FILLINGS AND ROOT CANALS
Fillings and root canals in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife
FILLINGS AND ROOT CANALS
A dental filling (dental filling) is a treatment aimed at eliminating caries and restoring the tooth when the damage has not yet spread too far. A dental filling is also performed in case of trauma or impact that does not affect the nerve.
When fillings are performed, all decay germs and decayed tissues are removed. This process rehabilitates the dental anatomy.
Endodontics or root canal treatment allows the tooth to be preserved when the damage has reached the dental pulp and a filling is not enough.
Procedure for making a filling
1. Applying local anaesthesia is the first step.
Once the anaesthesia is applied, the area where it has been placed will be completely numb and the patient will not feel any pain during the treatment.
2. Removal of the decayed tissue.
The decay is removed with specialised tools. The tooth is then cleaned without leaving any traces of the disease and the resulting cavity is prepared.
3. Placement of the filling
– The enamel part is prepared with a blue acid gel.
– The adhesive is placed between the tooth and the composite filling.
– Layer the composite filling, compacting it very well so that no bacteria can enter and it remains solid. All layers have to be hardened by applying light for about 20 seconds.
– Finally, the bite is adjusted until the patient feels that he/she bites the same as before.
4. Polishing.
Now that the material of the piece is hardened, the filling is polished to make it smooth, carrying out bite tests. The result will be perfect both aesthetically and functionally.
Endodontics or root canal treatment
Endodontics are performed on teeth with deep cavities that cause inflammation or necrosis (death) of the dental pulp.
Endodontics is the total removal of the diseased dental pulp and the subsequent filling of this space with a filling material that will seal the cavity to create an impenetrable cavity.
There are many causes that can lead to pulpitis (disease of the tooth pulp). They can be classified into three main groups:
Bacterial (due to over-infection, especially associated with advanced dental caries).
Physical. (due to trauma).
Inflammatory and chemical (more severe fractures).
Endodontic procedure
- Diagnosis: through a series of questions, examination and x-rays. If there is an infection, the endodontist may prescribe antibiotics or anti-inflammatories before moving on to the next step.
- Anaesthesia: the anaesthesia used in this type of intervention is local, affecting only the tooth to be treated and the surrounding area.
- Opening and isolation of the tooth: the tooth is isolated and a hole is made in the dental crown to access the pulp and extract it.
- Conductometry and instrumentation: all the canals are now cleaned using specific instruments.
Filling: this is the phase of sealing the tooth. - Control: an X-ray is used to check that the process has been carried out correctly. It will be followed up during the following weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Fillings are performed under local anaesthesia, so they do not hurt. But if we do not treat the damaged tooth, the caries will continue to advance, it will reach the nerve and then it will hurt.
The sooner we see a specialist, the less pain and the simpler and less expensive the treatment will be.
A dental filling is a simple treatment that takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes to complete.
The time depends on the size of the damaged area and the difficulty of access, it is easier and quicker to do if it is on the chewing surface than if the decay is in the interdental area.
Filling can be carried out when the caries has affected the superficial part of the tooth. If the damage reaches the dental pulp, endodontics will be necessary.
Make an appointment at Artedental if you need a root canal in Puerto de la Cruz.
No, having a root canal does not hurt. As in the case of dental fillings, root canal treatment is performed under local anaesthesia and is therefore painless.
And if the patient has a phobia of the dentist, there are solutions such as conscious sedation that will make the treatment even more comfortable and relaxed.
What does hurt, in most cases, is the problem that makes root canal treatment necessary. It is normal for the patient to come to the consultation with a lot, a lot of pain. A severe toothache is a very bad experience that we do not wish on anyone.
In our clinic Artedental, in Puerto de la Cruz, Dr. Ruth Pérez Alfayate is the specialist in endodontics. Her mission is to “save your teeth”.
