Tratamientos
Published on
Root canal treatment: what it is and when it's needed to save a tooth
Root canal treatment makes it possible to keep teeth that used to be extracted. What a root canal is, when it's indicated, and what discomfort is normal.
Faced with deep decay, trauma or an infection affecting the dental pulp, the primary goal of modern dentistry is, and must always be, to preserve the original tooth. Root canal treatment, technically known as endodontics, is the specialised procedure that allows us to clean the tooth's internal system to avoid extraction. At ClĂnicas RincĂłn Dental, with a track record built since 1972, we are experts at saving smiles that others would consider lost, applying an unwavering ethical commitment to our patients' health.
URGENT CONSULTATION FOR TOOTH PAIN
What is a root canal and why is it preferable to extraction?
A root canal involves removing the pulp tissue (the ânerveâ) inside the tooth when it has become irreversibly inflamed or infected. Once cleaned and disinfected, the canal is sealed with state-of-the-art biocompatible materials. Although implants are an excellent option today, advanced dental science holds that nothing works better than the patient's own natural tooth in terms of proprioception and distributing chewing forces.
Keeping your own tooth is almost always the best option for the longevity of your teeth. Since 1972, we have evolved alongside the most advanced techniques from leading countries so that a thorough, swift diagnosis is the first step toward a full recovery, avoiding the trauma of losing a tooth and the subsequent shifting of the remaining teeth.
Cutting-edge technology applied to Root Canal Treatment
Ensuring the long-term success of a root canal takes more than manual skill; having the safest, most effective technical capabilities is essential. At ClĂnicas RincĂłn Dental we have:
- Rotary Instrumentation Systems: We use highly flexible nickel-titanium files that adapt to the curvature of the roots, allowing for much deeper, faster cleaning than conventional manual methods.
- Electronic Apex Locators: These devices tell us with millimetre precision exactly where the root ends, ensuring the seal reaches all the way to the end of the canal to prevent future reinfection.
- High-Definition Digital Radiology: We obtain instant images with minimal radiation exposure, letting us monitor the process in real time and ensure no bacteria remain.
- Thermoplastic Obturation Systems: We seal the canals with heated gutta-percha that flows into every irregularity of the tooth, creating an impenetrable barrier against microorganisms.
The importance of a multidisciplinary, human team
We know the word âroot canalâ tends to cause some anxiety or fear of pain. However, at ClĂnicas RincĂłn Dental, our team is well aware of that fear and explains each step before starting. Thanks to the use of state-of-the-art local anaesthesia and an environment of professional trust, the procedure is now completely painless and, in most cases, completed in a single session.
Our commitment to excellence requires us to provide comprehensive care. That means we don't just âkill the nerveâ â we assess why the infection occurred (decay, bruxism, fractures) to prevent it happening in other teeth. This holistic approach is what has defined us as a family business offering comprehensive services tailored to each patient for more than five decades.
Emergency care and thorough diagnosis
At ClĂnicas RincĂłn Dental we understand the healthcare reality of our province and know that toothache can't wait. We offer quick access to our specialists to relieve pain immediately. An honest, thorough diagnosis is our ethical priority: if the tooth can be saved, we will do everything technically possible to achieve it.
If you notice persistent sensitivity, gum inflammation, or have a tooth with an old cavity that has started to bother you, don't wait for the infection to progress. Prevention and early intervention are the best tools for preserving your overall oral health.
Can your tooth be saved? Come to ClĂnicas RincĂłn Dental and let our more than 50 years of experience take care of your smile. Because nothing is as valuable as your own natural teeth.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal to feel discomfort after a root canal?
It's completely normal to experience slight sensitivity when chewing for the first two or three days after treatment, due to inflammation of the tissues surrounding the root. At ClĂnicas RincĂłn Dental we'll give you a simple medication regimen so this process is barely noticeable and you can get back to your routine quickly and easily.
Why is a crown sometimes needed afterwards?
A tooth that has had root canal treatment loses its blood supply and becomes more brittle and dehydrated. If the original damage from decay was extensive, the remaining structure may fracture under the force of chewing. That's why, after a root canal, we usually recommend protecting the tooth with a porcelain crown or an inlay to restore the strength it needs.
Can a root canal fail?
No medical procedure has a 100% success rate, but with our safest diagnostic techniques and our constant commitment to staying scientifically up to date, our success rate is very high. If a tooth becomes infected again years later, we perform âretreatmentsâ or apical microsurgery to try to save the tooth once more before considering extraction.