An endodontic or root canal treatment is commonly known as “killing the nerve”. Actually the nerve is not actually killed as such, but rather it is progressively dissolved.
The objective of the procedure is to eliminate any bacteria that may have penetrated and empty the tooth of pulp tissue (nerve debris). Once cleaned, it is hermetically sealed to prevent further contamination.
For these reasons, it is common that more than one session is required to achieve satisfactory results. Next, it is essential to carry out a complete restoration of the tooth to prevent the filtration of bacteria.
When a tooth has undergone an endodontic treatment it does not mean that it will be very fragile, but it will lose some of its sensitivity. As the nerve is felt less, it produces a sensation of lack of strength when chewing.
Endodontics or implant?
Currently, both experts in implants and those in endodontics do not agree on which of the treatments can be more effective. Usually, there is great indifference about the teeth themselves, often choosing implants, when the teeth themselves could continue to perform their functions through a root canal. The reality is that it depends on each patient.
If we take into account the statistics, both treatments provide similar results of success. That said, it should be considered that it is always preferable to keep one of our own teeth instead of a foreign body (the implant).
The Spanish Association of Endodontics indicates only 3 situations in which endodontics should not be performed:
- If the tooth has a loss of support.
- In cases of global breakage of the tooth, with vertical fracture.
- When the roots cannot support the tooth, due to a disproportion in size.
In addition, it should be noted that in cases where the tooth has large caries or is badly destroyed, it will not be recommended due to the high risk of vertical fracture.
For more information about endodontics, consult a dental specialist.