Root canal filling
Root canal at Tannlege in Oslo
If a cavity has been left untreated for a long time, it can develop further and damage more of the tooth. It can also work its way inwards against the tooth's nerve and damage it. This provides a breeding ground for bacteria so that it can spread from the oral cavity into the jawbone and create an inflammation here. When inflammation has reached all the way down to the root, the tooth must be treated with a root canal.
Four stages of root canal
Step 1: Diagnosis of the infected mass.
The soft inside of your tooth is filled with a substance called pulp. When a root canal is needed, it is usually because this part of the tooth has become infected. The dentist will then invite you to an appointment.
Step 2: Get rid of the infected mass.
To get rid of the infected pulp inside the tooth, the dentist drills a small opening in the top of the tooth. Using surgical tools, the dentist cleans out the root canals, removes any infection, and possibly applies medication to ensure no infection remains to cause problems.
The channels are now cleaned and free of infection.
Step 3: A new root canal is placed.
The dentist will fill the chamber that was for the infected pulp with a new root canal. An adhesive is used to seal the area and protect the new root canal from bacteria or saliva.
Sometimes, during phase two of a root canal treatment, the dentist needs to widen the root canal to clean out the infection. If this is the case, the tooth must be restored with a bar or other reinforcement method.
A temporary filling is placed over the opening at the top of the tooth.
Step 4: The tooth is restored.
After a few weeks, the patient must return to the dentist to remove the temporary filling. The dentist will place a crown over the treated tooth, making the tooth as strong as it was before the infection.
The sealant that the dentist uses to restore the tooth will also work to protect the tooth from further infection.
Panoramic X-ray
A panoramic X-ray , also known as panoramic radiography, is a two-dimensional image of your entire mouth. It captures the upper jaw, lower jaw, teeth, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding structures. It gives a broad overview of your dental health and is useful for evaluating conditions such as impacted teeth, jaw bone abnormalities, cysts, tumors and general dental and bone health.
How long does it take?
The time varies from patient to patient, and often the treatment takes between 60-90 minutes. During the treatment, you can relax with relaxing background music and disconnect from everyday stress.
Does it hurt?
The treatment is completely painful, the only pain you will feel is when you are anaesthetised. This only lasts for 5 seconds after this so you won't feel a thing. The dentist always looks after you along the way and asks if you are all right.
Why do root canals take 2 visits?
The first visit
At their first dental visit, patients will undergo a thorough oral examination . They will also get x-rays , which show the dentist the exact condition of the tooth to be treated. The patient will then receive anesthesia so that they will not feel anything during the actual root canal process. The dentist will then make a small opening in the tooth so that they can remove any nerve tissue that is infected. They will then thoroughly clean the pulp chamber so that they can add a temporary dental material to the inside of the tooth.
The second visit
The temporary material placed inside the treated tooth will be removed by the dentist during the second visit. The focus is now on placing a restoration on the tooth to protect it so that it can once again function normally. While the most common type of restoration is a dental crown , dental inlays and inlays are also an option. The overall goal is to ensure that the tooth can function as before and does not become infected again.
What is the average age for a root canal?
Getting a root canal is not directly determined by age – anyone can get a root canal at any age, depending on the severity of the tooth infection. If left untreated, the infection can progress to irreversible pulpitis and eventually the total damage of the tooth. It is most likely to require root canal treatment between the ages of 12 and 65. This is mainly due to a combination of reasons, including diet, poor oral hygiene and aging or worn teeth. The most common ages for root canals are:
Early – late 20s
From the age of 20 to 29, there is often an increase in the need for endodontic treatment. This is mostly attributed to economically disadvantaged individuals, or if younger, individuals who neglect their oral health due to less parental intervention.
Middle Ages - mid 60s
Most people who register for root canal treatments are between 35 and 44 years old. Any age or person who consumes a lot of sugar and carbohydrates is prone to tooth decay and dental problems. We also see an increased percentage of older individuals who often receive root canal treatment as dental problems have developed. Dental care becomes more difficult to keep up with as a person ages.
A root canal becomes necessary for dental care when they reach forty. They have undergone dental procedures, which makes chewing more difficult. According to many endodontists, those between the ages of 24 and 44 make up the majority of those seeking a root canal consultation. Thus, patients between 24 and 44 are classified as Tier 1 patients who need a root canal, and this is the average number of root canals by age.
Dental Health Tips:
- Brush your teeth properly: Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Use a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen tooth enamel.
- Clean between the teeth: Use dental floss or interdental brushes daily to remove plaque and food debris that the brush cannot reach.
- Visit the dentist regularly: Go to the dentist at least twice a year for routine check-ups and professional teeth cleaning.
- Eat a healthy diet: Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks that can lead to tooth decay. Eat more fruits, vegetables and calcium-rich foods to maintain strong teeth.
- Avoid tobacco products: Smoking and sniffing can cause dental problems and gum disease. Try to stop or reduce the use of these products for better dental health.
- Protect your teeth during activities: Use a mouth guard during sports activities or when you perform activities with a risk of tooth damage.
- Care for dentures: If you have dentures, be sure to clean them regularly and store them safely to avoid damage and infection.
Follow these tips to maintain healthy oral health and a brilliant smile!
Root canal treatment
(✔) Cleaning of root canals
(✔) Filling to prevent infection
(✔) Restores dental health
