Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is one of the most common dental procedures. Its goal is to preserve the natural tooth when the pulp (the “nerve” of the tooth) has suffered irreversible damage due to decay, fracture, or trauma. At Advanced Endodontics in Korinthos, Dr. Eleni Angistrioti provides specialized root canal treatments using a dental microscope and the latest technology, ensuring precision, comfort, and long-term success.

What Is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment is the process of removing inflamed or necrotic pulp from inside the tooth. The root canals are then cleaned, disinfected, and sealed with biocompatible–bioceramic materials to prevent reinfection and eliminate any discomfort.
‍

With modern methods, root canal treatment is a completely painless and highly safe procedure that saves the natural tooth, avoiding extraction.

‍

When Is Root Canal Therapy Needed?

Endodontic therapy is indicated in cases such as:

• Advanced decay that has reached the pulp.
• Severe tooth pain, especially when chewing or with hot/cold stimuli.
• Abscess or swelling in the gums around the tooth.
• Tooth fracture exposing the pulp.
• Trauma causing pulp necrosis.
• Tooth darkening/discoloration after injury.

Steps of Endodontic Therapy

1. Diagnosis and Planning

With high-resolution x-rays and a microscope, an assessment of the condition of the tooth is made.

2. Anesthesia and Isolation

The tooth is fully sensitized and isolated with a rubber dam to keep it clean and intact.

3. Removing Pulp

Careful drilling and removal of the inflamed tissue from the inside of the tooth is performed.

4. Mechanical & Chemical Cleaning

Root canals are cleaned with microtools and disinfected with special solutions.

5. Root canal occlusion

The pipes are clogged with biocompatible materials (usually gutta-percha and sealant).

6. Final Restoration

The tooth is covered with a seal or crown (case) for long-term protection.

‍

Advantages – Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

• Διατήρηση φυσικού δοντιού (αντί για εξαγωγή).
• Immediate pain relief.
• Prevention of infection spread.
• High success rates (around 95%).
• Natural and aesthetic result.

Comparison with other treatments

• Η επανάληψη της απονεύρωσης είναι η πρώτη επιλογή, αλλά σε πολύπλοκες περιπτώσεις δεν είναι πάντα αποτελεσματική.
• Η εξαγωγή και το εμφύτευμα έχουν υψηλό κόστος και μεγαλύτερη επιβάρυνση για τον ασθενή.
• Η ακρορριζεκτομή διατηρεί το φυσικό δόντι, προσφέροντας άμεση λύση με ελάχιστη επιβάρυνση.

Historical Background and Modern Advances

The first attempts at endodontic therapy date back to the 19th century. However, historical references to pulp treatment exist in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, showing the long history of dental science.

Success Rates

With the use of a microscope, success rates reach 95%. In certain cases, where the infection is extensive or the tooth has complex anatomy, retreatment or apicoectomy may be required.