Endodontics, also known as Dental Devitalization, is the area of Dentistry dedicated to the study and treatment of pathologies of the dental pulp (composed of all the tissues and nerves found in the inner chamber of the tooth) and the tissues that surround the teeth’s roots.
These pathologies existing in the inner part of the tooth can appear due to trauma, fractures or deep cavities, which can be felt when there is an increase in tooth sensitivity, when there are abscesses in the gums, or sometimes when there is some discomfort while chewing, or when the tooth gets darker.
In Endodontics treatments, we begin by removing the entire pulp, also known as tooth nerve and root canals, preserving the tooth, and then, through a hermetic sealing with biocompatible materials, it is possible to return all of its aesthetics and functionality.
While a few years ago, tooth extraction would have been the only option when pathologies inside the tooth became very severe, endodontic treatments represent a huge advance in Dentistry, allowing for a rehabilitation.
If you experience the symptoms mentioned, make an appointment for an evaluation and a specialized Dentist will assess your oral condition in order to understand if dental devitalization is the only solution or if more conservative and less invasive treatments will succeed in returning the patient’s comfort.
How an endodontic treatment is performed
At Prime Dental Clinic, we start all treatments with an evaluation consultation, in which the Dentist makes a complete assessment of the patient’s oral condition, using direct observation, probe observation, dental sensitivity tests and X-ray exams.
Whenever possible, we prefer treatments that are more conservative and less invasive than tooth devitalization. Only when there is an infection in the dental pulp do we resort to this type of treatment, in order to avoid a tooth extraction, when the pains intensify.
In a second appointment, when the Physician with clinical practice in Endodontics confirms that this is the ideal solution for the patient, the treatment begins with the coronary opening to access the pulp tissue inside the tooth, always using local anesthesia .
In anterior teeth, an opening is made at the back and, in molars or premolars, the opening will be made by the crown, in order to allow the removal of all the dental pulp tissue.
Once the pulp or nerve has been removed, the tooth piece is disinfected in order to eliminate all bacteria, preventing the reappearance of possible infections. The root canals are prepared and the filling process begins, using biocompatible materials that are better accepted by our body.
At Prime Dental Clinic we count on Dr. Andreia Morais, a professional with a large clinical practice in Endodontics, and on the most recent dental technology and techniques, to ensure the quality and durability of our treatments!
To finish the treatment, an airtight seal is carried out, again using biocompatible materials, in order to restore its natural aesthetics. After a few hours, when the effects of anesthesia wear off, the tooth will recover all its functionality. It is always necessary to keep in mind the recommendations of the dentist responsible in order to ensure the quality and longevity of our treatments.
In general, each tooth should take between 20 and 40 minutes to be treated, so it may be possible to perform more than one devitalization in each appointment, if necessary.
FAQ
Do endodontic treatments cause pain?
At Prime Dental Clinic, in order to ensure the maximum comfort during treatments, we use local anesthesia whenever there is the possibility of pain or discomfort.
In cases where it is not possible to use a local anesthetic, for example due to the patient’s discomfort near needles, we also have completely painless conscious sedation technologies.
After the treatment has been carried out, any discomfort that may be felt is easily overcome using the prescription drugs that the responsible Dentist will recommend.
Are there alternatives to endodontics treatments?
Endodontics treatments were a great evolution in Dentistry, allowing patients to maintain the aesthetics and functionality of the teeth in cases that previously had to resort to tooth extraction.
Whenever possible, we prefer to use less invasive treatments, however, when there is an infection of the dental pulp, this is the best solution, avoiding adversity and future costs.
When a timely diagnosis and treatment of these conditions is not made, the final solution will be tooth extraction, and later placement of implants and prosthetic parts.
Is it possible for a devitalized tooth to hurt again?
Currently, devitalization is a treatment that has already evolved and is carried out using high-precision materials and techniques, which made the treatment very predictable and long-lasting.
However, it is still common to find patients who received a less complete treatment and, as a result, experienced abscesses, pain or chewing problems again. In these cases, it is necessary to redo the endodontic treatment, this time ensuring that the entire nerve is removed.
At Prime Dental Clinic, using the latest technologies and techniques in Dental Medicine, such as the endodontic microscope, we always seek to guarantee a successful and long-lasting treatment.
Do devitalized teeth have a less natural aesthetic?
There are cases where after an Endodontic treatment the tooth does not look natural.
Its color often undergoes some changes, and its shape can create a cracking sensation that causes a strange feeling.
At Prime Dental Clinic, to ensure that the devitalized tooth perfectly mimics both the aesthetics and functionality of a healthy tooth, we use biocompatible materials, designed to copy the image of the natural tooth and follow all recommended protocols.
If one of your devitalized teeth has undergone a major change in color, we suggest the internal tooth whitening treatment, which will return the desired color to the tooth for a long time.
Is it possible to undergo endodontic treatments while pregnant?
It is already well studied that problems in the Oral Health of pregnant women can bring complications to the health of the unborn child. Thus, it is not only possible to carry out treatments in pregnant women, but it is also recommended whenever necessary.
If the responsible Dentist realizes that a more detailed treatment is needed, he can choose to control the pathology while the pregnancy is going on and carry out the final treatment after delivery.
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