Dental endodontics is a treatment known by many people as "killing the nerve". It is a treatment that consists of removing the part inside the tooth when it is damaged. Once the infected part is removed, it is cleaned well inside and filled with a special material.
In most cases, root canal treatment is performed to get rid of a toothache or pain caused by an injury to the tooth. If not detected and treated in time, it is possible for the infection to spread to other parts of the body.
The endodontist uses special tools to remove all remaining pulp tissue from inside the tooth so that no bacteria remain. He then fills the tooth with a particular tool, which expands when heated with heat from a light source called an endodontic lamp. This technique allows more room for nerves and blood vessels to grow into new areas of the jaw, where they will be able to support future root implants without causing more damage than necessary, while giving them time to heal before they are exposed to further surgery later on (usually 1-3 months after the initial treatment is completed).
Preparation to perform endodontics
The first thing to do when you feel discomfort in your mouth or pain is to see a specialist for a check-up. Regardless of whether the discomfort is mild.
The dentist will carry out the necessary revisions and will advise you to make the most appropriate decision for your specific case. It is very important that before undergoing any operation of this type, you are well aware of the associated risks, such as tooth loss or nerve damage.
Post-endodontic care
It is very common to feel some kind of discomfort or inflammation once the intervention has been performed. Your dentist will probably prescribe some medication to help relieve these symptoms, such as anti-inflammatory drugs.
As a general rule, after the process it is necessary to carry out a series of X-rays to check that the result is as expected and that everything has gone perfectly.
It will be possible to lead a normal life from the day after the endodontic procedure, although it is advisable not to chew hard food with that area until at least a couple of days have passed.
Alternative solutions to endodontics
Nowadays it is not possible to find an alternative solution to root canals. The only thing that can be done in this case would be to remove the infected tooth and replace it with an implant. This option is not usually recommended, since you would be losing one of your teeth and according to advances in technology, it is possible that in the future there will be treatments to regenerate the inner part of the teeth.
There are a number of guidelines to help us avoid undergoing this treatment:
- Brushing teeth at least twice a day
- Use dental floss to remove debris that accumulates in areas that cannot be reached by the toothbrush.
- Use toothpaste containing fluoride.
- Use mouthwash frequently
- Avoid acidic beverages
- Use dental protectors in case of bruxism.
- Avoid eating hard foods
Maintaining good oral hygiene will help you keep your mouth healthy and avoid having to undergo this type of intervention. If you suffer from pain or discomfort, do not hesitate to contact a dentist or specialist for a check-up.
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