Endodontics (Nerve treatment)
Specialized treatment to preserve your damaged or infected teeth
Do you feel intense pain when chewing or drinking hot beverages? Are you awakened by throbbing dental pain during the night? These symptoms may indicate that you need a endodontics or dental nerve treatment, a specialized procedure that can save your tooth and prevent its extraction.
At Sonrisa Para Todos, our endodontic specialists use advanced techniques and state-of-the-art technology to provide accurate, comfortable and successful treatments, giving your teeth a second chance.
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What is endodontics and when is it necessary?
Endodontics, commonly known as dental nerve treatment, is a specialized procedure that involves the removal of infected or damaged pulp tissue from inside the tooth, followed by cleaning, disinfection and sealing of the root canals.
This treatment allows preserving the natural tooth, maintaining its functionality and avoiding the need for extractions, when faced with problems such as:
Indications for endodontics:
- Deep caries that have reached the dental pulp
- Dental infections or root abscesses
- Dental trauma that affects the nerve
- Dental fractures exposing the pulp
- Irreversible pulpitis (severe inflammation of the nerve)
- Prosthetic pretreatment when a pin is required
- Root resorption in certain situations
- Severe dental hypersensitivity that does not respond to other treatments.
Warning signs: When to consult for a possible root canal?
Recognizing the symptoms early can make the difference between saving your tooth or losing it. Pay attention to these signs:
Symptoms you should not ignore:
- Severe dental painespecially when chewing or applying pressure
- Prolonged sensitivity at hot or cold temperatures
- Spontaneous or throbbing painparticularly at night
- Inflammation of the gum around the affected tooth
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
- Presence of fistula (small pimple or lump on the gum)
- Percussion sensitivity (pain when gently tapping the tooth)
- Dental mobility not associated with periodontal problems
If you experience one or more of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek immediate professional attention to prevent the infection from spreading or the damage from becoming irreversible.
The endodontic procedure: Precise and comfortable treatment
Contrary to popular perception, modern endodontics is a virtually painless procedure thanks to advanced anesthetic techniques and specialized technology.
Step-by-step process:
Diagnosis and Planning
- Complete clinical evaluation
- High precision digital radiographs
- Pulp vitality tests
- Specific treatment planning
2. Anesthesia and Preparation
- Application of deep local anesthesia to guarantee total comfort.
- Tooth isolation by means of a rubber dam
- Creating access to the root canal system
3. Cleaning and Conformation
- Removal of infected pulp tissue
- Mechanical cleaning of ducts with specialized instruments
- Chemical disinfection with antimicrobial irrigants
- Precise shaping of ducts for later sealing
4. Filling and Sealing
- Complete drying of the duct system
- Hermetic sealing with biocompatible materials (usually gutta-percha)
- Radiographic verification of complete seal
- Temporary sealing of the access cavity
5. Definitive Restoration
- At a later appointment, permanent restoration of tooth
- Selection of the type of restoration according to the case (resin, inlay, or crown).
- Adjustment of the occlusion for harmonious operation
Single-session endodontics: efficiency and convenience
At Sonrisa Para Todos, the majority of our endodontic treatments are completed in a single session thanks to
- Advanced technology for precise location of ducts
- Rotary instrumentation that streamlines the process
- Optimized irrigation protocols for maximum disinfection
- Magnification systems that improve visibility
- Highly trained personnel in modern techniques
However, in complex cases such as severe infections, complicated root anatomy or teeth with multiple canals, we may recommend a multi-appointment approach to ensure treatment success.
The Crucial Importance of Post-Endodontic Restoration
Completing endodontic treatment is only half of the way. The definitive restoration of the tooth is absolutely essential to:
Benefits of Timely Restoration:
- Sealing the tooth against bacterial filtration
- Preventing fractures in a tooth that has become more fragile
- Restore full masticatory function
- Preserving natural dental esthetics
- Protecting the investment made in endodontic treatment
Restoration Options According to the Case:
- Direct resin restorations for minor damages
- Inlays for moderate to large cavities
- Full crowns for posterior or severely compromised teeth
- Bolts or posts when much of the crown structure has been lost.
Delaying or ignoring the definitive restoration is one of the main factors of failure in endodontic teeth, which can lead to reinfection or tooth fracture.
Myths vs. Reality: What you should know about Endodontics
Myth 1: "Endodontics is extremely painful".
Reality: With modern anesthesia, the procedure is virtually painless. Most patients report that it is similar to receiving a regular filling.
Myth 2: "Better to extract the tooth than to perform a root canal".
Reality: Preserving your natural tooth is always the best option when possible. No artificial substitute, no matter how advanced, completely matches a natural tooth.
Myth 3: "Endodontically treated teeth become completely fragile".
Reality: Although they lose some of their hydration, with proper restoration they can last a lifetime with full functionality.
Myth 4: "If I don't have pain, I don't need treatment even if the dentist recommends it."
Reality: Some advanced infections can destroy the nerve completely, eliminating pain but continuing the damage silently.
Advanced technology in our endodontic treatments
At Sonrisa Para Todos we use state-of-the-art technology that significantly improves the precision and success of our treatments:
- Digital radiography with minimal radiation
- Electronic pagers apex to determine the exact working length
- Instrumentation systems nickel-titanium rotating
- Activated irrigation systems for better disinfection
- Thermoplasticized sealing techniques for three-dimensional sealing
This technology not only improves results, but also makes the procedure faster and more comfortable for our patients.
What happens if the Endodontics is not viable?
In cases where the tooth is too compromised and cannot be saved by endodontics, there are excellent alternatives:
- Dental implants - The solution most similar to a natural tooth
- Fixed bridges - When healthy adjacent teeth are present
- Removable prostheses - As a temporary or economical alternative
However, these options are always considered as plan B, as our primary goal is to preserve your natural dentition whenever possible.
Financing available
We have financing facilities with the main entities in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about Endodontics
How long does an endodontic treatment last?
Most treatments are completed in a single 60-90 minute session, depending on the complexity of the case. Teeth with multiple canals or severe infections may require 2-3 visits to ensure optimal results.
Will I be able to use my tooth normally after a root canal?
Yes, once properly restored, your tooth will recover its full functionality. You will be able to chew, speak and smile normally, although initially it is recommended to avoid very hard foods.
How long does an endodontically treated tooth last?
With proper restoration and good oral hygiene habits, an endodontically treated tooth can last a lifetime. Studies show success rates greater than 95% at 5 years when treatment is properly completed.
Is endodontic treatment covered by health insurance?
Many dental insurances partially or fully cover endodontic treatments as necessary procedures to preserve oral health. Check with your insurance provider for your specific coverage.
If you experience dental pain or any of the above symptoms, don't wait for the problem to get worse. A timely evaluation can be the difference between saving or losing your tooth.
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