Root Canal Treatment (Treat Decayed Tooth and Eliminate Infection)

· Those in Bogota for at least 2 or 3 weeks.
· Those with extremely sensitive teeth.
· Those with small bumps on their gums.
· Those who wish to treat their swollen or inflamed gums.
· Those who wish to prevent further decaying of teeth.

Root Canal Treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure used to treat the inside of a decayed or infected tooth to prevent further decay.

Often, root canal treatment is needed when the pulp is damaged or when the nerve of the tooth is infected. The infection or inflammation can be caused by many factors, such as tooth injury, deep decay, a crack or chip in the tooth and a few others.

If damaged teeth remain untreated, the infection in the root canal can lead to swelling that can extend to other parts of the face, neck or head or the bone surrounding the root tip can be lost.

During this procedure, the nerve and the pulp are removed, and the interior of the tooth is cleaned, filled, and sealed. After sealing, a crown will be placed on the tooth to restore its original appearance and function, and also to protect the tooth from future damage.

1. X-Ray is taken to study the shape of your root canals and check any signs of infection.
2. Anesthesia is administered to numb the area near the tooth.
3. A rubber dam is positioned around the tooth to keep it dry and saliva free.
4. An access hole is drilled into the teeth.
5. The pulp, bacteria, dead nerve tissue, and other debris are removed from the tooth.
6. The tooth is regularly flushed using water of sodium hypochlorite.
7. Your tooth is sealed (this can be done instantly or often preferred a week after as infection needs to be medicated first).
8. A temporary filling is placed if your tooth is not sealed on the same day.
9. A crown or other restoration is placed on the tooth as protection.

A post and core is a dental restoration method done when there is inadequate tooth structure to support a traditional restoration. In the procedure, usually a metal rod will be inserted into the root canal of the tooth, which will support a filling to be placed. This is often done after a tooth has had a root canal and is in need of a crown.

A core build up is used to treat a lost portion of the tooth, and in some cases, when there isn't enough tooth left to place a crown. This procedure involves building the affected tooth with resin materials. Once it's built up, a crown can be placed to preserve and protect the tooth.

<Advantages>
· Eliminates infection of the tooth
· Removes the infected pulp and nerve
· Relieves pain
· Cleans and fills the infected tooth area
· Prevents future infection or inflammation
· Short downtime

<Limitations>
· Tooth may be brittle and prone to fractures

· Refrain from eating hard foods
· Brush your teeth in gentle circling motions without aggravating them
· Floss once a day to help prevent future infections
· Reduce the consumption of sugary foods and drinks
· Schedule regular cleanings to help keep your teeth healthy

Q1: What is the difference between root canal and extraction?
A1: Root canal is often the preferred choice as it works on fixing your natural tooth so that it is able to continue remaining in place. However, if a tooth is far too compromised, then you might be recommended to get an extraction, followed by a dental implant to replace what was lost.

Q2:Is this treatment painful?
A2: Generally, no. The pain you usually feel is caused by the infection or injury in the tooth, not the treatment itself. Instead, root canal treatment is usually performed to eliminate pain.

Q3: What happens if I do not treat my pulp/tooth root?
A3: If left untreated, pulp inflammation or infection can cause severe pain or give rise to an abscess. Damaged nerve or pulp tissue becomes food to bacteria, which begin to multiply within the pulp chamber. This condition can lead to an abscessed tooth. An abscess is a pus-filled sac that develops at the end of the tooth’s root.

[Clinic Name] Clinica Dentica
[Location] Bogota, Colombia
[Nearest Station/ Nearest Tourist Destination] 2 mins walk to bus stop (Auto Norte - CL 82); Walking distance to restaurants and supermarkets
[Clinic Opening Time] Monday - Friday (8:00AM - 5:00PM); Saturday (8:00AM - 12:00PM)