoloured tooth can be a warning of a “dead” tooth. In all these cases, endodontic treatment is required after the necessary tests have been carried out and a diagnosis has been made.

To avoid endodontic treatment, it is important to:
– timely diagnosis and treatment of tooth decay;
– regular oral hygiene and oral health assessment;
– X-rays on request.

Root canal treatment, like all other medical procedures, is not guaranteed. To a very large extent, the life of an endodontically treated tooth will depend on:

– the proper restoration of the crown (whether the tooth was properly restored with restorative material, or whether it was prostheticised in time if necessary);
– the position of the treated tooth in the dental arch (participation in the denture design);
– the resulting chewing load;
– the periodontal condition, i.e. the condition of the tissues surrounding the tooth;
– general oral health.

In cases where root canal treatment under microscopy is required, e.g. complex root canal anatomy, “calcified” root canals, etc., we refer the patient to our collaborating colleagues who treat root canals under microscopy.

Recommended:

– an X-ray of the problem tooth (which provides a more accurate view and assessment of the condition of the roots of the specific tooth than a panoramic X-ray);
– Timely professional oral hygiene is always preferred;
– proper personal oral hygiene to work in a “clean environment”.