Endodontics (root canal treatment) is the treatment of the inside of the tooth. This treatment can often save a tooth if caries has eaten through to the inside.
Here you will find all the important information as well as qualified endodontics specialists and centers.
Endodontics or endodontology is the medical treatment of the inside of the tooth, specifically the treatment of the pulp and the root of the tooth. It is also known as root canal treatment.
Even if the inflammation of the tooth root is very advanced or the pulp is already dead, the tooth does not have to be extracted prematurely. With the help of endodontics, the tooth can usually be saved.
For many people, an appointment at the dentist is associated with great inhibitions. They prefer to take painkillers for fear of the treatment pain. This delaying tactic can lead to a tooth having to be extracted in the end.
However, unlike in the past, root canal treatment is hardly painful today. Carried out by dentists specially trained in endodontics, this treatment is successful in up to 95 percent of cases.
Illustration of endodontics (root canal treatment) © Alexandr Mitiuc | AdobeStock
From the outside, a tooth consists of the crown and the root. The crown is part of the masticatory apparatus. It is covered with enamel, the hardest material in the human body, and protrudes from the gums.
The root of the tooth, which protrudes into the jaw and lies underneath, consists of dentin (dental bone), which encloses and protects the pulp dentis (the dental pulp).
The pulp is the soft tissue in the root canal. It consists of
The blood vessels supply the teeth with nutrients.
Once the tooth is fully grown, it no longer needs the dental pulp to remain anchored in the jaw. Its task of nourishing the tooth during the growth period is over.
Nevertheless, it is important to protect teeth from disease. Inadequate dental care is the breeding ground for bacterial caries. If tooth decay occurs, prompt treatment is important. Otherwise it will literally "eat" its way through the crown of the tooth and through the dentine into the root of the tooth.
Bacterial invasion is noticeable through
Pulp attacked by caries © sinhyu | AdobeStock
If it finally comes to dental diseases such as
it is high time for an appointment with an endodontics specialist.
Once the causes of the disease have been eliminated, the inflammation disappears and the symptoms cease.
If you come to the practice with severe toothache, you are considered an emergency case.
Before treatment, the dentist will carry out a thorough examination. He will ask about the location of the pain and test your sensitivity to cold, heat and pressure. This will reveal whether it is acute reversible pulpitis or acute irreversible pulpitis, for example.
In addition, he will arrange for an X-ray to be taken, which will provide information about the exact location and extent of the inflammation. The 3D X-ray provides more precise images, but this is not necessary in most cases.
Here is a brief summary of the endodontic treatment procedure:
To support the stability of root-treated teeth, dentists usually recommend crowns or partial crowns. In addition to stability, the crown protects against renewed bacterial colonization.
Patients feel virtually no pain during root canal treatment. Only postoperatively can tooth sensitivity occur for a few days.
Endodontic treatment is largely painless © Antonioguillem | AdobeStock
In most cases, patients are pain-free after an endodontic procedure. If the treated tooth hurts a little, painkillers can help. The pain usually disappears within the first week.
A final X-ray is taken after around six months to check the treatment and ensure that it has been successful.
You should refrain from eating and drinking while the local anesthetic is working. Otherwise there is a risk of injury to the mouth due to incorrect bites or food or drink that is too hot or too cold.
As with any medical treatment, there is a certain risk of complications after endodontic treatment.
More common complications that may occur during or after treatment include
If the treatment was unsuccessful, there is the possibility of a new root canal treatment (root canal revision). If this measure is also unsuccessful, surgical removal of the inflamed root tip remains.
If all attempts to preserve the tooth have failed, the tooth must be extracted. The resulting tooth gap is replaced by an artificial tooth root(implant) or a bridge.
The specialty of endodontics is an important part of dental studies. An endodontics specialist has undergone additional training in this field after completing their studies in dentistry. The duration of further training varies depending on the provider and can range from several days to several years.
You can find your endodontics specialist here and contact them directly!
The inside of the tooth can be treated during endodontics using fine instruments and precise technical devices. A damaged tooth can often still be saved in this way.
Unfortunately, statutory health insurance companies only cover the treatment costs of simple root canal treatments. Additional measures, such as electrical root canal length measurement, are private services that patients have to pay for themselves.
Nevertheless, endodontics is a blessing for anyone suffering from toothache. It gives patients the chance to keep their natural teeth into old age. The treatment itself is painless thanks to the local anesthetic.
The Leading Medicine Guide's quality assurance is ensured by the following acceptance prerequisites.
