Root canal treatment Munich – tooth preservation through endodontics

Root canal treatment is often the only way to save a tooth if it has been damaged by tooth decay or injuries down to the pulp. In our dental practice in Munich, we offer you professional treatment in the field of endodontics (treatment of the inside of the tooth) to preserve your tooth and treat painful inflammation.

What is root canal treatment?

The pulp is located inside each tooth and consists of connective tissue, nerves and blood vessels. This structure provides nutrients to the tooth and is responsible for its sensitivity.

When bacteria penetrate the pulp through deep caries or injuries, painful inflammation can occur. Without timely treatment, the infection continues to spread, reaches the root tip and can damage the jawbone . This not only leads to severe toothache, but also to long-term damage that can potentially destroy the tooth irretrievably.

Root canal treatment is therefore necessary to remove the inflammation, save the tooth and relieve pain before serious complications arise.

Why root canal treatment is necessary

Root canal treatment is performed when the pulp is inflamed or infected. Common causes include:

• Deep caries that reaches the pulp
• Tooth injuries or fractures
• Recurrent dental infections

In all these cases, root canal treatment is often the only way to preserve the tooth and avoid further complications.

Symptoms of a pulp infection

A damaged pulp can manifest itself through the following symptoms:

• Severe toothache in cold or heat
• Sensitivity when chewing or touching the tooth
• Discoloration of the tooth

In the case of such symptoms, early root canal treatment may be necessary to save the tooth and prevent further complications.

The procedure of root canal treatment

Treatment is carried out in several well-planned sessions to preserve the tooth and fight the infection. The root canal treatment process in our practice in Munich is as follows:

First session – diagnosis and cleaning: At the beginning, a detailed examination is carried out, usually supported by X-rays, to assess the extent of the inflammation. After local anesthesia, the tooth is opened, i.e. the root canal entrances are visualized. The infected pulp is removed with the help of special instruments and chemical ultrasonic cleaning, so that the root canal is thoroughly cleaned.

Determination of the channel size: To determine the exact length of each root canal, we use an electrometric length measuring device. This allows us to avoid additional X-rays under certain circumstances.

With special nickel-titanium files, every single root canal is cleaned up to the root tip. This is done under constant control by the length measuring device.

Disinfection and medication :At the end of the first root canal treatment, the tooth is closed with a temporary plastic so that no new bacteria can enter.

Second session – further cleaning and filling: In the second session, the tooth is opened again, and the root canal is further cleaned with chemical ultrasound devices and special nickel-titanium files. As soon as the tooth is symptom-free, the root canals are permanently sealed with a special cement (sealer) and latex pins (gutta-percha ). Since this cement has to harden for 24 hours, the tooth is covered again with temporary plastic before this temporary restoration is replaced with a special build-up plastic that remains in the tooth as a stable basis for later preparation (grinding).

Root-treated teeth become brittle over time because they are no longer nourished. The risk of these breaking apart is very high. Therefore, root-treated teeth are crowned in order to cover them and prevent loss of the tooth due to fracture.

Cleaning of the root canal with nickel-titanium files

Root tip resection Munich – A surgical procedure

Root tip resection is the removal of a root tip of the tooth. This surgical procedure can be performed to treat inflammation, infection, or other damage to the root tip if it persists despite conventional (orthograde) root canal treatment or if there are other complications.

In conventional root canal treatment, access to the root canal system at the root tip is gained through the prepared tooth crown. In root tip resection, on the other hand, access to the tooth root is gained from the outside through the jawbone. The root tip is removed from the outside through the jawbone to eliminate the infection. It only makes sense to forego orthograde revision and opt for a purely apical surgical procedure if sufficient access to the endodontic system or an improvement in the condition does not appear possible/likely using the orthograde method.

The decision as to whether root tip resection is necessary is carefully reviewed by our specialized dentists and only makes sense if further treatment via normal root canal access does not promise any improvement.

Procedure of root tip resection

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is usually performed in one session:

1. Access to the root area: First, the gums above the affected tooth are cut open to gain access to the jawbone and tooth root. This is done precisely to avoid unnecessary injury to the surrounding tissue.

2. Removal of the root tip: As soon as access to the root tip is established, it is surgically removed. The tooth is thoroughly cleaned from tip to root tip to remove remaining bacteria and inflamed tissue.

3. Cleaning and disinfection: The area around the root tip is then disinfected to minimize the risk of further infection.

4. Closure of the root canal: After removal of the root tip, the remaining root canal is carefully sealed with a special filling material to ensure that no more bacteria can penetrate the tooth.

5. Wound closure: The gums are then sutured again to close the wound and promote healing.

After a root tip resection , it is important to observe the healing process closely. In the first few days after the procedure, there may be slight swelling and discomfort, which can be treated well with pain-relieving medication. In most cases, the wound heals within one to two weeks. However, it is crucial that you attend regular check-ups in our dental practice to ensure that the inflammation has been successfully eliminated and the tooth remains healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How painful is a root canal treatment?

Modern dental procedures and effective anesthetics ensure that the treatment causes hardly any pain in most cases. Many patients only feel a feeling of pressure. Postoperative pain can occur, but is usually easily treatable with painkillers.

How long does a root canal treated tooth last?

With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, a root canal treated tooth can last for many years, sometimes for a lifetime. However, the tooth is often more susceptible to fractures, which is why a stabilizing crown may be recommended.

How much does root canal treatment cost and does health insurance cover the costs?

The costs vary depending on the degree of severity, the position of the tooth and any additional services that may be necessary (e.g. special filling material, microscope treatment). In Germany, statutory health insurance companies may cover part of the costs, especially if root canal treatment ensures the preservation of the tooth. Privately insured people should check their policy, as the reimbursement can vary depending on the contract.

Are there alternatives to root canal treatment?

In some cases, tooth extraction is an alternative if root canal treatment is no longer successfully feasible or desired. However, the tooth is lost in the process. An implant or bridge can then replace the missing tooth, but this is often more expensive or time-consuming. Of course, we will discuss the best option with you in our practice.

Root canal treatment in Munich – trust our expertise

Root canal treatment is a proven and effective method of saving teeth that have been damaged by infections or injuries right down to the pulp. With precise procedures, we help to ensure your dental health in the long term, relieve pain and maintain the function of your teeth. In the case of persistent inflammation at the root tip, root tip resection may be necessary.

In our dental practice in Munich, we specialize in endodontics and root canal treatments . With the greatest care and state-of-the-art technology, we respond to your individual needs in order to ensure the best possible tooth preservation. Trust our experts who have extensive experience and expertise to successfully handle even complex cases.

Do you have any further questions about root canal treatment or root tip resection? Contact us and let us advise you individually. We take our time to find the best solution for you.