Root canal treatment - Methods

The insides of our teeth contain a hollow area known as the pulpa (dental nerve). This is surrounded by the tooth bone (dentin) and the enamel casing, which both protect the dental nerve from bacteria. Should caries spread into the insides of the teeth, they can penetrate into the pulpa and cause inflammation (pulpitis), which can ultimately lead to the pulpa dying off. Inflammation manifests itself above all in the form of increased sensitivity to heat and cold as well as lingering toothaches. In some cases, the inflammation and subsequent dying off of the pulpa can take place without the patient noticing.² Two different forms of pulpitis can be distinguished: reversible pulpitis, in which the nerves can be recovered if treated in time, and irreversible pulpitis, in which the pulpa dies off and can no longer be recovered.³

The consequence of not treating pulpitis is spreading of the inflammation (inflammation of the dental root apex or apical periodontitis), which can eventually reach the jawbone (apical abscess). In the worst case scenario, inflammation of the jawbone can advance into the soft parts of the face and neck.⁴

Root canal treatment, also called endodontic treatment, should be initiated if the pulpa is severely inflammed or has already died off. The unhealthy pulpa is removed, the inflammation is healed, and further advances of the bacteria into the jawbone are prevented.⁵ The affected tooth can remain in the mouth without the pulpa and still perform its functions.
A further reason for root canal treatement would be damage to the tooth and pulpa caused by accidents.⁶

Root canal treatment consists of several stages: root canal conditioning (localisation, cleaning, and formation of an inlet canal for bacterial aborticide) and root canal filling.⁷

Guest - 06.01.2012 - 1:54

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