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ενδοδοντική θεραπεία

Endodontic treatment - 
Root canal treatment

What is Endodontic Treatment?

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Endodontic treatment, also known as root canal treatment, is a dental procedure designed to retain a severely damaged or infected tooth in the dental barrier. This specialized process is essential to maintaining our oral health by eliminating infection, pain and inflammation. During endodontic treatment, the inflamed, infected or dead pulp of the tooth is removed and then the tooth is sealed and restored with a filling (filling), crown (case) or some other prosthetic work. Carrying out an endodontic treatment is often the only solution to avoid an unwanted extraction of the tooth and to preserve our natural tooth so that we do not have to resort to the placement of a dental implant or bridge. In fact, it is a treatment that,if it is done under the right conditions and with the necessary materials and techniques, it has very high success rates that reach 96%.

When is endodontic treatment required?

Endodontic treatment is necessary when the tooth pulp becomes infected or inflamed or dead due to various causes, including:

1. Deep caries: When a caries is not treated in time and ends up very close to or inside the pulp of the tooth.
2. Trauma: Fractures and fissures that reach the pulp of the tooth or injuries severe enough to cause inflammation or necrosis.
3. Repeated dental procedures: Multiple dental procedures on the same tooth can sometimes lead to pulp inflammation
4. Extensive periodontal lesions (gum diseases) that eventually affect the inside of the tooth.

An endodontic treatment may also be necessary for prosthetic reasons. In these cases the general dentist decides that a tooth should be treated endodontically so that it can be properly and safely used in a dental treatment.

Unfortunately, an infected tooth cannot heal itself or be treated with antibiotics alone and if the tooth is left untreated in the mouth then we risk worse infections and abscesses, pain, bone loss and eventually tooth loss.

The procedure

1.Diagnosis: Your dentist will perform a thorough examination, including x-rays, to evaluate the condition of your tooth and determine the degree of damage or infection.

2.Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is applied to numb the tooth and the area around it, ensuring you are comfortable and pain free during the procedure.

3.Access : A small opening is made in the surface of the tooth to access the area where the infected pulp is located.

4.Cleaning and Shaping the Root System: The infected or damaged pulp is carefully removed, and the root canals are cleaned and shaped to remove any debris and bacteria.

5.Obturation: The treated root canals are hermetically sealed with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha to prevent reinfection. The tooth is then filled with a temporary material and the patient returns to their dentist for the final restoration.

6.Restoration: In many cases, a tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment may require additional restoration, such as a dental crown, to strengthen and protect it.

An endodontic treatment can usually be completed in one appointment although there are cases where two or more appointments will be needed.

What to expect after endodontic treatment

After endodontic treatment, it is common to feel some mild discomfort or sensitivity, which can usually be managed with anti-inflammatory medications recommended by the endodontist and should subside within a few days. It is important to follow any instructions you are given to ensure a proper recovery.

The advantages of endodontic treatment

Endodontic treatment offers many advantages:

1.Pain Relief: Effectively eliminates pain and discomfort associated with tooth infections.

2.Preservation of Natural Teeth: Allows you to keep your natural teeth, which are vital for maintaining proper oral function and aesthetics.

3.Prevention of the Spread of Infection: Endodontic treatment prevents the spread of infection to surrounding teeth and tissues, contributing to overall oral health.

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