Endodontics
Endodontics focuses on treating problems inside the tooth — specifically the pulp, which is protected by the hard dental tissues.
Endodontic treatment allows a damaged or infected tooth to remain in the mouth with full functionality, even if it is no longer vital.
Once root canal therapy is completed, it is essential to restore the treated tooth with a filling or other specialized prosthetic restoration to ensure long-term strength and function.
The treatment often needs to be combined with other therapies, such as periodontal treatment.
That’s why, at Solomonidis Dental Care, we offer a full range of dental treatments — with the right equipment and highly specialized dentists — so you can receive all the care you need under one roof.
Our goal is for you to leave our dentistry smiling and full of confidence!
Is the procedure painful?
Root canal treatment is not painful.
However, some discomfort may occur between visits, which can be caused by:
- Irritation of the tissues surrounding the tooth, due to the necessary manipulations performed during treatment, or
- A flare-up of a pre-existing infection, which had previously been dormant or in remission.
These symptoms may include mild tooth sensitivity during chewing, a feeling of pressure or heaviness, or, more rarely, swelling and pain in the area.
In such cases, please follow the instructions below:
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water or chamomile.
- If swelling occurs, apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the outside of the area for 5–10 minutes every 1–2 hours.
- Mild discomfort can be managed with painkillers such as ibuprofen (e.g. Algofren) or paracetamol (e.g. Depon).
If the symptoms are more intense, you may take a stronger anti-inflammatory painkiller such as Niflamol, Brufen, Voltaren, Depon, or Ponstan. !! Alcohol is contraindicated when taking these medications.
These symptoms are temporary and short-lived — there’s no need for concern.
Brush your teeth as usual.
You may eat once the anesthesia has worn off.
During treatment and for a short period afterward, avoid chewing on the treated side.
The filling placed on your tooth is temporary. If you notice it becoming loose or dislodged, please contact us immediately to have it replaced.
What is the failure rate of root canal treatment, and what happens in cases where it fails?
Root canal treatment has a high success rate, ranging between 85% and 95%.
In cases where treatment fails, the tooth typically does not respond with pain to thermal stimuli (such as hot, cold, or sweet).
Instead, symptoms may include swelling, a feeling of pressure or heaviness, difficulty chewing, or discomfort when the tooth comes into contact with its opposing counterpart.
Many factors influence the progress of the treatment, such as the initial condition for which the treatment was performed, the integrity of the treatment and the muscle rehabilitation that will follow, as well as the general and oral health of the patient.
The success rate largely depends on the tooth’s morphology.
Very narrow roots with sharp curves or twists can make it difficult to properly clean and fill the root canals.
Additionally, in some cases, the pulp may contain branches known as lateral canals, which cannot always be accessed or cleaned effectively.
If a long period has passed since the root canal treatment and the tooth is still painful, a fracture may be investigated.
This is a common occurrence in treated teeth that have not been restored with a crown.
Additionally, the bite is checked for any premature contact between teeth.
In cases of treatment failure, the available alternatives include repeating the root canal procedure, performing surgical endodontics (usually an apicoectomy), or extracting the tooth.
What are the disadvantages of a root canal–treated tooth?
The main disadvantages are possible discoloration and the risk of fracture, mainly due to the extensive removal of tooth structure.
The degree of discoloration mainly depends on the condition that led to the root canal treatment and how long the problem had existed, as well as the type of materials used during the procedure and restoration.
There are several ways to manage it, the simplest and least invasive being internal tooth bleaching. In more severe cases, a veneer or crown may be necessary.
Does a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment need a follow-up, and when?
All cases require periodic follow-up, which includes both clinical and radiographic evaluation.
The recommended check-up intervals are at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 months.
Although the 24- and 48-month follow-ups typically reveal only minor changes, they are considered essential, as it usually takes 3 to 4 years for the treatment outcome to fully stabilize.
What is the lifespan of teeth after root canal treatment?
Your teeth can remain in your mouth for many years if you take consistent care of them.
Even after root canal treatment, these teeth are still susceptible to decay, so maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting the dentist every six months for cleaning and check-ups is essential.
Is it necessary to restore the treated teeth and when should it be done?
Is restoration of treated teeth necessary, and when should it be done?
Yes, restoration is essential to protect and preserve the tooth after root canal treatment.
It should be carried out as soon as possible after the end of the treatment, especially in back teeth, where chewing forces are stronger. Delaying the restoration increases the risk of fracture or reinfection.
The final restoration depends on the extent of tooth damage and other factors.
It may involve a simple filling, a full porcelain crown, or a composite resin onlay, depending on what is most appropriate for each case.