Endodontic treatment (root canal treatment) is a high-precision micro-procedure aimed at eliminating infection inside the tooth. Contrary to old myths, today it is performed under effective anesthesia and is generally painless. If you experience acute pain, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible to prevent tooth loss.
When root canal treatment is necessary: indications
The main goal of endodontics is to save a tooth whose pulp (“nerve”) has been infected. Key indications include:
- deep caries: when bacteria have destroyed enamel and dentin, reaching the soft tissues;
- pulpitis: acute inflammation accompanied by pulsating pain;
- periodontitis: infection that has spread beyond the root into the bone;
- dental trauma: chips and fractures that expose the pulp.
A separate question patients often ask is whether to extract or treat a wisdom tooth if inflammation starts. The decision is always individual: if the “third molar” is positioned correctly and has an antagonist, high-quality root canal treatment can help preserve it for chewing. However, if the tooth is misaligned or severely decayed, the doctor may recommend extraction.
Key stages of treatment
The process requires surgical precision and takes place in several stages:
- Diagnosis and anesthesia. The doctor performs an X-ray (periapical or CT, depending on indications) and selects effective pain relief.
- Isolation (rubber dam). The tooth is isolated with a latex sheet to ensure sterility.
- Access and cleaning. Thorough cleaning of the dental canal begins using nickel-titanium instruments and antiseptic solutions. The doctor removes all tissue decay products and bacteria.
- Filling. The cleaned space is tightly filled with gutta-percha to prevent reinfection.
- Restoration. After the root canal treatment is complete, the crown part of the tooth is restored (with a filling or a crown).
Contraindications: when treatment is impossible
Unfortunately, in some cases, conservative treatment is ineffective:
- Vertical root fracture — cracks along the root cannot be restored.
- Massive destruction — if there is too little tissue left to secure a crown.
- Severe periodontitis — when the tooth has lost its bone support and is highly mobile.
What to expect after the procedure: recovery period
It is important to understand that root canal treatment is an intervention in deep tissues, so post-filling sensitivity may persist for the first 2–3 days. This is a normal bodily reaction to antiseptic processing and filling the canals with material. Usually, discomfort occurs only when applying pressure to the tooth and gradually fades away.
If the pain intensifies or swelling appears, you must contact your doctor immediately. However, in most cases, if the endodontic treatment is performed correctly, the patient returns to their normal life as soon as the anesthesia wears off. The main thing is not to delay the installation of a permanent crown, as a “dead” tooth becomes more brittle and needs reliable protection from chewing loads.
Safety and prognosis
Thanks to modern devices (endo-motors and apex locators), the success rate of primary endodontic treatment reaches 90–95% when protocols are followed. A properly treated tooth can function for many years.
Important! Do not wait until the pain becomes unbearable. Timely endodontic treatment avoids extraction and expensive implantation in the future. If you have any concerns, it is best to book a preventive check-up with your dentist immediately.
