The core of the tooth consists of nerves and blood vessels. They enter through tiny canals in the roots of the teeth. The number of roots and canals varies depending on the type of tooth and sometimes there are individual differences. Damage to the tooth can cause inflammation of the dental pulp. In many cases, it is combined with a bacterial infection. The most common causes of pulpal inflammation are:

• deep tooth decay (dental cavities);
• trauma (including trauma from an extensive dental restoration);
• impaired structural integrity (a crack or fracture of the tooth).

Since there is a hard tissue called bone around the roots of the teeth, the swelling that accompanies the inflammation causes pressure buildup that manifests as pain. This is called pulpitis. In some cases, if the pulp is not completely covered by the hard dental tissue, the pain may be minimal or absent, and the pulpitis may not be noticed. As the inflammation progresses, the blood vessels in the pulp cannot maintain their normal function and begin to die along with the nerve degeneration, leading to loss of vitality of the tooth. In many cases, this is combined with bacterial infection, which is initially present in the pulp area, but can easily spread through the canals in the tooth roots. At this stage, the pain may disappear completely, but the disease actually progresses further.

This can be a slow process and may not be noticeable for some time. It can manifest as a different degree of discomfort when pressure is applied to the tooth, during normal function, or when you clench your teeth together. The tooth may also become slightly darker. In the case of a more serious infection, it can present as localized swelling around the tooth, a small blister visible in the gum, or a noticeable swelling of the face due to a collection of pus. This is called an abscess. If the process is not treated accordingly, it can progress further into the jawbone, leading to changes in the bone structure and ultimately the formation of a cyst as your body reacts to the source of the infection. The more advanced the disease, the lower the chances of successful treatment of the tooth.

We will ask you about your symptoms, carefully gathering even some information that may seem irrelevant to you. We will also ask you about your general health, any current medications you are taking, and any previous dental treatments you may have had. We will then carefully examine your mouth. In most cases, radiographs (x-rays) will be taken to aid in the diagnostic process. You can discuss the procedure, possible outcomes, and alternatives to root canal treatment with us in detail. This will help to truly understand what the limitations of the proposed treatment are. It is very important that you consent to treatment with a full understanding of what is involved.

How did it happen?

The aim of root canal treatment is to eliminate the source of pain and/or infection. It is usually performed under local anesthesia. It can take one or more visits and depends on factors such as the structure of the root canals and the presence of infection. Once the local anesthetic (when applied) has taken effect, we create access through the tooth structure, allowing us to remove the diseased tissue. The canals will be mechanically shaped to provide good access. Due to the complexity of the canal system in the roots, mechanical access is difficult and is not always possible in all teeth or canals. In our clinic, laser light is used to actively help remove all deposits in the canal system of your tooth. At the same time, the laser disinfects the bacterial structure there, which helps to eliminate the area of infection in the area during the treatment, increasing the success of the treatment. If necessary at any stage, we apply the necessary medications inside the tooth and wait for a while. The treatment will be continued at the next visit, which is usually within a few days. The final stage of root canal treatment is to restore the tooth by filling and sealing the root canal system. Access to the pulp and loss of vitality usually leaves the tooth structurally weaker, so restorations are used to protect it. We will discuss restorative options with you in detail so we can choose the best way to restore the tooth to working order.

What awaits me after treatment?

The treatment does not significantly affect your normal routine. The main discomfort will be from the numbing effect of the local anaesthetic, which lasts for a few hours. There may be some tenderness and varying degrees of discomfort in the first few days after the treatment, and painkillers may be required. If you need pain relief, you can take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. If you take these types of medicines, please always refer to the information leaflet and speak to your pharmacist and us if you have any concerns.

How quickly does it heal?

If there is an infection involving the jawbone, the healing process is slow. Typically, radiographic examination is required after 9-12 months. Healing is assessed by comparing it with the original condition. Further monitoring may be required in the following years. In rare cases, healing may not be satisfactory. In these cases, we will consider alternative approaches and discuss them with you so that we can resolve the situation in the most appropriate way. Please remember that regular check-ups and maintenance are important for the long-term success of any dental treatment.