Root treatment

A tooth consists of enamel, dentin and pulp (nerve). If there is inflammation of the tooth, the dentist must root treat the tooth to preserve it.

When does a tooth need to be root treated?

When the pulp (nerve) is damaged/inflamed or dead, it is necessary to do root treatment to preserve the tooth. Most root treatments result from caries attacks (holes) that have come all the way to the nerve, the bacteria will then be able to get in to the nerve and cause irritation. The result can be the development of inflammation of the nerve, and if the infection is left untreated also in the jaw bone around the tooth root. Such inflammation at the root tip can after some time be seen as a dark shadow on the X-ray because the jaw bone dissolves. The inflammations can eventually also develop into a tooth abscess or a cyst. One may also need root treatment for, for example, a blow to the tooth, fracture of the tooth/root or other causes.

Treatment

The root treatment aims to preserve the tooth by removing nerve tissue and bacteria, then the root canals are filled with root filling material. One often needs several visits to the dental clinic to complete a root canal.

The dentist starts by isolating the tooth from the rest of the mouth. This is done by having the dentist put on the trunk pond over the other teeth, see illustration. The dentist wants to keep it as clean as possible while working, the suitcase pond protects against saliva and bacteria entering the tooth, it also prevents the instrument and preparations used in the treatment from ending up in the mouth.

Tooth and trunk pond are washed with disinfectant before moving on. Inside, the tooth is flushed with sodium hypochlorite, this can smell a little chlorine, ie as it does in swimming pools. Kofferdam is a very important part in the treatment.

Once the dentist has opened the tooth in to the nerve and put the trunk pond in place, the thorough cleaning of the root canals can begin and all nerve tissue in the tooth is then removed. The purge is done with the help of special instruments. When the dentist finishes cleaning, the root canal (s) are disinfected and filled with a root filling material, or a temporary insert.

Many patients think that the dentist “takes away” the inflammation, there is a misconception. The dentist cleans the tooth and removes the cause of the inflammation, giving the body better conditions to be able to deal with the inflammation itself. In most cases, healing goes well, but there may also be factors at the tooth that make healing either slower or not successful. In those cases when the treatment does not achieve the desired result, a small surgical intervention may be required, in which the remaining inflammation is removed.

After root treatment

After the root treatment, for a few days you may often experience slight, transient pain or feel the tooth grinding slightly — it is “different”. These symptoms normally pass, but if the pain continues or that they gradually increase, you need to contact the dentist. After the tooth is rooted, the dentist must put a regular filling on top. If the tooth is severely weakened, then crown will be the most appropriate option. This means that overall treatment can be relatively expensive. Some root-treated teeth will change color over time. The dentist gives advice on what should be done if you find the color change unsightly.

Final result

Root treatment is often relatively complicated, and the end result is largely dependent on how the tooth root is designed from the side of nature. The final result after root treatment can not be established until after a certain time. Usually the dentist follows up with a check-up after about one year. You will then know if the result is fully satisfactory, whether you need a new post-check or if more treatment is needed.

Remember

Always ask your dentist if there is anything you want to know more about. They also have the opportunity to give you a cost estimate before the treatment, and in cases where it exceeds 5000 kr this should be given.