Root canal with microscope
A root canal (endodontic treatment) is performed when the nerve deep within the tooth becomes inflamed or infected. Firstly, we clean the inside of the tooth, removing any infected or damaged tissue and at the same time we may add some antimicrobial solution to disinfect the area. Finally, we will fill the root with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha and then close the cavity with a permanent crown or filling.
Inflammation of the nerve is usually triggered by tooth decay, although sometimes it can also be caused by impact trauma/fractures that cause damage and pain in the mouth.
Every root canal is different and in some cases they are complicated. In recent years there have been huge technological advances in this field of dentistry – for example we now have specially designed microscopes, ultrasound, rotary shaping instruments or thermoplastic sealing. These advances mean that the risk of a failed root canal is greatly reduced.
H144 specializes in root canals, we have all the latest technology and our resident Dr Albiñana is a specialist in the field.
Root canal retreatment with microscope
Root canal retreatment is required when a previous root canal has been unsuccessful or done incorrectly.
To do this, we will perform a 3D X-ray at the H144 clinic this will allow us to analyse your tooth with the required detail that only a 3D X-ray can provide. After the analysis we will use our specialist microscope to remove all the material from the previous root canal. After this the normal root canal procedure will be put in to effect.
Root canals in children
Endodontic treatment in children is a very difficult procedure, mainly because usually the root of the tooth has not finished forming and we must try, as best we can, to keep the nerve alive.
When there is no choice but to carry out a root canal, two types of treatments can be used regeneration or apex formation.
Endodontics with regeneration
Conventional root canal therapy cleans and fills the chamber of the tooth with an inert, rubber-like material. Regenerative endodontics instead seeks to replace live tissue in the chamber of the tooth, essentially allowing the root to develop naturally as it would have before the cavity or trauma.
This is a cutting-edge procedure.
Endodontics with apex reformation
Should the interruption of tooth development (by trauma, cavities etc.) occur when the root of the tooth is very young, but the wall of the tooth is thick enough, we will carry out the procedure (a single-session) of artificial root closure using biocompatible materials.
After suffering a fall, blow or other accident affecting the mouth it is important to go to the dentist as soon as possible, because a simple bruise can very quickly lead to the loss of the tooth.
If the tooth is completely out of the bone, you should follow these steps to help aid the possibility of re-implanting the tooth:
- Take the tooth by the visible part (Crown), avoid touching the root.
- Wash the tooth in cold water, without touching the root, to remove the dirt.
- If possible, try to re-insert the tooth in its original place.
- If re-implantation is not possible, submerge the tooth in a container with milk, saline solution or Hanks’ Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS). If not, you can keep it in the mouth between the cheek and the molars, but never immerse it in water.
Immediately come to H144 and we’ll assess the damage.
A cracked tooth usually occurs at the root, making it difficult to see by the naked eye. The most common cause of a crack is excessive chewing or parafunctional habits, such as clenching/grinding of the teeth.
A quick diagnosis of this type of crack is important to ensure survival of the tooth, the only method to full diagnose is via 3D X-ray which we can provide at H144.
If this type of crack is diagnosed, a tooth extraction should be carried out and replaced by a prosthesis.
Surgical root canal with apicectomy
If a normal endodontic treatment fails or is completed incorrectly a surgical root canal can be performed with apicectomy.
With the help of a special microscope and ultrasound tips, a small surgical procedure is undertaken, where an incision in the gum gives us access to the end of the root. We will clean the root of the tooth, remove all infection, and then seal the small incision.