Root canal treatment is a method of dentistry that serves to preserve the diseased tooth. Root canal treatment is intended to remove the inflammation from the affected tooth.
For example, a treatment of the root canal after an accident or caries may be necessary. Certainly, root canal treatment is one of the most unpopular methods - but modern procedures allow a painless procedure that can prevent artificial dentistry or tooth transplantation.
Root canal treatment is necessary when the tooth nerve is inflamed. This is located inside the tooth, in the so-called pulp. In case of a pronounced caries disease or an accident with tooth damage, bacteria can penetrate into the tooth interior and trigger an infection there. If this inflammation is not treated, the infection may spread to the jawbone. The only way to get the affected tooth is tooth rooting. Alternatively, the dentist must pull the inflamed tooth.
Various complaints may indicate that root canal treatment is necessary. These include:
Often, no symptoms occur, so that the inflammation is discovered only by accident in the X-ray.
Before the actual root canal treatment, the dentist examines the tooth and takes an X-ray. This allows him to document the initial situation and to compare the results after treatment.
Prior to treatment, you will receive local anesthesia so that you feel as little as possible of the root canal treatment. In order to remove inflammatory areas of the pulp, the dentist uses fine files of various diameters and other special equipment. For the removal of the pathogens additionally disinfecting and antibacterial rinsing solutions are used. The further course of the root canal treatment then depends primarily on the degree of inflammation and also on the method of operation of the dentist. Some dentists dry and disinfect the canals with a laser, other dentists place an antibacterial insert in the tooth that must remain there for a few days.
At the end of the root canal treatment, however, patients always receive a permanent root filling. To fill the tooth, the dentist can choose different materials. Most dentists use the rubbery gutta-percha and sealing cement. For aesthetic reasons, many patients wish that the tooth is additionally crowned. An artificial crown or a tooth-colored insert filling made of ceramic can not only imitate the missing tooth substance visually, it also ensures more stability.
Root canal treatment, like any medical intervention, involves risks and complications. These include, for example:
A root canal session usually takes between one and three hours. In most cases, the root canal treatment is completed. However, more complex cases with a high degree of inflammation may require more appointments.
How much root canal treatment costs depends, on the one hand, on the effort required by the treatment. On the other hand, the costs are also based on the billing of the doctor. Most dentists calculate the root canal treatment according to the fee regulations for dentists (FRD). The average cost is between 500 and 2000 euros. Usually, root canal treatment is more expensive with a molar than with an anterior tooth, as molars have four tooth roots.
Whether the health insurance pays the root canal depends on whether the affected tooth was classified as worth preserving. If there are other injuries such as tooth decay or periodontitis, the tooth is in most cases not considered worthy of preservation. The health insurance does not cover the costs of treatment in this case.
Whether the supplementary insurance covers the costs of root canal treatment completely or at least partially depends on the chosen tariff.
In order not to endanger the success of the treatment, you should pay attention to some special features after the root canal treatment. In particular, as long as the anesthetic still works, you should refrain from hot drinks or food. Because of the anesthesia, you can not properly estimate temperatures, which can cause burns. Basically, you should wait about an hour to eat something again. After this time, the filling that protects the root canal is hardened in any case.
But beware: the tooth is not as stable as a healthy tooth. It is therefore recommended not to include particularly hard foods such as nuts in the diet. Since dairy products can promote the growth of bacteria in the mouth, it is advisable to forego it in the first days after root canal treatment. Particularly suitable are soft foods such as soups, stews or fruit pulp.
Many athletic patients wonder when they can do sports after a root canal treatment. Normal sports activities can theoretically resume one day after the session. Nevertheless, it is advisable to give the body some rest for a few days.
In general, you have to expect swelling and pain after a tooth root canal treatment. Cooling pads or moist pads can alleviate the discomfort. However, you should make sure that you do not put ice packs directly on the skin. In consultation with your dentist, you can also take over-the-counter medicines with painkillers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Since the treated tooth is still quite sensitive, you should avoid the affected area when brushing your teeth. It is also advisable to do without dental floss or water flossing for a few days.
Whether the root canal treatment has brought the desired success, only the dentist can check. In any case, make sure to attend the check-up, even if you may be painless.
A stable and healthy jawbone is the prerequisite for a dental implant. Often, however, the bone has receded due to missing teeth and does not provide sufficient support for an implant. Accordingly, a sinus lift has the task of rebuilding the jawbone in the upper jaw.
If the natural tooth crown, that is, the externally visible part of the tooth, is too badly damaged, the dentist often suggests the attachment a dental crown. This is the case when the tooth stump is still stable enough and at least 50 percent tooth substance is still present.
