Endodontics is a dental specialty that provide treatment for the tooth root system and its diseases. One of the most common endodontic procedures is root canal therapy, a procedure that relieves pain associated with bacterial infection or trauma deep in the tooth tissue. Root canal treatment not only relieves pain, but also stops infection, prolonging the life of the tooth. Endodontics can save a tooth that might otherwise be lost.Tooth inside, in the central part and roots, there are nerves and blood vessels – the pulp of the tooth. When there are problems such as infection and inflammation in the nerve-vascular system of the tooth or in the soft tissues around the root, the first sign may (but not always!) be tooth sensitivity or even intense pain. Over time, as the nerves die, the pain may disappear, but as the inflammatory process continues and expands, the tooth may be lost.
ROOT CANAL CLEANING
One of the possible sources of infection is inflammation caused by untreated tooth decay (caries), which allows bacteria from the surface of the tooth to penetrate deep into the tooth. A crack or fracture in a tooth could be another way for microorganisms to infect the soft tissues in the tooth.
During root canal cleaning, infected tissue is removed using manual or more modern rotary instruments. Modern root canal treatment methods using rotating and reciprocating instrument systems are today’s gold standard and provide the best treatment results. Although the use of rotating instruments makes the provision of the service more expensive, in dentistry Smaida Darbnīca this procedure is offered at a standard price without additional markup. Root canal cleaning is performed under local anesthesia and does not cause more discomfort than filling.
FILLING ROOT CANALS
After removing the inflamed and dead tissue and disinfecting the root canal system, the root canals are filled with an inert material, gutta-percha. Root canal filling methods have changed significantly in recent decades in search of the ideal solution for long-term tooth preservation. Although many dental practices still offer the traditional root filling method with gutta-percha cones (lateral technique), which has not changed for at least 20 years, the gold standard in modern endodontics is the heated gutta-percha technique (vertical technique). This method has been improved several times from heated gutta-percha cones to 3-D gutta-percha injection with special equipment that provides the most precise control of the properties of the filling material.
When saving a tooth endodontically, every step of the treatment is extremely important. Although the long-term prognosis of the tooth depends on many factors, including the individual organism’s reaction and microbial virulence, the application of modern endodontic methods prolongs the survival of the tooth after endodontic treatment. After the endodontic procedure, it may be necessary to carry out restorative work, such as restoration of the tooth crown, in order for the tooth to fully recover its functionality and aesthetic appearance. With proper care, a treated and restored tooth should continue to last for many years.
WHY CHOOSE DENTISTRY SMILE FACTORY?
At Smaida Darbnīca dentistry, we use only the latest technologies for all stages of endodontic treatment. Root canal cleaning is done using rotary and reciprocating instruments at no extra charge from the patient at a friendly, currently reduced introductory price. The root canal cleaning and disinfection protocol is based on the latest scientific research and is regularly reviewed and updated. On the other hand, the newest and most advanced methods, the 3-dimensional obturation system (Dentsply Sirona), are used to fill root canals.
dr. Sarmīte Stafecka has learned endodontics in depth by completing a 1-year practical course, obtaining the title of a dentist of the highest level (Tier-2 qualification in Endodontics). This qualification confirms a higher level of skills in endodontics and allows for more complex treatment compared to a simple dentist’s basic qualification. Sarmīte has been working with optical magnification devices for more than ten years, finding the necessary magnification for various procedures, including endodontics.