Dentist Kiel
Endodontic revisions
– Your dentist for microscopic revision treatment
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New opportunities for diseased teeth
A TRUE SALVATION FOR ROOT CANAL TREATED TEETH
Root canal treatment is an important dental procedure that is used to remove inflamed or infected tissue inside a tooth and thus preserve it. However, sometimes a single root canal treatment is not enough and a special revision is required to resolve complications and protect the tooth from further damage.
When root canal treatment is not enough: the importance of endodontic revision
An endodontic revision is a procedure that becomes necessary when a previous root canal treatment fails to achieve its full effect or when complications arise. Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is designed to remove the inflamed or infected tissue located inside a tooth, thoroughly clean the canals and then seal them with a special filling.
Specialization & modern technologies
Our dental practice specializes in root canal treatments. In addition to his regular dental studies, Dr. Christofzik has completed many years of intensive further training in the field of endodontics. This specialization allows us to treat the most complex cases. Thanks to the modern equipment at our practice, we have a wide range of options for successfully treating teeth.
Revision of root canal treatment: when is it necessary?
Causes for revisions
In some cases, challenges may arise that result in the original root canal treatment not achieving the desired success. There are many reasons why a revision may be necessary. Among others:
Incomplete removal of infected tissue remnants: If all inflamed or infected tissue remnants are not removed during the first treatment, the infection may spread again and cause discomfort.
Inadequate cleaning of the canals: The root canals in a tooth can be very complex, especially if they are curved or narrowed. If these canals are not adequately cleaned, they can become re-infected with bacteria.
Complexities during the initial treatment: Sometimes unforeseen difficulties can arise during root canal treatment, making it difficult to complete the treatment successfully.
It is important to emphasize that endodontic revision is a challenging task and should be performed by an experienced endodontist. Modern technologies and improved techniques in endodontics have significantly improved the chances of success of such revisions, so that affected teeth can often be saved and the patient can keep their natural teeth.
Our treatments
The process of revision treatment can vary depending on the individual case, but generally follows similar steps:
The endodontist or dentist will first examine the affected tooth thoroughly and take x-rays to assess the current condition of the tooth and root canals. The diagnosis will help to understand the extent of the problems and the reasons for the failure of the original treatment.
In the next step, all existing fillings and seals that were inserted during the previous root canal treatment are carefully removed. This allows access to the root canals in order to clean them thoroughly.
01
Cleaning the root canals
The root canals are now thoroughly cleaned to remove any inflamed or infected tissue residue. Special instruments and rinses are used to effectively clean the canals and eliminate bacteria.
02
Search for further root canals
We use our microscope to search for canals, as it can sometimes happen that some canals were overlooked during the original treatment. During the revision treatment, the dentist will carefully search for additional canals and treat these as well.
03
Filling the root canal
After thorough cleaning, the root canals are sealed with a suitable filling material, usually gutta-percha. This serves to seal the canals and prevent re-infection.
04
Treatment of the tooth
The tooth is then fitted with a temporary or permanent restoration to restore its stability and functionality.
Glossary Revision treatment
In endodontics, a microscope is often used by endodontists as it plays a crucial role in the treatment of teeth. It is a high-quality optical instrument that is capable of significantly magnifying tiny details inside the tooth. The microscopes used in dentistry are specifically designed for this purpose and allow endodontists to view the root canals and pulp with exceptional precision.
The pulp, also known as the dental pulp, is the soft, sensitive tissue inside the tooth. It is located in the cavity surrounded by the hard tooth substance (dentin and enamel). The pulp consists of connective tissue, nerve fibers, blood vessels and immune cells.
The main function of the pulp is to nourish the tooth during its development by transporting nutrients and oxygen to the cells inside the tooth. Once the tooth is fully developed, the pulp continues to serve as a sensory organ that responds to external stimuli such as temperature, pressure and pain sensations.
If the pulp is damaged by deep caries, trauma or other factors, inflammation or infection can occur. This usually manifests itself as severe toothache, swelling of the gums or discoloration of the tooth. In such cases, endodontic treatment (root canal treatment) is necessary to remove the infected or inflamed tissue and preserve the tooth.
If endodontic treatment is not performed in time or does not achieve the desired result, irreversible damage to the pulp may occur and the tooth may ultimately be lost. Treatment of the pulp is therefore an important aspect of dental care to maintain the health and function of the teeth and prevent pain or complications.
Possibilities in micro-endodontics
Micro-endodontics offers us a wide range of options that allow us to preserve almost all teeth and achieve predictable results. Detailed planning plays a central role here, supported by state-of-the-art three-dimensional X-ray images (DVT).
Our approach is minimally invasive, and we strive to provide our patients with pain-free treatment in almost all cases. With our understanding, knowledge and modern technology, we can treat what we see, and see because we know exactly what to look for!
Frequently asked questions about revision treatment
What is an endodontic revision?
An endodontic revision is necessary if a previous root canal treatment does not achieve the desired result or complications occur. In such cases, the dentist will review the previous treatment, remove old fillings if necessary and thoroughly clean and seal the root canals again.
Are there alternatives to revision?
If the pulp is irreversibly damaged or the tooth is too weakened, tooth removal (extraction) and replacement with a dental implant or bridge may be an alternative. However, endodontic treatment is often the preferred option as it preserves the natural tooth and provides an effective long-term solution.
Is a revision painful?
Endodontic revisions, similar to regular endodontic treatment, can be performed under local anesthesia to avoid pain during the procedure. This means that the patient does not feel any pain during the revision as the treated region is anesthetized.
What is the prognosis of a treated tooth?
The prognosis of an endodontic revision depends on various factors and can vary from person to person. As a rule, however, the chances of success of a revision are positive, with over 70% of revisions being successful, especially when performed by an experienced endodontist.
The chances of success of an endodontic revision depend on various factors, including
- Original condition of the tooth: The condition of the tooth before the revision can influence the prognosis. If the tooth was already severely weakened or badly damaged, this can influence the treatment results.
- Extent of the infection: The size and spread of the original infection can also influence the chances of success. If the infection was already well advanced, it may be more difficult to completely remove all infected tissue remnants.
- Technical skills of the endodontist: The experience and skills of the endodontist performing the revision play a crucial role in the success of the treatment.
- Cooperation of the patient: The patient’s compliance with postoperative instructions and careful care of the treated tooth are important to support healing and the success of the revision.
Make an appointment for root canal treatment
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